The Military Wives Association of Kenya (MWAK) held a diaper
distribution exercise for Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) dependents with special
needs at the Kenya Navy Hospital (TKNH), Mtongwe, on June Friday.
Over 20 KDF families from the Coast region have received
essential supplies, including diapers, through an initiative by MWAK.
The initiative aims to support military families caring for dependants with special needs by providing essential supplies to ease the daily demands of caregiving.
The initiative aligns with MWAK’s mission to promote the
welfare of KDF personnel and their families, reaffirming its commitment to the
dignity, comfort, and well-being of both the dependants and their caregivers.
MWAK chairperson Grace Kahariri, who presided over the
distribution exercise, lauded the caregivers of the dependants with special
needs for being resilient, their dedication, and compassion amidst the challenges
they face.
She reiterated MWAK’s dedication to inclusion, stressing the
importance of providing full support and empowerment for every child with
special needs.
“Sometimes, we’re tested not to show our weaknesses but to
discover our strengths. Be strong enough to stand alone, smart enough to know
when you need help, and brave enough to ask for it. We see you, we value you
and we hear you loud and clear,” Kahariri said.
She said the collaboration with other institutions supports MWAK’s mission to uplift families raising children with special needs.
The partnerships intend to broaden the provision of fundamental
services, including medical support, assistive products, and caregiver education.
Kahariri urged families to take advantage of existing
support systems, such as registering through national disability frameworks,
which can open the door to further care and resources.
“We will continue to partner with like-minded organisations
to support all our families serving, retired, widowed, orphaned, and those
caring for children abled differently,” she said.
Kahariri disclosed MWAK’s long-term plan to introduce a
specialised training and development centre within the Kenya Navy Base in the
future.
The facility aims to help children with special needs, offering
structured therapeutic, educational, and developmental programmes, while also
serving as a centre for caregiver training and psychosocial support.
In attendance were the Commander Kenya Navy Base Mtongwe,
Brigadier Abraham Biwot, TKNH Senior Medical Officer, Colonel (Dr) Jethro
Wambugu, TKNH Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Lieutenant Colonel (Dr) Judith
Adipo, MWAK members and families.