By:Betty Luke
For years, 71-year-old Simon Ewoi of Shambani Village in Isiolo County worried about where his next meal would come from and how he would afford treatment whenever he fell ill.
He occasionally depended on well wishers for survival with some of them being unresponsive to his occasional ‘begging’.
Not until he was enrolled to Mama Ibado Charity’s seniors programme in 2019, a move that greatly improved his life style.
“I am no longer worried about anything because I know I will get food every month. I receive maize flour, porridge flour, maize, rice and sugar, and that has changed my life,” he said.
Ewoi said the charity also built him a house, furnished it and installed solar power, while ensuring he receives treatment and medication whenever he is sick without struggling to raise money.
The organization, that champions the rights of older persons in Isiolo and Kakamega counties ensuring a dignified life for them.
A newly launched Wazee Wetu Centre in Isiolo is set to reinforce the efforts, bringing nutrition, healthcare, psychosocial support and livelihood initiatives for older persons under one roof.
Speaking during the official opening of the centre located in BulaPesa ward, Ewoi said regular food assistance has given him peace of mind and restored his dignity.
“I receive free healthcare services here without queuing as it is the norm in public hospitals where we used to seek services at. I am not worried of the availability of drugs whenever unwell,”he added.
The purpose-built centre includes a medical clinic, food distribution unit, honey processing facility and administrative offices, offering a holistic model of community-based elderly care.
The facility will also provide a safe space where senior citizens can socialise and participate in community activities, helping address loneliness and isolation.
Mama Ibado Charity President Ahmed Jibril said the centre represents more than physical infrastructure, noting it was a place where elderly people will receive the care and respect they deserve.
“The Wazee Wetu Centre is a home where our senior citizens will find care, companionship, hope and the support they deserve. We believe every older person should age with dignity, and this centre is a step towards turning that vision into reality,” said Jibril.
He added that older persons remain custodians of the country’s history, culture and values and should continue playing a meaningful role in society.
“Through this centre, we are creating a place where they are celebrated, heard and empowered to continue contributing meaningfully to their communities,” he said.
According to the organization’s Director Dr. Mohamud Said the facility demonstratds the organisation’s long-term commitment to improving the quality of life of older persons through sustainable community-based interventions.
“The opening of this centre underscores Mama Ibado Charity’s commitment to championing the welfare of older persons through sustainable community-based interventions, advocacy and strategic partnerships,” he said.
Another Director, Dr. Amb. Amina Mohamed called on government institutions, development partners, the private sector and well-wishers to invest in programmes that protect and empower older persons across the country.
“We hope this centre will inspire more organisations, development partners and county governments to invest in the wellbeing of older persons. Together, we can build communities where no senior citizen is left behind and every older Kenyan can age with dignity, security and hope,” she said.
