More than 1,000 Kenyans converged at Karura Forest on Saturday, July 18, for the second edition of the Run 4 Seniors charity event, reaffirming growing public support for programmes aimed at improving the welfare and dignity of older persons across the country.
The event, organised by Mama Ibado Charity, attracted families, corporate organisations, fitness enthusiasts, community groups and development partners who participated in the 5-kilometre, 10-kilometre and 15-kilometre race categories.
Beyond promoting healthy living, the annual charity run seeks to raise funds and create awareness for programmes that provide food, healthcare and social support to vulnerable senior citizens, particularly in Isiolo and Kakamega counties.
Growing movement to support senior citizens
Speaking during the event, Mama Ibado Charity President Ahmed Jibril said the impressive turnout reflected a growing national movement committed to ensuring older persons live with dignity and receive the care they deserve.
“Today’s turnout is a powerful statement that Kenyans are choosing to stand with our senior citizens. It demonstrates that the conversation around the welfare of older persons is gaining momentum,” Jibril said.
He noted that every participant had contributed to restoring hope and dignity to elderly Kenyans who had spent decades building families, communities and the nation.
“Every runner here is helping to restore dignity and hope to older persons who have contributed immensely to our society and deserve to age with care, respect and dignity,” he added.
Charity run continues to grow
Run 4 Seniors Chairman Moses Mwangi said the initiative has rapidly evolved into one of Kenya’s fastest-growing charity sporting events, thanks to increasing support from participants, corporate sponsors and development partners.
“We are grateful to all the participants who came out to support this important cause. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the event’s sponsors and partners, whose support has enabled the initiative to expand its impact and encouraged more organisations to invest in programmes that improve the lives of Kenya’s ageing population,” Mwangi said.
He observed that the country’s senior citizens deserve greater appreciation after spending their lives contributing to national development.
“Our seniors gave their lives building the Kenya and the communities we all enjoy today. The very least we can do is make sure they are fed, cared for and treated with the dignity they deserve,” he said.
Corporate partners reaffirm commitment
The event also attracted strong backing from corporate organisations, whose leaders pledged continued support for programmes targeting older persons.
Sidian Bank Chief Executive Officer John Okulo said the institution’s partnership with Run 4 Seniors goes beyond fundraising and seeks to advocate for improved services for elderly Kenyans.
“Beyond fundraising, Run 4 Seniors continues to advocate for greater attention to the needs of older persons, including access to healthcare, nutrition, psychosocial support and sustainable livelihoods. These causes are close to our hearts, and we will continue supporting initiatives that create meaningful and lasting impact,” Okulo said.
KCB Foundation Director Mendi Njonjo echoed similar sentiments, saying the foundation remains committed to ensuring more elderly Kenyans receive the care they need.
“We remain committed to working with Mama Ibado Charity to ensure that more older Kenyans receive the care and support they deserve, even as the organisers seek to expand the reach and impact of the initiative in the years ahead,” Njonjo said.
Fly748.com Head of Scheduled Services George Oduor said businesses have an important role to play in improving lives beyond their commercial operations.
“At fly748.com, we believe businesses have a responsibility to create meaningful impact beyond their core operations. The growing number of participants demonstrates that more Kenyans are embracing the shared responsibility of caring for older persons, and we are proud to be part of this movement,” Oduor said.
Supporting vulnerable seniors
Run 4 Seniors is organised annually by Mama Ibado Charity, a non-profit organisation registered in Kenya and Canada that focuses on improving the welfare of vulnerable elderly people.
Through its Seniors Feeding Programme, Seniors Healthcare Programme and other community welfare initiatives, the organisation currently supports about 1,000 beneficiaries in Isiolo and Kakamega counties.
Its programmes provide food assistance, access to healthcare and social support to elderly people who often lack adequate family or financial support.
Promoting healthy ageing
Organisers said the event also seeks to promote healthy ageing and social inclusion by encouraging Kenyans of all ages to participate in activities that improve both physical wellbeing and community solidarity.
With participation continuing to grow each year, the organisers expressed optimism that the initiative will attract even more supporters in future editions, enabling it to reach more vulnerable senior citizens across the country.
They said the overwhelming turnout at this year’s event demonstrates that more Kenyans are recognising the importance of ensuring older persons are not forgotten but are instead supported to live healthy, dignified and fulfilling lives.
