Sidian Bank has joined a growing movement to improve the lives of Kenya’s elderly population after committing KSh2 million towards the 2026 Run 4 Seniors initiative.
The sponsorship will support preparations for the second edition of the charity event scheduled to take place on July 18 at Karura Forest in Nairobi.
The annual event, organized by Mama Ibado Charity, has become an important platform for mobilizing resources and raising awareness about the challenges facing senior citizens across the country.
The latest contribution from Sidian Bank comes as welfare organizations continue warning that many elderly Kenyans are struggling with rising healthcare costs, food insecurity and limited access to social support systems.
Organizers say the event seeks to shine a spotlight on those challenges while generating resources to fund programmes that directly benefit vulnerable senior citizens.
Mama Ibado Charity President Ahmed Jibril welcomed the partnership, describing it as a significant step towards ensuring older persons receive the support they deserve.
He noted that many senior citizens have spent decades contributing to the growth of the country, yet a large number continue to face difficult living conditions after retirement.
According to Jibril, support from institutions such as Sidian Bank makes it possible to expand programmes that provide food assistance, healthcare services and social welfare support to elderly people who would otherwise be left behind.
He said the partnership demonstrates the importance of collaboration between the private sector and charitable organizations in addressing social challenges affecting vulnerable members of society.
The Run 4 Seniors initiative was launched to encourage individuals, businesses and organizations to become active participants in improving the welfare of older persons.
The event has steadily grown in popularity and is expected to attract hundreds of participants from different sectors this year.
Corporate organizations, development partners, community groups and individual runners are expected to take part in the event while helping raise funds for programmes targeting senior citizens.
Sidian Bank Chief Executive Officer John Okulo said the bank’s decision to support the initiative reflects its commitment to creating meaningful impact within communities.
He noted that every generation deserves support and recognition, especially senior citizens who have spent years building families, businesses and communities.
Okulo said the bank sees the initiative as an opportunity to contribute to a cause that directly improves the quality of life for vulnerable elderly people.
He added that strong societies are built when no one is left behind, including older members of the community who often face unique social and economic challenges.
The sponsorship also highlights the growing role of corporate organizations in supporting social welfare programmes beyond traditional business operations.
Many companies are increasingly investing in community-based initiatives aimed at addressing healthcare, education and social protection needs.
For Mama Ibado Charity, the additional support is expected to strengthen ongoing programmes in Isiolo and Kakamega counties, where the organization provides assistance to vulnerable elderly people through feeding programmes, healthcare interventions and community outreach activities.
The charity says demand for support continues to rise as more elderly people struggle with limited income and increasing healthcare expenses.
Organizers hope the Run 4 Seniors initiative will encourage broader national conversations about ageing, dignity and the responsibilities society has towards older citizens.
This year’s event will feature three race categories comprising 5-kilometre, 10-kilometre and 15-kilometre runs.
Beyond the competition, participants will be helping raise awareness about the need for stronger support systems for senior citizens.
As preparations continue, organizers remain optimistic that the event will surpass the success of the inaugural edition and generate greater public support for elderly welfare programmes.
For many vulnerable senior citizens, the event represents more than a fundraising exercise.
It represents hope.
It represents recognition.
And it represents a growing commitment from institutions and communities to ensure that older Kenyans can live their later years with dignity, care and respect.
