Support children homes raise orphans, Kenyans urged

Kenyans of good will have been urged to support charitable institutions in the country raise orphans and vulnerable children under their care.

Ochaka Suits House Ltd CEO Harrison Ochaka said children orphanages, rescue centres and homes were doing great jobs in raising OVCs yet some were equally vulnerable and hence needed support.

“I call on cooperates, companies, well–wishers and generally the privileged in the society to support the less privileged in the society especially OVCs through orphanages,” Ochaka said.

He spoke to the Star when he visited Nuru children's home in Athi River in Machakos County on Monday.

Ochaka said he has been passionately supporting children's homes across the country through donations both in material and kind.

“At Ochaka Suits House, we are in textile industry. God has blessed us and therefore, we go round children's homes and rescue centres across the country supporting children as corporate social responsibility,” Ochaka said.

He presided over a funds drive for the construction of a perimeter wall at Nuru children's home as the chief guest.

Ochaka said he earlier met the home’s director Florence Mbithe who told him they had a challenge of erecting a perimeter wall to enforce security for the children.

“I heeded the call and decided to come and support her. I have been going round orphanages and so far visited twelve of such across the country since January,” Ochaka said.

He mentioned Nairobi, Kajiado, Nakuru, Kiambu, Kisumu, Machakos and Mombasa as some of the counties where he had so far visited various charitable children institutions and issued his support.

“I believe that if you help those who are less privileged in the society, they can rise up, and if you help those with life challenges, they can rise and improve their living standards,” Ochaka said.

Ochaka said he always issues his donations, cooks and eats with children, plays with them, and gives motivational talks to encourage and give them hope in life as they feel recognised, appreciated and loved just like other children in the society.

“I’m committed as Ochaka to go round with my friends; we eat, interact with children and encourage them. If you encourage an orphan or vulnerable child, that child can get motivated and rise,” he said.

He said the homes need to be well supported especially through funding so as to be able to pay their staff well noting that some of the institutions don’t pay their employees, they volunteer their services.

“Employees working in these institutions need to be motivated through remunerations. In some homes, staff aren’t paid due to inadequate finances among other resources,” Ochaka said.

Ochaka said the employees can raise the children better if motivated.

“I do this deep from my heart and without any worries. My going round the country visiting the institutions has proven to me that there is hope,” Ochaka said.

He said he was hopeful that many Kenyans of goodwill will join him in the noble course.

Ochaka said he makes the visits on weekends and holidays.

He said Ochaka Suits started in 2018 by making only suits.

In 2023, it got registered as Ochaka Suits House Ltd having expanded to a bigger brand.

Ochaka cautioned Kenyans against abusing children.

“Children should be guided and protected. Those who abuse children, stop it and instead nurture, raise and promote them. They need support,” Ochaka said.