TDBA, Broadways host over 400 senior citizens to mark International Day of Older Persons.

Thika District Business Association (TDBA) and Broadways Group of Companies on Tuesday marked the International Day of Older Persons by hosting over 400 senior citizens from across Thika West Sub-County at Thika Gymkhana.

In a fete of a kind, and the first of a kind in the region, the celebrants could not hind their joy. Majority of them could not hide their joy as they admitted that nobody has ever recognised them as even their own children neglected most of them at home.

Speaking during the event, Kiambu Deputy Governor James Nyoro who was the chief guest challenged other players to emulate this gesture saying he would ensure these celebrations were made an annual event and replicated across all the 12 sub-counties of Kiambu in order to benefit all deserving senior citizens.

He directed the Department of Social Services to compile a list of all persons aged 70 and above in the county with their contact in which county officials would be making impromptu visits to their homes to ascertain their living conditions.

Nyoro promised to stock all hospitals with enough medicines and the requisite equipments in order to decongest Level 4 and 5 hospitals in the counties.

Area MP Eng. Patrick Wainaina challenged the younger generation to emulate this gesture by always taking care of their aging parents and grandparents.

“A country that does not recognise their heroes is doomed. Our seniors hold the power to curse and to bless. Let’s seize the opportunity to harness blessings when these people are still alive,” said Wainaina.

Broadway Group chair Bimal Shah noted that the duty to care for the aged was a collective responsibility, acknowledging that the fact that government could not manage to do everything.

He added that, for the last two years, Broadways had been conducting monthly medical camps across the country where citizens were tested and advised on diabetes and hypertension among other lifestyle diseases.

“On the 14^th of November (2019), Broadways will mark World Diabetes Day with a medical camp in Thika where we will offer free screening to residents for various ailments,” said Bimal.

TDBA Chair Alfred Wanyoike thanked all the organisations that contributed to the success of the event noting that the association wouldn’t have managed without their input.

He challenged other companies to emulate this gesture, as it was in such acts that they would create more conducive environment for business.

The event saw senior citizen enjoy some entertainment, get some lunch, free medical checkup, as well as getting some free counseling sessions. Each one of them also went home with a gift hamper courtesy of Broadways, Bakex Ltd, Del Monte and Junglenut Holdings.

Among the companies that contributed to the success of this occasion included Medisel Kenya, Chania Emporium, Mjengo Ltd and Thika Water and Sewerage Company (THIWASCO).

Others include Joytown Secondary School, Uzuri Institute, Jodan College, Hemland College, International Professional Counselors Centre, Thika Town Today – 3T, the Department of Social Services, Kiambu County Health Department and the Office of the Thika West Deputy County Commissioner who assisted in logistics and transport services.