By Betty Luke
Mama Ibado Charity has officially opened the Wazee Wetu Centre in Isiolo County, a facility designed to provide older persons with integrated healthcare, nutrition, psychosocial support and livelihood services under one roof.
The purpose-built centre, located in Bula Pesa Ward, features a medical clinic, food distribution unit, honey processing facility and administrative offices and will also serve as a social space where senior citizens can interact, participate in community activities and access essential support services aimed at improving their wellbeing.
Speaking during the launch, Mama Ibado Charity President Ahmed Jibril said the centre reflected the organisation’s commitment to ensuring older persons live dignified and fulfilling lives.
“The Wazee Wetu Centre is a home where our senior citizens will find care, companionship, hope and the support they deserve. We believe every older person should age with dignity, and this centre is a step towards turning that vision into reality,” said Jibril.
He noted that older persons remained custodians of the country’s history, culture and values and deserve continued recognition and support.
“Through this centre, we are creating a place where they are celebrated, heard and empowered to continue contributing meaningfully to their communities,” he added.
The facility is expected to strengthen the charity’s ongoing programmes that support older persons through regular food assistance, access to healthcare and economic empowerment initiatives.
For 71-year-old Simon Ewoi the new centre represents hope and security after years of struggling to meet his basic needs.
Ewoi, who joined Mama Ibado Charity’s seniors programme in 2019, said the organisation’s support transformed his life by providing monthly food supplies, healthcare and decent housing.
“I am no longer worried about anything because I know I will get food every month. I receive maize flour, porridge flour, maize, rice and sugar, and that has changed my life,” he said.
He added that the new facility would make it even easier for elderly people to access healthcare services.
“I receive free healthcare services here without queuing as it is the norm in public hospitals where we used to seek services. I am not worried about the availability of drugs whenever I am unwell,” he said.
Mama Ibado Charity Director Dr. Mohamud Said described the centre as a major milestone in the organisation’s long-term efforts to improve the quality of life of older persons through sustainable community-based interventions.
“The opening of this centre underscores Mama Ibado Charity’s commitment to championing the welfare of older persons through sustainable community-based interventions, advocacy and strategic partnerships,” he said.
The Wazee Wetu Centre is expected to become a model for elderly care by combining health services, nutrition support, social engagement and livelihood opportunities in one location, helping older persons in Isiolo age with dignity, security and improved quality of life.
