Kericho: Mothers and their infants at the Kericho County Referral Hospital Newborn Unit (NBU) were treated to an early Christmas cheer after receiving donations from various well-wishers Wednesday.

According to Kenya News Agency, the 40 mothers from underprivileged backgrounds could not hide their joy as they broke into Christmas songs when a Community Based Organization (CBO), Arise and Shine members delivered an assortment of foodstuffs and basic items to enable them to celebrate this Christmas season.

The event became even more memorable when a clergy from the Kericho Reformed Baptist Church, Pastor Paul Keno, led a spontaneous Christmas sermon, quoting a famous Old Testament prophecy in Isaiah 9:6, often cited as foretelling the birth and nature of Jesus Christ’s upbringing and destiny. This resonated well with all mothers, who face significant and varied challenges in bringing forth and raising children.

The visitors mingled freely with the nursing mothers as they distributed gift hampers that included rose flowers, milk, tissue papers, soap, and diapers. The Director of Arise and Shine, Pamela Keno, stated that the move was meant to bring joy and encouragement to the new mothers who were spending the festive season at the hospital’s NBU while taking care of their infants.

Brenda Chepkoech, a new mother of triplets, expressed her gratitude, stating she never anticipated such a delightful surprise. She shared her appreciation for the CBO’s efforts, noting the support lifted her spirits and made her feel appreciated, especially since her family could not visit her frequently.

Present at the event was the head of rehabilitation services at the Kericho County Referral Hospital, Milka Washuma. Arise and Shine, founded in 2023, is dedicated to supporting children with disabilities and neurodevelopmental disorders while advocating for their rights, dignity, and inclusion. The CBO also focuses on empowering caregivers and their families.