The government has been urged to create a fund to offer financial support to struggling fathers in the country.
Bishop David Thagana Munyiri of Glory Outreach Assembly said most fathers fail to meet their obligations and responsibilities due to financial constraints.
The cleric said the government should create a fund which will be accessed by men to enable them initiate and expand their own income generating ventures.
Munyiri was speaking at the church in Kahawa Wendani on Sunday where he hosted more than 400 children from eight orphanages run by the church.
"We've witnessed so many empowerment programmes and kitties for women being launched. However men have been sidelined and it's high time the government considers having a fund for men. Most men are facing an uphill task in meeting their responsibilities as fathers," the cleric said.
He said most fathers end up suffering psychological torture after failing to cater to their families needs.
Kahawa Wendani MCA Brian Simiyu said thousands of single fathers are struggling to bring up their children.
"Men are running away from their families after failing on their responsibilities as fathers. It's not because they don't want to be with their families but because they can no longer sustain fending for their families. This is why most of them are getting lost to alcoholism and substance abuse," he said.
Reverend Phyllis Wangechi concurred that fathers undergo difficulties in taking care of their families due to hardships occasioned by economic crises.
She said support from the government will enable fathers to bring up their children better, including providing basic needs and facilitating their education.
Joseph Wanyoike, a Kahawa Wendani resident, said empowerment programmes for men will trigger significant growth in society.
"Women have surpassed men in terms of empowerment and this is intimidating men," he said.
