Kisii Governor Arati, MPs spread smiles with Christmas tokens
Residents across Gusii region experienced early Christmas cheers as local politicians distributed food items and other essentials to mark the festive season, bringing relief and smiles to many households.
In Kisii, Governor Simba Arati led County staff Wednesday in spreading compassion to dozens receiving treatment at the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital.
He also visited the neighbouring Mediforte Hospital and cheered up patients.
“This season reminds us to care for one another and to stand with families who may be facing challenges” he noted, urging residents to celebrate peacefully.
Earlier, the governor, together with his teams, crisscrossed several outlying villages with similar donations.
The initiative, he said, was meant to show compassion and solidarity with patients who were unable to celebrate Christmas at home with their families.
“Christmas is a time of love, sharing, and encouragement. We want our patients to feel remembered and supported as they recover. As a county, we stand with them,” the governor said.
He also took time to interact with health workers, thanking them for their dedication and sacrifice, especially during the holidays.
He praised doctors, nurses, and support staff for continuing to provide services despite challenges facing the health sector.
In both hospitals, the administrators welcomed the gesture, saying it boosted the morale of both patients and staff.
The governor assured residents that his administration remains committed to improving healthcare services through better facilities, adequate staffing, and increased supply of medical equipment.
The Christmas outreach marked the end of a year-long series of community engagements by the county leadership.
Elsewhere, MPs Daniel Manduku (Nyaribari Masaba) and Zaheer Jhanda (Nyaribari Chache) led constituents staff in donating the goodies.
The goodies consisted of wheat flour, rice, sugar and cooking oil.
Manduku urged residents to maintain peace during the festive season and reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving livelihoods through development projects in the coming year.
In Nyaribari Chache the MP also donated mattresses the elderly and vulnerable families.
The donations were described by the politicians as a way of sharing goodwill and appreciating the constituents during this festive period.
Many said the items would help them prepare meals and enjoy the holiday with dignity.
“This will make a big difference for my family,” said a resident from Bobasi. “We feel remembered.”
Meanwhile, the public transport operators maintained normal fares to the relief of travellers heading home for festivities despite the traditional surge in passenger numbers ahead of the festive season.
A spot check at major bus stages in Kisii town on showed that matatus and long-distance buses were charging standard rates to destinations.
The operators said maintaining fair prices helps attract more customers and avoid conflicts with passengers.
“We decided not to hike fares this year,” said a George Mogire an operator. “Fuel prices have not gone up, and many people are already struggling financially. Keeping fares reasonable is good for business and for passengers.”