Nyeri County elderly people get rare treat from NGO
More than 400 senior citizens from Nyeri County ushered in the New Year in a party costing about Shs.2.3 million at Kamukunji-Dedan Kimathi Stadium. The money was contributed by well wishers.
The organizer, Purity Elderly Care Foundation (PECF) CEO, Joyce Wanjiku Kairu said the event was aimed at appreciating and recognizing the elderly in the society.“They appreciated the gesture as it made them feel they were part of the community and gave them hope and confidence in their twilight years,” said Wanjiku.
She noted that many elderly people have been neglected by their children and the community, thus languishing in poverty.
She lamented that cases of elderly abuse are on the rise in the region mostly perpetrated by people well known to the victims citing out incidents of rape and assault
Wanjiku however asked the national government to ensure the Cash Transfer programme is fully rolled out to cover all needy senior citizens.
She added that the funds should be increased to ensure sustainability. Wanjiku further appealed to members of the county assembly to move legislation compelling the county government to set aside funds for the elderly in its annual budgets. Speaking at the same function, Nyeri executive member in charge of Social Services and Tourism Cecilia Ndung’u pledged to convince the governor to set aside funds for theelderly and also start a programme to cater for over 1,000 elderly people in the county.
The governor’s wife, Margret Nderitu vowed to give a cash donation to help in the construction of four houses for the needy old people in the county.
By Joseph Wangui County Media
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