Thousands of vulnerable senior citizens across Kenya are set to benefit after Sidian Bank committed KSh2 million towards the upcoming Run 4 Seniors initiative, a charity event aimed at improving healthcare, nutrition and welfare support for the elderly.
The sponsorship, announced ahead of the July 18 event at Karura Forest in Nairobi, marks one of the biggest corporate contributions towards this year’s campaign and is expected to strengthen efforts to support older persons who continue to face economic hardship, health challenges and social neglect.
The Run 4 Seniors initiative is organized by Mama Ibado Charity, a non-profit organization that has been working to improve the lives of vulnerable elderly citizens through food support, healthcare programmes and community welfare projects.
The event seeks to raise funds while also drawing national attention to the challenges facing senior citizens, many of whom struggle to access basic services despite spending decades contributing to society.
Speaking during the sponsorship announcement, Mama Ibado Charity President Ahmed Jibril said the support from Sidian Bank will help the organization expand its programmes and reach more elderly people in need.
He noted that Kenya’s ageing population continues to grow, creating an urgent need for partnerships that focus on the welfare and dignity of senior citizens.
According to Jibril, many elderly people are often forgotten despite facing some of the toughest social and economic challenges in society.
He said initiatives such as Run 4 Seniors are helping to change that narrative by placing the needs of older citizens at the centre of national conversations.
The event is expected to attract hundreds of participants, including corporate organizations, development partners, community groups and members of the public who want to support a worthy cause.
Participants will compete in 5-kilometre, 10-kilometre and 15-kilometre race categories while raising funds to support programmes targeting vulnerable senior citizens.
Sidian Bank Chief Executive Officer John Okulo said the institution was proud to partner with Mama Ibado Charity in promoting the wellbeing of older persons.
Okulo said strong communities are built when all generations are valued and supported.
He noted that senior citizens have played a critical role in shaping families, communities and the country and therefore deserve to live their later years with dignity and adequate support.
The sponsorship reflects Sidian Bank’s broader commitment to community development and social impact initiatives aimed at transforming lives.
For many elderly Kenyans, access to healthcare remains a major challenge.
Others struggle with food insecurity, loneliness and lack of social support, particularly in rural and marginalized communities.
Organizations such as Mama Ibado Charity have stepped in to bridge these gaps through targeted programmes that provide food, healthcare and emotional support.
The charity currently runs initiatives in Isiolo and Kakamega counties where it supports hundreds of vulnerable senior citizens.
Its programmes have become a lifeline for elderly people who would otherwise struggle to meet their daily needs.
With additional support from corporate partners such as Sidian Bank, the organization hopes to expand its reach and impact even more lives.
The second edition of Run 4 Seniors comes at a time when conversations around the welfare of older persons are gaining momentum across the country.
Advocates say more attention needs to be given to senior citizens, particularly those living in poverty and facing health challenges without adequate support systems.
Organizers believe the event will not only raise critical funds but also encourage more institutions to invest in programmes that protect and empower older people.
As preparations gather pace, the event is shaping up to be one of the most significant charity runs dedicated to elderly welfare in Kenya.
For vulnerable senior citizens, the KSh2 million sponsorship represents more than financial support.
It is a statement that their wellbeing matters.
It is recognition that they deserve care, dignity and respect.
And it is a reminder that no generation should be left behind.
