For more than four decades, Nakuru Alms, a safe haven for the elderly was neglected. Most buildings were dilapidated and had leaning walls.
The grabbing of land belonging to the 73-year-old facility sandwiched between Manyani and Kivumbini Estates put in jeopardy plans by the County Government to expand it.
Where once stood a perimeter wall, a poorly tended bush acted as a porous fence for rodents. There was no gate to Alms House which was intended to be a comfort for senior citizens.
Even in the washrooms, years of disrepair had rendered the showers and lavatories dysfunctional.
But a three-year refurbishment programme costing Sh16 million has restored its dignity giving hope to the elderly.
County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Sports, Gender, and Social Services, Ms Josephine Achieng says the upgrade of the facility is part of the County Government’s commitment to supporting elderly care homes across the county to ensure the well-being of senior citizens.
“We will continue improving the quality of care given to the elderly here at Alms House. The infrastructure is now in a very sound state. Governor Susan Kihika’s administration is dedicated to advocating for better services and enhanced support for the elderly. We will continue exploring sustainable ways to improve their quality of life,” stated Ms Achieng.
Speaking when she visited the Alms House, Ms Achieng also commended the caregivers at the facility for their dedication and hard work in ensuring the well-being of the elderly, recognizing their important role in providing compassionate care.
She observed that elders have weathered storms of life, and in their frailty, they seek warmth of companionship, the solace of being heard, and the comfort of being cared for.
“In today’s fast-paced world, too many elderly individuals find themselves marginalized, living in solitude, disconnected from the very society they helped build. It’s crucial that we remember that ageing is not a choice but a natural part of the human experience, and it should not result in isolation or rejection,” she said.
Ms Achieng pointed out that the upgrade of the facility highlights Governor Kihika’s efforts to promote social welfare, dignity, and improved living conditions for the elderly in Nakuru County.
She called for recognition of the dignity, worth, and rights of the elderly people in society adding that there was a need for an inclusive environment where the elderly are actively engaged, their voices are heard, and their needs are met.
Alms House has been a rescue centre for the neglected and poor elderly residents. Some of them are brought in from police stations and others are dumped at the entrance of Alms House by relatives.
According to the CECM, the home that previously had a capacity to accommodate 8 elderly individuals can now house 27 people after a block with four modern cubicles was commissioned.
The spacious and self-contained modern cubicles that have hot showers were constructed at a cost of Sh6 million.
Ms Achieng assured that the County administration would continue ensuring the senior citizens peacefully enjoy their sunset years.
“The County Government of Nakuru is committed to continue protecting and giving reasonable care to older persons in the county. Alms House continues to play a significant role in the protection and care giving for the most vulnerable older persons in the County,” noted the CECM.
As part of the reforms being undertaken at the Alms House the devolved unit has employed a graduate manager. The refurbished facility is equipped with a modern kitchen, laundry and a caretaker office which were constructed at an additional cost of Sh7 million.
The County Government has also appointed a board of directors which is tasked with organizing its own fundraisings to ensure the home does not depend on the Exchequer.
The defunct Municipal Council of Nakuru which used to manage the home allowed the land belonging to the home which used to be more than seven acres, to be grabbed under its watch.
Records available at the Nakuru Lands Office indicate that most of the encroachers who have erected permanent structures on the grabbed land are former civic leaders and employees of the defunct local authority.
Governor Kihika is on record as saying that her administration was fast-tracking the recovery of grabbed land.
“We have held a series of meetings with the Lands department who have agreed to help us recover the grabbed land,” said Ms Kihika.
She said they would meet private developers who have encroached the land before issuing them with eviction notices.
The home also has permanent male and female caretakers.
Prior to commencement of works the county government engaged an expert with vast experience on the welfare of the elderly before endorsing the plan.
The new toilets are elderly-friendly while the sockets and other lighting in the rooms are easily accessible to them and the bathrooms are very spacious.
Plans are underway to equip the facility with a recreational centre and, in future, a health centre will also be built.
The county has already put a policy for admissions and also for monitoring visitors to the facility.
“We want to monitor all visitors to ensure our elderly are safe and comfortable. We admit only very deserving cases after due verification,” added the CECM.
One of the residents, who identified himself as Wairimu, welcomed the facelift saying it has afforded them a healthier and comfortable environment.
Seventy-nine-year-old Douglas said he had been at the home for the past four years. “I was homeless and in poor health but since I came here am in a better condition as I have been taken to hospital,” said Mr Douglas.
By Jane Ngugi and Patience Moraa
