This Christmas season, the Brotherhood Riders Association made a remarkable impact on the lives of over 1,000 street children in Eldoret, Kenya. The initiative was aimed at spreading festive cheer to children living on the streets of the town, many of whom have no homes or families. The event, carried out in partnership with Dante Customs, Saa Savannah Tyres, Alfayo, and Musavi, was a powerful demonstration of community support, compassion, and collaboration.
The street children, who typically live in tough conditions in areas such as Huruma, Road Block, and Eldoret, were given a special treat as they were transported to Langas, where they received not only food but also clothing and other essential items. The event was carefully planned to ensure that the children felt valued and cared for, despite their difficult circumstances. The Brotherhood Riders Association and its partners provided meals to the children, ensuring they had a hot meal to enjoy during the holiday season. In addition to this, the children were given new clothes, which gave them a sense of dignity and hope during what is often a challenging time of year.
In a heartwarming gesture, some of the children were reunited with their families, receiving transport assistance back to their relatives' homes. For those who had no family to return to, the Brotherhood Riders Association offered financial support by paying for their rent, ensuring they had a place to stay. This act of kindness helped bring some relief to those children who might otherwise have been left without shelter during the holiday season.
Musa Mugita, the chairperson of Brotherhood Riders Association, spoke about the inspiration behind the initiative. He emphasized that the goal was to make the street children feel included and valued during Christmas. “Our aim is to help these children during this festive season so they can feel like others who are celebrating with their families,” he said. The Brotherhood Riders Association’s gesture went beyond just feeding the children; it was a message of solidarity and care that showed the children they are not forgotten.
Mugita also highlighted the challenges that many street children face and called on the National Government to provide greater assistance. He urged the government to offer free medical services, including family planning for the women among the street children, who often lack access to healthcare. “We just want to call upon the government through the Ministry of Interior to help the street children who are over 18 years old to get identity cards without the bureaucratic challenges,” Mugita said. He explained that many of these young adults do not have the required documentation, such as birth certificates or parental consent, making it difficult for them to obtain identity cards. This lack of identification has far-reaching consequences, leaving these individuals unable to get employment or access crucial services, such as enrolling in health schemes like the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
In addition to his appeal for better identification processes, Mugita urged the County Government to take a more proactive role in addressing the plight of street families. He called for an end to the mishandling of these vulnerable individuals and instead urged local authorities to provide better protection, as well as housing solutions. “We need to stop the mistreatment of street families. These children and young adults deserve to live with dignity and to be given opportunities to reintegrate into society,” Mugita said. He advocated for the provision of homes and more structured support systems for street children, to help them transition back into stable lives.
The Brotherhood Riders Association, which was founded to assist vulnerable children, particularly those living on the streets or in charity homes, continues to play an essential role in the community. The association’s mission has always been to uplift those in dire need and to offer both immediate relief and long-term support. The leadership of the association, which includes Chairperson Musa Mugita, Treasurer Samuel Mudinyu, and Coordinator Reuben Kamaut, is committed to ensuring that the needs of street children are met with compassion and care.
Throughout the year, the Brotherhood Riders Association engages in various outreach programs aimed at improving the lives of marginalized children. Their efforts include providing education, shelter, and medical support to children who are often overlooked by society. Their work is made possible through the collaboration of local businesses and organizations like Dante Customs, Saa Savannah Tyres, Alfayo, and Musavi, who play an integral role in funding and facilitating the various charitable initiatives.
As the holiday season comes to a close, the impact of the Brotherhood Riders Association’s initiative will be felt for a long time. The generosity and kindness shown to over 1,000 street children in Eldoret serve as a reminder of the importance of community and the power of small acts of kindness in changing lives. The children who were given food, clothing, and shelter during this festive season will carry with them a sense of hope and belonging, knowing that there are people who care about their well-being.
The Brotherhood Riders Association’s Christmas outreach event is a shining example of how individuals and organizations can come together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most. As the association continues its work, it hopes to inspire others to take similar actions, ensuring that street children in Eldoret and beyond receive the support, care, and opportunities they need to build a brighter future.