The Kiambu County Government has distributed food hampers to 120 persons with disabilities in Gitothua Ward, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening social protection programs for vulnerable residents across the county.
The exercise, spearheaded by the Directorate of Gender and Social Services under the Department of Education, Gender, Culture and Social Services, forms part of the county’s broader social protection program targeting persons with disabilities, older persons, disaster-affected households and other vulnerable members of the community.
The distribution was led by the Directorate’s Deputy Directors Peter Ogallo and Grace Waweru and attended by Gitothua Ward MCA John Njogu.
Speaking during the exercise, Ogallo said the county remains committed to implementing programs that cushion vulnerable residents from socio-economic challenges while promoting dignity and inclusion.
“Today’s distribution is part of our continued efforts to ensure vulnerable members of our community receive the support they need. Social protection is about restoring dignity and improving the quality of life for those facing difficult circumstances,” said Ogallo.
Ogallo said accountability remains a key pillar in the implementation of the county’s social protection programs, noting that all applications for assistance undergo a rigorous verification process.
“Our officers conduct home visits to verify every case before assistance is approved. This ensures county resources reach residents who genuinely require support while promoting fairness, transparency and accountability in service delivery,” he added.
He noted that the Directorate’s interventions go beyond emergency food assistance, with programs tailored to address the varying needs of beneficiaries through a coordinated approach.
The Directorate implements a range of interventions in support of persons with disabilities, older persons, families affected by disasters such as fires, and such vulnerable cases.
Ms. Grace Waweru said the type of support offered depends on the needs identified during assessments conducted by Gender and Social Services officers.
“We respond to each case according to its circumstances. While some families require emergency relief such as food, blankets and mattresses following disasters, others benefit from interventions that promote long-term welfare and social inclusion,” she said.
She added that the county also distributes sanitary towels to vulnerable girls to promote dignity and reduce barriers to education, while persons with disabilities requiring specialized care receive adult diapers to improve their quality of life and ease the burden on caregivers.
Waweru further said the Directorate works closely with the Department of Health Services to facilitate free medical assessments for persons with disabilities, enabling eligible beneficiaries to obtain disability certificates required to access government programs and other disability-related services.
“Our objective is not only to provide immediate assistance but also to connect beneficiaries with services that offer sustainable support and improve their overall well-being,” she said.
Speaking to the Kenya News Agency, Chief Officer for Vocational Training and Social Services Emily Nkoroi said the Directorate continues to implement programs aligned with its mandate of social protection, disability and gender mainstreaming.
“The mandate of the Directorate is social protection, disability and gender mainstreaming. Through the support of Kiambu Governor Dr. Kimani Wamatangi, the Directorate has continued implementing programs that alleviate the challenges facing vulnerable members of society. This enables them to live with the dignity they deserve,” said Nkoroi.
Gitothua Ward MCA John Njogu welcomed the initiative, saying it would provide much-needed relief to vulnerable families in the ward.
“Persons with disabilities deserve equal opportunities and support to live dignified lives. This program demonstrates the county government’s commitment to ensuring that vulnerable residents are not left behind,” said Njogu.
He urged eligible residents to work closely with the Directorate of Gender and Social Services to access available programs aimed at improving their welfare.
Kiambu County’s Social Protection Policy advocates coordinated interventions that respond to the diverse needs of vulnerable residents through collaboration among government departments.
The Gitothua exercise reflects the county government’s broader strategy of translating that policy into practical action by combining emergency relief, disability inclusion, community-based assessments and interdepartmental collaboration to deliver responsive and sustainable social protection services.
By Annrita Mutembei and Grace Naishoo
