If you pass by the City Center near Tower One Building in the morning, you’ll often see a group gathered by the flower beds leading to the Nakuru County offices.

Upon closer look, most of them are senior citizens, some in wheelchairs or using crutches. They’re here to receive food donations, medication, and a small stipend.

For three years, this has been a familiar sight for those working or commuting through the area. However, this routine may soon come to an end. According to Gladys Kamuren, Chief Officer for Gender, Social Services, and Inclusivity, the group’s activities will be relocated.

“We want to move them to another location for dignity and decency. Every morning, you’ll find many disabled people along the road for extended periods. We’ve identified space at the Old Town Hall for this purpose,” Ms Kamuren explained.

People with dissability and the elderly camp outside Tower One building to receive food donations from Shamsher Gilani the Chairperson of Streets Children Assistance Network (SCANN) on December 5, 2024.

Photo credit: Bret Sanya/Mtaa Wangu

Shamsher Gilani, Chairperson of the Street Children Assistance Network (SCANN), has been providing donations to the elderly and persons with disabilities outside Tower One for three years. He supports the relocation plan.

“I do this from the goodness of my heart. It’s not for me to decide where they gather. If they move to a new location, I have no objection. This spot was chosen for convenience, allowing me to help them quickly and return to my office,” Mr Gilani says.

However, Pastor Ben Otieno, the group’s chairperson, voiced concerns about the move.

“We’re grateful to SCANN for their support, but we’re unhappy with the county’s decision. When they talk about decency and dignity, we are no different from anyone else. Most of us are old or disabled, and we mean no harm. We only gather here for about 30 minutes before leaving,” he explained.

While the group doesn’t oppose relocating to a hall, Pastor Otieno fears interference from brokers and cartels.

People with dissability and the elderly camp outside Tower One building to receive food donations from Shamsher Gilani the Chairperson of Streets Children Assistance Network (SCANN) on December 5, 2024.

Photo credit: Bret Sanya/Mtaa Wangu

“These individuals may infiltrate and ruin the noble cause that Mr. Shamsher is undertaking,” he added.

County to move SCANN food donations from outside Tower One to Old Town Hall

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Bret Sanya