A beneficiary receiving food donation./PHOTO ; Courtesy
Two community-based organizations joined forces on October 5, 2025, in Kajiado County for a heartwarming food drive aimed at easing the burden of food insecurity for families raising children who are differently-abled.
The initiative, led by Kevin Odhiambo, founder of Shaping Futures, in collaboration with Risper Kiinzi, founder of Watoto wa Baraka Foundation, reached 38 families in Rongai and Kiserian, delivering much-needed food supplies directly to their homes.
Dignity and Inclusion at the Heart of Giving
Speaking during the drive, Odhiambo said the initiative was rooted in compassion and dignity, not charity.
“Families raising children abled differently are often overlooked and struggle to balance earning a living with caring for their loved ones,” he noted.
“With this small gesture, we wish to remind them they are not alone and that we love them.”
Each household received a food package containing maize flour, sugar, rice, beans, wheat flour, cooking oil, salt, and porridge flour.
While modest, the donation offered what Odhiambo described as a “breathing space” for families under immense pressure to provide daily meals.
He emphasized that the effort went beyond distributing food; it was about reshaping mindsets.
“We hope that through consistent acts of kindness, society will learn to embrace and empower differently abled persons by recognizing their strength and humanity,” he said.
Restoring Hope and Reassurance
For many of the families, the gesture was about more than just food; it was about reassurance and emotional relief.
Njeri’s mother, who cares for her daughter living with hydrocephalus, expressed deep gratitude for the support.
“Today I feel so grateful. We were not sure what we would eat this week, and this has lifted a huge weight from my heart. At least now I can plan meals without fear of going to bed hungry,” she said.
Another parent, Isaac’s mother, echoed similar sentiments.
“This support means a lot. It shows we are not forgotten. With these supplies, we can manage for at least two weeks, giving me time to focus on caring for my son without worrying about food,” she said.
She added that every package carried a message of care and recognition, proof that the organizations understood their struggles and were willing to walk alongside them.
Building Inclusive Communities
While food distribution was the highlight, both organizations used the opportunity to champion broader inclusion.
Kiinzi, who leads Watoto wa Baraka Foundation, explained that philanthropy goes beyond giving; it’s about shared humanity.
“Giving is not just about sharing food. It is about sharing love, dignity, and hope. Today we stand together to show that every family matters,” she said.
She emphasized that true social investment involves creating spaces where families raising persons with disabilities feel seen and included.
Such efforts, she added, help shift community attitudes from pity or exclusion toward respect, empowerment, and participation.
The drive was funded through pooled contributions from both organizations and supported by volunteers who helped distribute the food, interact with families, and document stories that will guide future interventions.
Looking Beyond Relief
Both Shaping Futures and Watoto wa Baraka Foundation stressed that the day’s activity was part of a
broader vision, one that goes beyond emergency relief to long-term empowerment.
Plans are underway for more outreach programs focused on nutrition, psychosocial support, and livelihood empowerment for families raising differently abled children.
The organizers also appealed to well-wishers, volunteers, and partners to join them in sustaining these inclusive efforts.
Odhiambo reflected that the experience had deepened his commitment to social inclusion.
“This cause is very close to our hearts because we believe every person, regardless of ability, deserves dignity and care. The warm response from the community has encouraged us to keep pushing forward in creating spaces of love and support,” he said.
About Shaping Futures
Shaping Futures is a community-based organization that uses creative expression, especially dance, to foster empowerment and social change.
Its programs range from feeding initiatives and clothing drives to life-skills training, education support, and mentorship.
The organization’s vision is to build an inclusive society where every child, regardless of ability, thrives in dignity.
About Watoto wa Baraka Foundation
Watoto wa Baraka Foundation is a grassroots initiative advocating for the rights and well-being of children and families living in vulnerable circumstances.
The foundation runs community outreach, mentorship, and empowerment programs rooted in compassion and inclusion.
Its mission is to ensure that no family raising a differently abled child feels isolated or forgotten.
Insight: A Model for Philanthropic Collaboration
The Kajiado food drive illustrates how grassroots philanthropy and local partnerships can address social challenges through empathy and inclusion.
It demonstrates that impactful giving does not always require vast resources; sometimes, it begins with shared purpose and a willingness to act.
While limited in scale, the initiative offers a replicable model of community-driven social investment one where local organizations collaborate to restore dignity, hope, and visibility to families often left out of mainstream support systems.
