Mothers and their infants at the Kericho County Referral Hospital Newborn Unit (NBU) were treated to an early Christmas cheer after receiving donations from various well-wishers Wednesday.
The 40 mothers from underprivileged backgrounds could not hide their joy as they broke into Christmas songs, when a Community Based Organization (CBO), Arise and Shine members delivered an assortment of foodstuffs and basic items to enable them celebrate this Christmas season.
The event became even more memorable when a clergy from the Kericho Reformed Baptist Church, Pastor Paul Keno led a spontaneous Christmas sermon, quoting a famous Old Testament prophecy in Isaiah 9:6, often cited as foretelling the birth and nature of Jesus Christ upbringing and destiny, which resonated well with all mothers, who face significant and varied challenges in bringing forth and raising children.
The visitors mingled freely with the nursing mothers as they distributed gift hampers that included rose flowers, milk, tissue papers, soap and diapers.
The Director, Arise and Shine, Pamela Keno said the move was meant to bring joy and encouragement to the new mothers, who were spending the festive season at the hospital’s NBU, while taking care of their infants.
“We are happy to bring cheer to these forty mothers who will not be able to enjoy Christmas with the rest of family members in the comfort of their homes, as they take care of newborns at the hospital,” she said.
Brenda Chepkoech, a new mother of triplets expressed her gratitude stating she never anticipated such a delightful surprise.
“I want to thank members of the CBO for these gifts. My family lives in Kedowa area, Londiani sub-county and they cannot afford to come here every day to see me and my new born babies. I have two other children at home. This has lifted my spirits and made me feel appreciated,” she said with a beaming smile on her face.
Present at the event was the head of rehabilitation services at the Kericho County Referral hospital Milka Washuma.
Arise and Shine, founded in 2023, is dedicated to supporting children with disabilities and neurodevelopmental disorders, while advocating for their rights, dignity and inclusion.
The CBO also focuses on empowering caregivers and their families.
By Sarah Njagi
