Nourishment Initiative Offers Solace to Seniors Struggling with Hunger
In Kenya, a significant number of senior citizens face financial insecurity due to limited social protection coverage and inadequate income sources. This issue is particularly prevalent among those in the informal economy and rural areas.
One charity making a difference is Mama Ibado Charity, which offers vital support to elderly populations through community-based care, provision of basic needs, healthcare access, and social inclusion programs. These organizations often fill the gaps left by limited government social protection schemes.
Take, for instance, the story of Eloloi Lowangore, a 92-year-old woman from Isiolo County. Eloloi experienced domestic abuse from her husband, which led to physical violence. After her husband left her alone to raise their daughter, she struggled to make ends meet, taking on menial jobs like domestic work. Eloloi's life improved when she was supported by Mama Ibado Charity's Seniors Feeding programme, which provides essential food supplies. Her grandson is also benefiting from the charity's food support.
Similarly, John Akidiva, a 77-year-old widower living with a disability in Kakamega, is a beneficiary of Mama Ibado Charity's support. Akidiva's main source of income, bicycle repair, significantly dwindled with the coming of motorbikes, commonly known as boda bodas. He could no longer afford rent for their small mabati (iron sheet) house and faced social stigma, discrimination, and economic exclusion. It was a turning point in August 2019 when Akidiva was enrolled in the MIC Seniors Feeding Program, which has provided him with monthly food rations. Beyond food assistance, Akidiva also benefits from MIC's healthcare program, which ensures he receives treatment and medication for his ongoing health issues.
The 'Run for Seniors' event, organized by aviation companies in Kenya, aims to raise funds for MIC's flagship programs. Other sponsors for the event include Centum Re, Jubilee Insurance, Hass petroleum, Liason Group, Futuresoft, and Safezone Auto Parts. Ahmed Jibril, President for Mama Ibado Charity, is working to raise awareness about the challenges faced by elderly Kenyans and to change their living conditions.
While the government is making efforts to address these challenges, gaps remain. The 2025/26 social protection budget in Kenya has been increased to Sh41.4 billion to support vulnerable groups, including the elderly. Programs target orphans, vulnerable children, people with disabilities, and senior citizens, aiming to reduce inequality and build resilience. The government is also working on extending social protection to informal and rural workers through schemes like SHIF and voluntary savings via NSSF's "Haba Haba."
However, broader structural improvements and expanded social protection coverage are essential to address the economic and social challenges faced by Kenya’s senior citizens effectively. Charities like Mama Ibado play a crucial role in supplementing government efforts by providing direct aid and community support. But to truly make a difference, it's clear that a collaborative approach between charities, the government, and the private sector is needed.
- The 'epaper' could feature articles highlighting the struggles of elderly Kenyans in rural areas and the informal economy, and the impactful work of charities like Mama Ibado on their lives.
- Amidst the discussion of social protection for senior citizens, the importance of mental-health services for this demographic might also be addressed, considering the trauma experienced by individuals such as Eloloi Lowangore.
- In the context of government efforts to address financial insecurity among senior citizens, the need for comprehensive health coverage, including women's health, aging, and mental-health services, could be emphasized, as these factors significantly impact their quality of life.
- As part of the effort to raise funds for charities like Mama Ibado, business initiatives might be developed, such as partnerships with companies like Centum Re, Jubilee Insurance, Hass petroleum, Liason Group, Futuresoft, and Safezone Auto Parts, for corporate social responsibility projects centered around health-and-wellness and parenting.
- In light of the government's increased social protection budget, policymakers might consider prioritizing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education to equip the elderly with the digital literacy skills necessary for accessing essential services, such as online applications or health information databases.
