Deputy President William Ruto on Monday graced his birthday and marriage anniversary with children from 52 orphanages in Uasin Gishu County, with a call on Kenyans to help those from poor family backgrounds.
Ruto who marked his 54th birthday and 28 years of marriage at his Sugoi home, urged Kenyans families to help those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“I wish to appeal to Kenyans who have capacity to help those from needy backgrounds. Our children deserve a home, love and care,” Ruto said.
The DP who was flanked by his wife, Rachel, said the government has temporarily banned foreigners from adopting local children and will work towards a new policy governing the process.
He asked Kenyans to embrace the culture of adopting children from children homes in order to ensure they get good education.
“I ask Kenyans to step up and adopt these children so that they can live with families and not in homes,” he said.
“We have many people shedding tears who want to have children and we also have those doing the same because they don’t have people who can take care of them,” Ruto said.
He praised organizations, which have committed resources to help children from poor family backgrounds.
Ruto said the government through the Inua Jamii programme was helping orphans, the elderly and persons with disabilities improve their living standards.
“I ask individuals and organizations helping children in orphanages to work closely with government agencies in addressing the plight of such children,” Ruto said.
Rachael on her part, thanked the Uasin Gishu orphanages for coming together under the Uasin Gishu Children’s Services Forum, noting that it was now easier to work with them in exploring ways of solving challenges facing them.
“I sincerely thank you for your efforts to ensure our children from disadvantaged families eat, drink, sleep and get clothes to wear. We will continue to support them in the ways we can,” she said.
Later the Deputy President and his wife, presented the food items to the children homes which included maize flour, cooking oil, wheat flour, rice and sugar, face masks and drugs among others.
He asked Kenyans to extend a hand of help as we approach Christmas season to children from poor family backgrounds so that they enjoy the festive season.
“I take this opportunity to wish you a Merry Christmas and a successful new year,” Ruto said.