Where feeding programme gives hope to the elderly

Eloloi Lowangore, 92, a beneficiary of the Seniors Feeding Program run by Mama Ibado Charity in Isiolo County. [ Courtesy] As a young woman, Eloloi Lowangore, looked forward to meeting her future husband. And when they finally met, everything seemed perfect. At first. However, her husband became abusive, contrary to her expectations. She recalls how he could start arguments over minor issues. One day, the physical abuse started and it never stopped. "I realised something was wrong after the third beating, which was completely unwarranted. He seemed determined to continue abusing me," Eloloi says during an interview at her home in Isiolo County. Despite the persistent violence, Eloloi held on to her marriage with the hope that her husband would change. A scar on her right shoulder is a stark reminder of the pain she endured. She had hoped the birth of their first daughter would change her husband. Unfortunately, it never did. Instead, the abuse worsened. One day, he woke up and left home, never to return. Left to raise their daughter alone, Eloloi turned to menial jobs, including domestic work, to make ends meet. Now at 92, she struggles to even fend for herself. The burden worsened when her daughter got a baby and left her under Eloloi's care. However, hope arrived through a Good Samaritan, in form of Mama Ibado Charity (MIC), through its Seniors Feeding programme. The initiative now ensures that Eloloi and her grandson have access to essential food supplies, easing the strain of daily survival. They receive foodstuffs such as wheat flour, rice, sugar and cooking oil. "I saw the hand of God through the charity's support. They provide food for my family and me. We no longer suffer as we used to," she says. Beyond food, Eloloi says that the charity has given her a renewed sense of community by connecting her with other seniors. "I had always thought l was the only one suffering. But meeting other senior citizens made me realize that some had it even harder. Where there were once only lamentations, we now have opportunities to share stories of hope and gratitude," she says. Elders struggles Seniors make up to 3.8 per cent of Kenya's population. That is approximately 1.2 million people. Despite their contributions, many live in poverty, without stable income or adequate healthcare. Government programmes like Inua Jamii, which offer a monthly stipend of Sh2,000 to those aged 70 and above, have helped. However, the amount is often insufficient and plagued by delays and logistical issues. As a result, many elderly Kenyans continue to suffer. To survive, they beg, depend on relatives or rely on the kindness of strangers. MIC seeks to change that. Ahmed Jibril, President for MIC, says the plight of Kenya's senior citizens is often overlooked. "Senior citizens are the foundation of our communities, yet many are going to bed hungry, unwell and unseen. There's urgent need to raise awareness around the challenges faced by the elderly in the country," he says. John Akidiva, 77, a beneficiary of the Seniors Feeding Program run by Mama Ibado Charity in Kakamega County. [ Courtesy] One such beneficiary is John Akidiva, 77, a widower living with disability in Kakamega. Despite his condition, he once earned a living repairing bicycles to support his family, together with his late wife. Unfortunately, his wife passed away in 2022, leaving him to care for their four daughters alone. "Without my wife, who played big role in caring for our family, life became incredibly hard. I found myself trapped in a cycle of poverty, unable to meet even our most basic needs," he explains. Akidiva recalls how his main source of income, bicycle repair, dwindled significantly with the coming of motorbikes, commonly known as boda bodas. Where he once earned at least Sh1,000 a day, he began taking home less than Sh100 a day. "My physical disability limits my ability to take on other jobs. And, like many persons with disabilities, I've faced social stigma, discrimination, and economic exclusion," he explains. Eventually, he could no longer afford rent for their small mabati (iron sheet) house. It was a turning point in August 2019 when Akidiva was enrolled in the MIC Seniors Feeding Program. Since then, he has received monthly food rations, easing his burden and bringing much-needed stability to his household. Beyond food assistance, Akidiva also benefits from MIC's healthcare program, which ensures he receives treatment and medication for his ongoing health issues. He recalls how, in the beginning, accessing healthcare was among his greatest challenges, especially without a steady income to rely on. "I wake up every day hoping to find a way to provide for my family. The support I receive keeps us going. But I still dream of a day when my children won't have to endure the same hardships I have faced," he says. Jibril says to sustain these efforts, MIC relies heavily on donations from well-wishers. This year, for the first time, aviation companies in Kenya have united to support the MIC annual funds drive to assist vulnerable senior citizens. The flagship event, 'Run for Seniors' brings together industry players in a rare show of solidarity for an often overlooked cause-the well-being of vulnerable senior citizens living in poverty. Participating airlines include 748 Air Services, Bluebird Aviation, Jambojet, Safarilink, Amref, Dragonfly, Kasas Air, Hawk Aviation, Renegade Air and Aero Instrument Services. 748 Air Services Managing Director Moses Mwangi, says the support is not just a race, but a rallying cry for dignity, compassion and action towards the elderly citizens. "We're running for those who once walked so we could fly. Supporting our seniors is both our responsibility and our legacy," he says. "Growing older should not mean growing invisible. Many seniors cannot afford even basic healthcare. Our mission is to close that gap with your help. Every step we take in this race sparks conversations, and inspire action to improve the lives of vulnerable seniors, bringing us closer to a society that values its elders," Mwangi adds. Jibril emphasizes, "This event reminds us that seniors still matter. They deserve our care, our attention, and our unwavering action." The 'Run for Seniors' will raise funds for MIC's flagship programmes, which provide monthly food baskets and essential healthcare services to over 1,000 elderly individuals across Isiolo and Kakamega Counties. "Through our seniors' feeding program, we've delivered nutritious meals to over 2,000 elders, impacting more than 5,000 household members. This initiative is about preserving their dignity and ensuring they live with the respect they've earned," Jibril says. Other Sponsors include Centum Re, Jubilee Insurance, Hass petroleum, Liason Group, Futuresoft and Safezone Auto Parts. The charity run is open to the public with 5km, 10 km, and 15km race options.

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