Every Tuesday afternoon, the usually quiet Kaharo public playground in Mukurwe-ini is transformed into a physical fitness arena for the senior citizens.
At exactly 1 pm, a group of elderly men and women in their sunset years gather at the playground, donning their workout gear. They follow simple aerobics and simple exercise drills.
Some are laughing as they crack jokes about how far they can now stretch their ageing bodies.
Despite their advanced age, their movement is synchronised and well-coordinated, and one would be forgiven to imagine that this is a group of young people.
Not so long ago, many of them could barely walk; others could barely perform simple tasks owing to underlying health conditions.
Today, many can squat, walk and even hop all courtesy of physical exercise.
The initiative was started three years ago when Elizabeth Wanjiku, a Community Health Promoter (CHP) attached to Kaharo Dispensary, decided to start a wellness club after noticing a worrying health trend during her routine community duties.
“I realised many elderly people had become bedridden because of inactivity; others attributed their problems to conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure and the natural effects of ageing. I kept asking myself whether something could be done before more of them lost their independence,” she says.
Wanjiku had experienced first-hand the benefits of exercise after successfully losing excess weight through regular workouts at home with the help of her son.
Inspired by her own journey, she thought the same approach could help older people manage chronic illnesses such as diabetes, arthritis and high blood pressure while improving their mobility and independence.
Armed with personal workout gear and a blue-tooth speaker, she began her journey with only a handful of participants outside Kaharo Dispensary.
However, as the group grew, they decided to relocate to the nearby Kaharo public playground to avoid interrupting patients seeking treatment.
Today, the group aptly named Kaharo Gymnastics Men and Women Group has been able to attract more than 200 members, comprising about 180 women and 20 men.
Among those whose lives have been transformed is 95-year-old Kimotho Guchuchika, the oldest member of the group. Prior to joining the team, Guchuchika could barely walk.
“When I joined, I could not move my legs. After exercising consistently, I started walking again. I now feel like a young man,” he says.
Another member, Festus Wahome, a retired teacher, joined the group at its initial days after suffering a leg injury.
Wahome had cracked a bone in his leg, prompting doctors to place his leg in a cast.
His determination to walk without aids is what motivated him to join the group after the cast was removed.
However, throughout his recovery the former tutor continued with guided physical exercises.
“After three months, the plaster was removed, and I started on the guided physical exercise. I am now fully recovered. I can walk, run and even play football,” he says.
Ann Kagondu’s initiative of joining the group marked the beginning of recovery after suffering a stroke in 2023.
She became a member in August 2025, and she says the exercises are helping her regain her motor skills.
“But it is not only about physical exercise. We also have therapy sessions and mental wellness discussions that have helped me emotionally,” says Kagondu.
Today she can comfortably walk distances, a feat that once seemed impossible.
Another member, Nelius Wambaire, first heard about the group through a video shared on social media. At the time, severe inflammation in her right hip forced her to rely on a crutch.
“I struggled even to squat. My son even modified our toilet because I could not use the ordinary one,” she recalls.
Two years later, she abandoned the crutch. She can squat, jump, and walk without support. Her recovery inspired her to recruit five more members. Still, she says, convincing other elderly people to join her remains a challenge.
“Some think the exercises are childish. Others believe carrying loads or doing farm work is enough exercise, while some simply feel shy,” notes the retired primary school teacher.
The local administration acknowledged the contribution of the group in improving the wellbeing of members of the community, especially in restoring dignity to many elderly residents.
Senior Chief, Joel Kamau of Thano Location, where the playground is situated, narrated how Wanjiku one day came to his office seeking support.
“She proposed forming an exercise group, and we supported her by helping register it and allowing members to use the Kaharo public playground. The venue was also carefully identified. It is close to the dispensary such that in the event of an emergency, the facility could easily offer first aid,” explained Mr Kamau.
“Some members who could not stand or walk on their own are now able to move independently. Others can carry out simple daily activities that they previously depended on relatives to perform. It has restored hope and confidence,” added the administrator.
Wanjiku says that in addition to the routine workout session, every participant follows an exercise programme tailored to their medical condition.
“We start with baby steps because many come here with arthritis, fractures, stroke complications or severe mobility problems. I cannot give everybody the same exercises,” explains the 68-year-old CHP cum trainer.
Besides leading workouts, she also educates members on nutrition, particularly those living with lifestyle conditions.
She says routine health checks during community visits often reveal elderly people living with dangerously high blood pressure. She refers such cases to Kaharo Dispensary for treatment.
“Many people assume daily chores are enough exercise, but they are not. However, walking regularly and eating a balanced diet can prevent many complications even at an early age,” says Wanjiku.
Despite the growing numbers, Wanjiku has never entertained the thought of charging any fee for her services.
She says doctors and county health officials have acknowledged the programme’s positive impact on community health.
As a result, the group occasionally participates in National Day celebrations, where they showcase their exercise prowess and educate the public on the need to observe healthy living habits.
“Exercise is medicine. It does not matter whether someone has an underlying condition or not; everyone should embrace physical activity and healthy eating,” she says.
As membership continues to grow, the community health worker hopes to secure support for more exercise kits and a permanent facility to accommodate the expanding group.
Her dream is to see similar groups established across neighbouring communities.
“I see it as giving back to society. When people ask what kind of support I would like, I tell them I would like the group to have more workout equipment so that I can reach out to more people,” she prays.
By Wangari Mwangi and Samuel Maina
