Sienta PSV Operators Extend Charity to Special Needs Schools in Tharaka-Nithi

Sienta PSV operators in Tharaka-Nithi County, plying the Chuka-Chogoria route, visited Kairuni School for the Mentally Handicapped and Small Home for the Physically Handicapped in Muthambi on Thursday, 12 June 2025, as part of their charity initiative.

As an effort to give back to society, the Sienta operators donated foodstuffs and other essential goods.

According to Jacob Munene, their Chairperson, the operators received significant support from other well-wishers, with donations including clothes, foodstuffs, and even money. He urged elected leaders to visit such institutions and assist, particularly in infrastructure development.

"We are giving back to society and, more importantly, thanking God for keeping us safe in our daily operations on the road. God has made it possible, taking care of us and our vehicles. We decided to find time and step away from our usual operations to spend time with these children as part of our charity efforts," the operators said.

Gatakaa Henry, a teacher at Kairuni School for the Mentally Handicapped, expressed gratitude to the Sienta operators for considering their institution for the visit, noting that the learners would greatly benefit from the generous donations.

However, she highlighted several challenges within the institution, requesting further assistance with equipment and infrastructure, particularly the construction of additional classrooms and equipping the dining hall with more tables and chairs for the learners.

"As a national school and a pioneering special needs institution in the country, we have yet to reach the level we aspire to. Part of the tuition block has been converted into a dormitory, leaving us with limited classroom space. Our dining hall, which was constructed with the support of our Member of Parliament, Kareke Mbiuki, also requires additional chairs and tables, and the kitchen needs cookers installed," she said.

The institution, which plans to establish a vocational training center, is also seeking support for the construction of a workshop that will aid in training the learners.

"What we need are materials and a workshop. We have learners with great potential," she said.

The management at Small Home for the Physically Handicapped in Muthambi highlighted the need for the children to be equipped with skills through short courses and urged well-wishers to support the facility, especially in renovations and payment of workers.

"We are happy and grateful for the generous donations, which will serve as a boost for us. We ask for more support and encourage more members of the public to take up the duty of helping these kids who are from less privileged families. Since our donor left, it has been challenging to take care of them," Kagendo, one of the staff members, said.