A United States of America-based Church has come to the aid of a group of widows in Kilelwet ,Barut Ward of Nakuru West sub county.
The group of widows have for many years been neglected with no basic needs such as food and shelter.
But through the intervention of Nakuru Rotary Club member Mr.James Yegon, the first Presbyterian Church-USA stepped in with a funding to aid the vulnerable widows who felt to be on the periphery of the society.
Addressing media at SOAR-Kenya Academy in Barut when they received food donations courtesy of the the first Presbyterian Church-USA, the widows under the umbrella Upendo group could not hide their joy.
Led by Nancy Chepkorir and Grace Ruto, the widows who majority are at their advanced age decried neglect by society and the government.
Nancy says they have never been registered for the elderly fund from the national government and they feel neglected.
She adds that life has not been same as they struggle each and every day to cater for the needs of their children especially during this COVID-19 pandemic.
Her appeal is to the government to step in and ensure their needs are also met during this harsh time of COVID-19.
“We have had challenges and that is why we are grateful for the Director Yegon who has assisted us” she said.
Sentiments echoed by Anne Chepkemoi who says the donations through the donor funds will go a long way in addressing their challenges.
Chepkemoi admits that none of their group members has benefitted from the government hence a call to National government to think into the welfare of widows.
“We just hope the government will also start thinking about the widows in this country” she said.
SOAR-Kenya Academy Director James Yegon who sought the funding from friends says the challenges the widows were going through prompted his move.
He says they have been giving food hampers s to the widows on weekly basis to enable them meet their daily needs.
Yegon is however quick to note that there is need for government to step in and consider such vulnerable groups.
“I decided to take action and take care of the welfare of these widows through our donor friends in USA.But much still needs to be done so that they can also feel not left behind” said Yegon.
Over 20 widows are benefiting from the program that Yegon says will go on as long as the donors continue to support.