Joy as Waiguru directs immediate titling of Sagana Home for the Aged land

Older Persons residing in St. Mary’s Home for the Aged are now full of joy as Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru issued a directive to have land occupied by the home documented within the next five days.

The governor gave the five-day ultimatum to the County Department of Lands when she visited the home for a thanksgiving ceremony following major renovations done at the residence.

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

Further, she ordered that the title deed that will be issued should have a caveat indicating that it should only be used as a home for the age and should never be transferable to anyone else or for any other purpose.

The home that is situated in Sagana 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 finalized. It must be explicit and untransferable so that this home remains secure and independent,” she said, adding that her administration has reverted about 800 acres of previously recovered land back to public use.

During the event that was attended by hundreds of area residents and Members of County Assembly and executive among others, Waiguru 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. She also appealed to the community to take care of their elderly people noting that it is one way of drawing blessings from God.

“Many elderly and vulnerable people continue to suffer neglect, exploitation, abandonment, and abuse. That is not the society we want and we must be a nation where we honor our elders-not ignore them. They built this county, 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 whose area of focus is the 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 Shakira and 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, thanked the governor for unlocking the long standing challenges that had rocked the home for years hampering smooth operation. She said that the renovations of the house were driven by the desire of her organization 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 Ward MCA 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 at the Assembly David Ngahu underscored the importance of supporting elderly persons, noting that some residents had been abandoned by their families.

“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.