Action for Children Hosts Outreach Event in Thika to Support Vulnerable Children

Action for Children in Conflict (AFCiC) and the Thika District Business Association (TDBA), in partnership with corporate organisations including Del Monte, Newsline Media ,Thika Cloth Mills, Advocate Wanjiru Mwangi, 3T, Faytech, Mac Dental, Best Budget and Hawkers Pride, held a community outreach event in Thika on Easter Saturday aimed at supporting vulnerable and street-connected children.

The event, held at St. Patrick’s Primary School grounds, brought together stakeholders for a football tournament and donation drive targeting food, clothing, and sports equipment for at-risk children during the school holiday period.

At least eight teams participated in the tournament, attracting residents, business groups, and local leaders who turned out to support the initiative.

AFCiC Director John Muiruri said the programme was designed to protect children from risks such as drug abuse, crime, and exploitation, which often increase during school holidays.

“School holidays expose many children to unsafe environments. This initiative is meant to keep them engaged while also ensuring they have access to basic needs,” he said.

Muiruri added that AFCiC is implementing similar initiatives across Thika, Kiambu, Murang’a, and parts of Laikipia North, focusing on child protection and development.

Corporate partners supported the event through donations and logistical assistance, underscoring the importance of community collaboration in addressing challenges affecting children.

TDBA pledged continued support for such initiatives, saying they are key to building a healthy, educated, and drug-free environment and positioning Thika as a model for social investment. Local leadership also committed to providing food supplies to support feeding programmes for vulnerable children during the holiday period.

Participants in the tournament said the event also offered an opportunity to mentor young people and promote discipline through sports.

Organisers said the outreach forms part of a broader strategy to use community-based activities to create safe spaces for children and reduce their exposure to harmful behaviours.