AIC Child Care Centre Kajiado county Physiotherapy Department./PHOTO; Courtesy
Across Kenya, vulnerable children, especially young girls, face challenges such as harmful cultural practices, limited access to healthcare, and the persistent threat of HIV and AIDS.
On World AIDS Day 2025, the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) joined the AIC Child Care Centre in Kajiado to celebrate the resilience of these children and emphasize hope, unity, and collective action in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
Healing and Empowerment Through Rehabilitation
At the heart of the Centre’s work is rehabilitation. Keswe Mapena, the Centre Manager, shared his personal connection to the facility, recalling how he himself received support here as a child. “I know firsthand how much this Centre can transform lives,” he said.
He explained how the facility offers life-changing support to children who have lost limbs due to accidents, those born with physical disabilities, or girls rescued from early marriages and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
“We provide artificial limbs, assistive devices like wheelchairs, and refer children for corrective surgeries such as cleft foot repair,” he said.
“Our goal is to give every child the chance to live a normal life and achieve independence.”
The Centre also integrates education into rehabilitation.
Children attend school on-site or in nearby institutions, receiving academic instruction alongside vocational skills to prepare them for self-sustenance.
Community rehabilitation is equally crucial: staff educate local communities on disability inclusion, emphasizing that disability is not a curse but a human reality that can happen to anyone.
Comprehensive Physiotherapy and Specialized Care
Faith Chepkemoi, a physiotherapist at the Centre, highlighted the critical role of early intervention in improving the lives of children with disabilities.
“We provide physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and hydrotherapy for children who need it. Our services are not limited to children; adults also come from Kajiado and even Tanzania for treatment,” she said.
The Centre has a 28-bed ward and admits children with conditions like cerebral palsy, offering long-term care that considers both the severity of the disability and nutritional needs.
For children whose parents are living with HIV, the Centre provides guidance on prevention, early intervention, and access to appropriate healthcare.
Mothers attending antenatal clinics are screened and educated on preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV, helping to ensure healthier futures for both mothers and children.
Raising Awareness on HIV and AIDS
HIV and AIDS awareness is embedded in the Centre’s programs.
Children and their families receive education on living responsibly, avoiding high-risk behaviors, and understanding that HIV knows no barriers, even disability does not shield one from infection.
Preventing infections, particularly in the context of FGM and other harmful practices, is a key part of this education.
Pauline Waweru, HR Manager at KNBS and coordinator of the organization’s HIV and AIDS initiatives, stressed the importance of awareness and sensitization.
“Many people are still afraid to know their HIV status due to fear of stigma,” she said.
“Education empowers both infected and uninfected individuals. This is particularly important for young girls rescued from harmful practices. They return to their communities equipped with knowledge to protect themselves and others.”
According to Waweru, progress has been made in reducing early marriages through government programs, community engagement, and mentorship initiatives.
Girls now have a better chance of completing their education before marriage, although challenges remain.
KNBS Partnership: Data, Compassion, and Community
Rose Awino, Senior Manager, Human Resource at Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, during the event./ PHOTO’ CourtesyDuring the World AIDS Day commemoration, Mrs. Rose Awino, Senior Manager, Human Resources at KNBS, spoke about the critical role of data in shaping effective HIV responses.
She emphasized that statistics are not just numbers; they represent real people, communities, and lived experiences.
“Behind every figure is a story, a life, and a community that we have a responsibility to understand and support,” Mrs. Awino said.
She highlighted the importance of collaborating with institutions like AIC Kajiado Childcare Centre, which provides on-the-ground insight and support for vulnerable children, ensuring that KNBS’s programs remain relevant and effective.
Mrs. Awino also addressed the ongoing challenges in the fight against HIV and AIDS, including reduced international funding, societal disruptions, and the fear and stigma that still prevent some people from knowing their HIV status.
She called for continued awareness campaigns, education, and community engagement to empower both affected and at-risk individuals.
Highlighting KNBS’ contributions beyond data collection, Mrs. Awino noted the Bureau’s active involvement in donating essential items, engaging directly with the children, and reinforcing messages of compassion, inclusivity, and collective responsibility.
“Our presence here is a reminder that ending HIV and AIDS is not the work of one organization alone it requires all of us, working together, supporting one another, and ensuring no child or community is left behind,” she said.
The 2025 World AIDS Day theme, “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,” resonated strongly with Mrs. Awino and the audience.
She noted that while funding cuts and societal challenges continue to affect HIV programs, the resilience of communities and institutions like AIC Kajiado demonstrates the possibility of meaningful progress when people come together with purpose and compassion.
Hope for the Future
For the girls and children at AIC Kajiado, the Centre is more than a rehabilitation facility it is a sanctuary that restores dignity, provides education, and fosters empowerment.
The Centre’s holistic approach ensures that children with disabilities, survivors of early marriages, and those affected by HIV have access to healthcare, mentorship, and life skills.
As Keswe Mapena reflected, “This Centre has helped many children and young people transform their lives. I was once helped here as a child, and now I have the opportunity to give back. They now have opportunities they never had before. Even culturally, where disabilities were often ignored, we provide a space where children are recognized, valued, and given hope.”
Mrs. Awino concluded by encouraging all stakeholders to continue supporting such initiatives, emphasizing that with awareness, collaboration, and empathy, Kenya can build a future where every child is protected, educated, and empowered to thrive.
World AIDS Day 2025 at AIC Kajiado Childcare Centre was a reminder that while challenges persist, resilience, education, and community support can change lives.
Behind every statistic is a story, a dream, and a future worth protecting, one that can thrive with compassion, inclusivity, and determination.
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