Kiambu Woman Representative Anne Wamuratha has stepped up her grassroots empowerment programme in Gatundu South, distributing business equipment and household support items to residents of Ng’enda Ward as part of efforts to strengthen livelihoods and improve the welfare of older persons.
The empowerment initiative, held alongside celebrations to mark the International Day of Older Persons, targeted small scale traders, beauty entrepreneurs, caterers and caregivers as part of a broader programme to promote income generating activities at the community level.
Among the equipment distributed were chafing dishes, juice extractors, market umbrellas, blow dryers, hair dryers, chips cutters and ultraviolet (UV) machines for use by beneficiaries in their respective businesses.
The equipment is expected to enable small entrepreneurs to improve their operations, expand services and generate additional income without relying heavily on external support.
Wamuratha said the initiative was designed to provide practical assistance to grassroots businesses while encouraging residents to build sustainable sources of income.
“Through the NGAAF Empowerment Programme, we continue to support grassroots businesses, create income generating opportunities and empower our communities towards economic independence,” she said.
The programme comes at a time when many small businesses are seeking affordable equipment to improve productivity and attract more customers.
Market umbrellas, for instance, are intended to help traders operate in more secure conditions by providing protection from sun and rain, while juice extractors and chips cutters are expected to support food and beverage enterprises.
In the beauty sector, blow dryers, hair dryers and UV machines will enable salon operators to expand their range of services.
Wamuratha also used the occasion to highlight the contribution of older persons to families and communities, pledging continued support for senior citizens.
She said spending time with elderly residents in Ng’enda provided an opportunity to listen to their experiences and recognise their contribution to society.
“What a fulfilling day spending time with our elderly in Ng’enda Ward, sharing heartfelt conversations, listening to their stories and celebrating their invaluable contribution to our families and society,” she said.
The elderly were supported with a tent, 100 chairs, blankets and food during the celebrations.
Their caregivers also received grooming and care equipment, including blow dryers, hair dryers, shaving machines and UV machines.
Additional household and catering items distributed included large cooking pots, plates, cups, serving spoons and serving dishes to support the day to day activities of those caring for older persons.
Wamuratha said the support was intended not only to mark the international day but also to address some of the practical challenges facing older persons and their caregivers.
She pledged to continue advocating for the dignity and welfare of senior citizens, saying they should remain an integral part of community development programmes.
“As we mark the International Day of Older Persons, I reaffirm my commitment to ensuring that our senior citizens are respected, supported and never forgotten,” she said.
The two pronged initiative supporting vulnerable older persons while equipping small businesses reflects an approach that links social protection with economic empowerment at the grassroots.
Wamuratha said leadership should respond to the immediate needs of residents while creating opportunities that can help households become more self reliant.
“Our commitment goes beyond words. It is about listening, responding to needs and making a difference in people’s lives. Our elderly deserve dignity, care and a comfortable life,” she said.
She added: “Real leadership is about caring for our people at every stage of life.”
The International Day of Older Persons is observed annually to draw attention to the rights, welfare and contributions of older people and the need for societies to create conditions that allow them to live with dignity.
For beneficiaries in Ng’enda, the empowerment programme provided both immediate support and equipment intended to help them sustain household incomes, while the assistance to older persons and caregivers sought to ease some of the challenges associated with their care.
