By Purity Njoki.
Courtesy of the Legacy4Children (L4C) Program, Child in Family Focus Kenya (CFFK) in partnership with Go Economic Empowerment Program (GEEP) Kenya, recently conducted a series of family assessments and follow-up visits aimed at evaluating the progress of previously supported households and identifying families in need of additional assistance. The initiative forms part of the organizations’ commitment to child protection, family strengthening and preventing unnecessary separation of children from their families through sustainable economic empowerment and food security interventions.
The assessments conducted from 20th to 22nd May 2026, focused on families that had previously received support through livelihood and economic strengthening programs. The visits provided an opportunity to evaluate progress, understand ongoing challenges and identify areas where further support was needed. By engaging directly with households, the teams were able to gain deeper insight into the realities faced by vulnerable families and tailor responses that are more impactful to each household.
Among the families visited was a vulnerable household in Ikinu, Githunguri Sub County, where a mother living with mental health challenges is raising children with disabilities. Despite the challenges they face, the family’s resilience and determination were inspiring. The firstborn son, who lives with cerebral palsy, has become a source of hope for his family. Through beadwork, mat making and selling vegetables, he works hard to contribute to the household’s needs.
A well-wisher had previously provided him with a small piece of land where he grows vegetables for sale. This initiative has not only boosted his independence but also supported the family’s overall wellbeing. Building on this progress, and recognizing his commitment and potential, GEEP Kenya in partnership with CFFK supported the family in establishing a kitchen garden. This support will help increase vegetable production, improve food security and create additional income opportunities for the household.
The team also identified and visited another family in the Jamaica community caring for a child living with cerebral palsy. Due to financial and nutritional challenges, the family was struggling to meet the child’s needs, increasing the risk of family separation. To strengthen the family’s capacity to care for their child, GEEP Kenya and CFFK provided nutrition support and assisted in establishing a kitchen garden. The kitchen garden will enable the family to grow nutritious vegetables for home consumption, improving household food security and ensuring a steady supply of healthy produce. Any surplus harvest can also be sold to generate additional income for the family. Through this support, the family is better equipped to meet the child’s nutritional needs and provide a nurturing home environment. The intervention helps ensure that the child can continue growing up within the care and love of their family while promoting sustainability.
These interventions demonstrate how targeted support can strengthen families caring for persons with disabilities. By investing in kitchen gardening, nutrition and family-based care, CFFK and GEEP Kenya are helping vulnerable households improve food security, build sustainable livelihoods and create nurturing environments where children and young people with disabilities can thrive within their families and communities.