Elected leaders and government officials have been urged to identify the most vulnerable households in society and initiate programmes to uplift them.
Director of Ahadi Kenya Trust Stanley Kamau said there are extremely poor families in the country who usually don’t benefit from any government empowerment programmes.
The poor citizens lack basic needs as leaders only give donations generally without considering those who are extremely vulnerable.
Kamau spoke on Friday at Karunge area of Mathioya subcounty in Murang'a where his organisation donated bedding to 35 vulnerable families and food to more than 100 families.
“It’s unfortunate that in this 21st century, we have families that cannot afford basic needs. Some people usually survive by the mercy of God yet the government allocates funds to support the livelihoods of the poor,” Kamau said.
The anti-jigger campaigner explained that since his organisation embarked on fighting against the menace, he found out there are households who apart from getting food from well-wishers cannot afford clothing or bedding, among other personal necessities.
He said leaders should be in touch with the people at the grassroots so as to identify special cases and provide more support to improve their lives.
Poor shelter, Kamau said, has subjected many families to diseases. During the current cold season, there are people who have no beds, blankets and other bedding, thus they need to be assisted.
The Ahadi director further faulted leaders who advocate for families to increase the number of children yet the households cannot afford basic needs.
“Politicians should stop this habit of calling people to have more children and yet the same people have nothing to feed on, they have no shelter among other basic needs. As a leader, get in touch with your people and through public funds, ensure they get the support they need to improve their livelihoods,” Kamau said.
Meanwhile, the director asked President William Ruto as he works out members of his Cabinet to consider persons of high integrity who will connect well with the people they serve.
He noted that having members of the Cabinet who are conversant with the realities and needs of the people will improve public service delivery and the citizens will benefit greatly from government's programmes.