Feeding the elderly of Nyandarua County

The old in Karangatha village in Kinangop Nyandarua County had a reason to smile after they were feted in a party organised by Nyakio women leaders.  (PHOTO: ANTONY GITONGA/ STANDARD)

Over 90 per cent of the old in Kinangop, Nyandarua County have not benefited from the monthly cash transfer programme by the government.

With the number of the elderly on the rise, the situation has been compromised by the high levels of poverty in the region.

Following the revelation, area leaders have challenged the government to address the matter so that the group can also benefit like their colleagues in other parts of the country.

This emerged when over 200 elderly men and women were treated to a party at Karangatha trading centre in Kinangop constituency.

During the party organised by Nyakio women leaders, the group was awarded with various goodies as part of recognising their efforts and contribution to the society.

According to the group chairlady Elizabeth Wanjira, many of the elderly were living in poor conditions as the state and even their relatives had forgotten them.

Wanjira called on the government to increase the number of those people under the monthly cash transfer as one way of assisting them in life.

"We have decided to hold a party for our aging parents and we hope that the government will address the issue of their monthly allowance," she said.

Area MCA Joshua Mureithi admitted that the number of the people under the cash programme in the area was very low compared to other regions.

Mureithi said that the Nyandarua county government had moved in to assist a few of the elderly but was quick to note that a lot needed to be done.

"Over 90 percent of the elderly in Nyandarua have not been covered by the monthly cash transfer and we are asking the national government to urgently look into this," he said.

One of the elderly Dominic Nduguya who is in his mid-70s told of his and family suffering as he waited for the monthly funds.

Mureithi said that none of his age mates had benefitted from the government project adding that many were in darkness on how to register.

"We want to thank the organizers of this party for the donations and challenge the national government to come in and address our issue," he said.

The sentiments were echoed by a granny Lucy Kabura who said that their lives would change drastically if they received the cash.

"We are old and poor with all our hope lying on the government so that we can benefit from the monthly cash transfer," she said.