In Murang’a County, a woman’s unwavering compassion is transforming the lives of hundreds of elderly citizens who have been abandoned or forgotten. For more than 12 years, healthcare worker Joyce Lee has dedicated herself to caring for vulnerable seniors through her Kumbuka Wazee Initiative.
What began in 2013 as a small faith-driven effort has grown into a countywide lifeline that now supports more than 400 elderly people with food, shelter, medical care and emotional support. The initiative was officially launched as an NGO on November 28, marking a major milestone in Joyce’s mission.
Her journey started with simple visits to remote villages, where she encountered seniors living in collapsing houses, wearing torn clothing, or surviving with no access to food or medical care. The desperation she witnessed convinced her that urgent intervention was needed.
With the help of friends, chiefs and local administrators, she began repairing homes and distributing food. Since then, the initiative has built about 30 houses, renovated many more and offered psychosocial support to hundreds of elderly residents.
But Joyce’s generosity has come at a personal cost. She often faces emergencies requiring money she does not have, forcing her to borrow to meet urgent needs. The strain has led to lost friendships and moments of deep loneliness. Still, she remains committed, and many elderly residents now view her home as a safe refuge.
Through her work, she has encountered painful stories of abuse, neglect and abandonment. Some seniors have survived attempted assaults, while others have been mocked or forgotten by family members who only reappear during funerals.
Joyce hopes the NGO’s new status will unlock long-term partnerships and sustainable support. Transport during emergencies remains a challenge, as do rising medical needs and inconsistent food supplies. Her long-term vision is to establish an elderly home in every county to ensure seniors receive dignity, companionship and care.
Beneficiaries say Joyce has changed their lives. Peter Mwangi credits her for supporting him through illness, while 80-year-old Flora Njoki says Joyce cared for her during a recent hospital admission.
Despite the weight of the work, Joyce remains hopeful and continues walking the dusty village paths with the same determination she had 12 years ago. She now appeals to well-wishers to support the initiative so more elderly people can be reached.
