 Ahadi Kenya Profile
Message from Founder
With over 2.6 million jigger infested Kenyans registered by Ahadi Kenya Trust, I can say jigger
infestation is of great concern.
Many people have been suffering from jigger infestation in silence. No comprehensive survey has
been carried out, making it difficult to give the actual number of those affected.
But the effects of jigger infestation are not vague. With school going children dropping out of
school, and the spread of HIV/Aids among the infested through sharing of pins and other removing
equipment; these are but just a few of the effects of jiggers infestation. Jigger victims also have to
deal with stigmatisation and ridicule, being unable to exercise their voting rights due to disability,
poverty and in extreme cases, death.
Jigger infestation, caused by poverty and subsequently lack of proper hygiene, has so far claimed
the lives of over 265 people in the last two years. There is no doubt this number could be higher, as
most cases go unreported.
Lack of political goodwill has been one of our biggest challenges in the fight against this menace, as
political leaders feel embarrassed to come out and talk about jiggers.
But our partnership with the Government ministries, especially the Ministry of Public Health and
Sanitation, has boosted the Anti-Jigger campaign. The media, corporate bodies, religious organizations,
opinion leaders, as well as support from individual well wishers has been overwhelming.
Through that support, Ahadi Kenya Trust has had the joy of seeing children who a while ago could
not walk, get back to school, while adults who depended on handouts get involved in income
generating activities. So far, more than 3000 people have been treated and fully rehabilitated.
In Kenya, all the eight provinces have reported cases of jigger infestation, with a few isolated cases
in Nairobi province. Our neighbouring countries have not been spared either, and are seeking our
assistance.
As we look forward to completely eradicating jiggers in Kenya by the year 2015, plans are also
underway to take jigger eradication campaigns to other African countries soon.
Galatians 6:9- 'Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose
heart!'
- Stanley Kamau Maina , HSC
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