Government urged to address gaps around cash transfers for orphans, vulnerable children(OVC)

There is need for government to address gaps that have been there on funds meant for orphans and vulnerable children in the country(Cash transfers for orphans and vulnerable children).
Dr Mary Mugambi who is the founder of Tabenacle Widows Home noted that there are funds that are set aside by government to aid orphans and vulnerable children, but the funds she pointed out that they have failed to play the intended purpose.

Pastor Mary Mugambi addressing Journalists during the event at Jesus Winner Ministry Chapel Freehold Nakuru on April 20, 2025.PHOTO/PRISTONE MAMBILI.

This, she attributed to the corruption among some individuals who are in charge of the funds and as a result the funds end up in people’s pockets leaving the orphans and vulnerable children in destitute.

She added that inadequate oversight, and challenges in ensuring funds reach the intended beneficiaries effectively should be addressed.
 
These gaps, Dr Mary was categorical that has led to insufficient resources for essential needs like education, healthcare, and basic living expenses leaving the OVCs more vulnerable.
 
“There is 90% neglect by government. A gap in ensuring resources meant for orphans and vulnerable children reach the genuine beneficiaries.This is an area that the government should look into so that we do not create more problems in this country by not being able to take care of our orphans,” she stated. 
 
Dr Mary Mugambi was speaking at Jesus Winner Ministry Chapel Freehold Nakuru East sub county on Thursday April 24, 2025 during a meeting to mark International Orphans Day.
 
Pastor Mary Mugambi addressing Journalists at Jesus Winner Ministry Chapel Freehold Nakuru during the event.PHOTO/PRISTONE MAMBILI.

The Tabenacle Widows Home Founder who is also a Pastor called on government to give priority to matters orphans and widows and ensure their welfare is taken care of.

 
She noted that there is need for collaboration between government and genuine charity organization dealing with orphans and vulnerable children as well as widows for success in combating the same.
 
“Those who started before us might have messed creating a bad narrative that charity organizations are out to make money with orphans. But we are changing the narrative and that’s why the church has to wake up and act. Let a portion of the offering and tithe go to the Ministry of orphans and widows,” she stated.
 
Her sentiments coming a time that Lawmakers are rallying behind the proposed Social Protection Bill, 2025, calling for a significant increase in cash transfer allocations to cushion the country’s most vulnerable population from inflation and the soaring cost of living.
While expressing support for the Bill’s broader scope, MPs have flagged serious corruption and inefficiencies in the current system, demanding reforms that ensure the right people benefit.
During the event, orphans were taken through the Christian values in what Pastor Mary says is to ensure the are close to their maker(God).
Having gone through life as an orphan herself, Pastor Mary revealed that there has also been a lot of challenges facing orphans and vulnerable children among them stigma in society.
 
“As orphans, we bring to their attention that they might be orphans but they have and belong to God’s family. This is exactly what I am doing to ensure that these children welfare is taken care of,” she stated.
 
She lauded leaders among them Nakuru Woman Rep Liza Chelule who has been supporting the widows and orphans.The event saw donation of stuff; food and non food items: blankets a d mattresses, clothing and shoes.
The office of Nakuru Woman Rep Liza Chelule donated the Mattresses and blankets that were delivered by a team led by Rodgers Osore.
Mr Rodgers Osore from Woman Rep Liza Chelule’s office with some of the beneficiaries of the donation.PHOTO/PRISTONE MAMBILI.

Speaking after delivering the items, Mr. Osore lauded Tabenacle Widows Home for organizing the event that ensures a smile on the faces of the lot.

 
While pointing out that the Woman Rep has been going round to reach out and empower affirmative action groups, he pointed out the need for more resource allocation in terms of budget in the office to ensure more affirmative action groups are reached.
 
“The office of Woman Rep has continued to empower affirmative action groups but there is need for national government to increase budget allocation to this office to enable it reach out to more groups,” stated Osore.
 
Addressing journalists during the event, widows narrated the challenges they face in raising their children especially with the harsh economic times in the country.
 
Millicent Juma during interview with Journalists. PHOTO/PRISTONE MAMBILI.

Widow Millicent Juma who comes from Kisumu but now living in Njoro, narrated how retrogressive culture from her late husband’s background had negative impacts on her.

 
Her moved to join supportive groups created by Tabenacle Widows Home has really empowered her.
 
Juma who became a widow 26 years ago with four children whom she has continued to support, challenged society to embrace widows and orphans and always strive to assist them where they can possible.
 
She also called on government to step in with resources to support widows and orphans.
 
“Some cultures really put widows in very bad situation. Such cultures should be done away with and widows should be respected and embraced together with orphans,” she said.
 
Marion Ndiema addressing Journalists.PHOTO/PRISTONE MAMBILI

Sentiments echoed by Marion Ndiema- a widow since 2014 and residing in Kabazi, Subukia with her 10 children.

 
She pointed out that life has not been easy in ensuring studies for her children, until Tabenacle Widows Home and some well wishers stepped in to assist in sponsoring their studies.
 
The widow who works as a casual tea picker in a farm in Kabazi demonstrates resilience in ensuring she raises her children and meets their needs.
 
Having joined a group courtesy of Tabenacle Widows Home, together with other they are able to engage in bee keeping project for economic empowerment.
 
“Life has not been easy but thanks to well wishers such as Tabenacle Widows Home for holding our hands,” she said.
 
On her part Mary Muchiri from Engashura, Bahati who spoke after receiving a donation of mattress for her child thanked the Tabenacle Widows Home for the support.
 
She challenged government to up in embracing orphans and widows in society.
PRISTONE
Author: PRISTONE

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