In a significant humanitarian gesture preceding Christmas, the Kenya Chinese Women Association has delivered essential aid supplies to the Nairobi Children’s Rescue Centre. The donation, comprising vital infant care items including milk powder, baby food, diapers, and toys, was formally presented during a ceremony attended by representatives from both the Chinese community and the rescue center.
Established as a nonprofit organization in 2017, the association has maintained an eight-year tradition of Christmas philanthropy, though this occasion marks their inaugural partnership directly with a Kenyan government institution. The donated materials, valued at approximately 700,000 Kenyan shillings ($5,430), were specifically tailored to address the center’s urgent requirements.
The Nairobi Children’s Rescue Centre operates as the capital’s sole government-managed facility providing temporary care for children from birth to seven years of age. Currently housing 57 children, the institution employs 14 government staff members supplemented by nine dedicated volunteers.
Margaret Kagwiria, the center’s manager, emphasized the critical importance of need-specific donations. “Our institution primarily cares for very young babies, making infant nutrition and essential supplies our foremost requirements,” Kagwiria explained. “We maintain specific donation lists to ensure all contributed items are both appropriate and utilizable for our children.”
Bao Ping, chairperson of the Kenya Chinese Women Association, highlighted the evolving nature of their community engagement. “Our annual Christmas donation has become a cherished tradition,” Ping stated. “The Chinese community in Kenya is continuously striving to deepen our integration with local society through meaningful humanitarian contributions.”
The donation received formal appreciation from Kenyan government officials, including Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture and Children Services Hannah Wendot Cheptumo, who acknowledged the vital role of collaborative partnerships in child protection efforts. “Children in rescue facilities represent among our society’s most vulnerable members,” Cheptumo noted. “Our governmental responsibility encompasses harm prevention, timely protection provision, and supporting pathways toward family-based care and long-term stability.”
Principal Secretary for Children Services Carren Ageng’o further encouraged expanded engagement from Kenya’s Chinese community, suggesting corporate social responsibility initiatives as a potential avenue for enhanced collaboration.