Nakuru's 73-year-old Alms House for the elderly has been refurbished for Sh13 million.
The facility between Manyani and Kivumbini estates had been neglected for more than 40 years.
Alms House has been a rescue centre for neglected and poor elderly residents. Some of were taken by police and others dumped at the entrance by relatives.
Governor Susan Kihika said the home that accommodates eight elderly men and women will house 27 people once the newly constructed block with four modern cubicles is commissioned.
The spacious and self-contained cubicles with hot showers were constructed for Sh6 million.
In comments to mark the International Day for Older Persons held at the facility, Kihika said her administration would continue ensuring senior citizens peacefully enjoy their sunset years.
“The county government of Nakuru is committed to continue protecting and giving reasonable care to older persons," Kihika said.
"Alms House continues to play a significant role in the protection and care or the most vulnerable older persons in the county,” she said.
As part of the reforms at Alms House, the county has employed a graduate manager. The refurbished facility has a modern kitchen, laundry and a caretaker's office. Construction cost Sh7 million.
The county government has also appointed a board of directors to organise its own fundraising so the home does not depend on the exchequer.
The former Municipal Council of Nakuru, which used to manage the home, allowed the seven acres belonging to the home to be encroached upon.
Records at the Nakuru Lands office indicate most of the encroachers who have erected permanent structures on the grabbed land are former civic leaders and employees of the old local authority.
The governor said her administration was fast-tracking the recovery of grabbed land.
“We have held meetings with the Lands department which has agreed to help us recover the grabbed land," Kihika said.
She said county officials would meet private developers who have encroached on the land before issuing eviction notices.
The Alms House compound was neglected with overgrown bushes. The bedrooms and toilets were dilapidated.
The home has permanent male and female caretakers.
Prior to construction, the county engaged an expert with extensive experience in the welfare of the elderly before endorsing the plan.
The new toilets are elder-friendly and the bathrooms are spacious. The electric sockets and other lighting in the rooms are easily accessible.
Plans are underway to equip the facility with a recreation centre and in the future, a health centre will be built.
Kihika said the county has already developed a policy for admissions and also for visitors. “We want to monitor all visitors to ensure our elderly are safe and comfortable. We will admit only very deserving cases after due verification,” she said.
One of the residents, who identified himself as Robert, welcomed the renotion, saying the environment was healthier and more comfortable.
Douglas, age 79, said he had been at the home for four years. “I was homeless and in poor health but since I came here, I am in better condition as I have been taken to hospital," he said.
(Edited by V. Graham)