Kirinyaga county intervenes to help home for the aged acquire land ownership documents

Suqoon's director Shakira Khawaja and governor Anne Waiguru at Sagana home for the aged on November 6 / ALICE WAITHERA

Elderly residents of St Mary's Home for the Aged in Sagana, Kirinyaga county have received reprieve after Governor Anne Waiguru ordered that the land the home occupies be formally documented within a week.

The governor gave the five-day ultimatum to the county department of lands when she visited the home for a thanksgiving ceremony after renovations.

She told officers at the department to ensure the land was duly documented and title deed issued to enable smooth implementation of the required projects at the home.

Waiguru ordered a caveat imposed on the title deed that will be issued, saying it should only be used as a home for the aged and should never be transferable to anyone else or used for any other purpose.

The home was started in1974 and serves as shelter for the elderly and vulnerable women with a current population of 37 women who would otherwise be homeless.

“I have issued a five-day directive for the title deed to be finalised. It must be explicit and un-transferable so that this home remains secure and independent,” she said.

The administration has reverted about 800 acres of previously recovered land back to public use.

The governor also donated mattresses and blankets to the home, and observed that the county has from time to time supported the home through provision of medical aid, food hampers as well as assorted household items.

She also pledged to intervene on perennial water challenge that has been undermining the welfare of the elderly residents and appealed to the community to take care of the elderly to give them dignified lives in their sunset years.

“Many elderly and vulnerable people continue to suffer neglect, exploitation, abandonment, and abuse. That is not the society we want. We must be a nation that honors our elders, not ignore them”.

Suqoon's director Shakira Khawaja and governor Anne Waiguru inspecting renovations done at Sagana home for the aged/ ALICE WAITHERA

“They built this country, raised us, contributed to our economy, and strengthened our moral foundation while they were still strong. As we push forward with development, we draw strength from their wisdom and we, therefore, owe them respect, care, and dignity,” said the governor.

Recently the home received a major facelift that included refurbishing of dining hall, the kitchen, dormitories and washing areas as well as erection of canopies over walkways. The renovation was carried out by Suqoon, a charitable organisation that focuses on restoring dignity to the elderly.

 “We are not just celebrating renovations, we are celebrating dignity restored, hope renewed, and the strength of the men and women who call this home,” said the governor, appreciating Suqoon and other the benefactors of the home.

Waiguru noted that the county continues to uplift vulnerable groups through targeted empowerment programs, saying compassion and responsibility must remain central in community leadership.

Suqoon director Shakira Khawaja, lauded the governor for unlocking the long standing challenges that had rocked the home for years hampering its smooth operation.

She said that the renovations undertaken in the home were driven by the desire to offer a conducive home environment for the residents.

County Assembly Speaker Murimi Muteti called for legislation to guarantee structured care for senior citizens, especially free medical services.

“What we are doing today goes beyond an act of service. We need a bill to ensure all elderly persons are protected,” he said.

Kariti MCA Jeremiah Makimi said the visit reaffirmed Waiguru’s record of translating promises into action, noting that issue of land titles has been affecting many elderly people but the governor has worked hard to ensure that rightful owners get their security of tenure.

The Leader of Majority in the assembly David Ngahu underscored the need to support elderly persons, noting that some live in destitution when their families neglect them, leaving them without basic rights such as food and proper shelter.

“It is important to help people so that we receive blessings. We hope to allocate more funds for elderly persons and vulnerable children,” he said.