Meet Nakuru's 'Mother Theresa' with a heart for the needy
Ramchandani Rani receives a certificate of recognition at the Christ the King Catholic church in Nakuru.
Ramchandani Rani has become a household name owing to her philanthropic acts within and without Nakuru.
On a weekly basis, Rani never misses an activity of philanthropy.
Among the notable activities she has participated in is the issuance of mobility devices to persons living with disabilities.
She has also reached out to vulnerable girls in various wards with donations of dignity packs.
Her philanthropic activities have earned her the name 'Mother Teresa of Nakuru'.
Just like Mother Teresa who sacrificed to ensure the poor in society have a smile, so is Rani.
Rani who is also the current President Rotary Club of Nakuru was born in 1978 in India.
20 years ago, she came to Kenya and is now married to a businessman from Kenya. The two are blessed with three children.
Speaking to Mtaa Wangu, she admits that at first she faced culture shock but the people who surrounded her helped a lot in ensuring she adapts to the new norm of things, among them understanding the Swahili language.
"At first it was harsh for me but I had to adapt," she says.
It is during her stay in Nakuru that she noticed poverty affecting many people and this marked the start of her charity work dubbed ‘Helping Hands’.
“This initiative had an aim of ensuring we transform lives in the community,” she says.
Gioto dumpsite is one of places which has been transformed through the initiative with several girls also empowered through psychosocial support.
She has also partnered with Rotary Club of Nakuru under her Rani Ramchandani foundation to issue out over 2,570 wheelchairs not only in Nakuru but in other 19 counties, besides distributing the smart stick for the visually impaired in Nakuru.
A total of 40 schools have benefited with hand washing stations.
It is also through the initiative that more than 18 children homes and homes for the elderly have been assisted.
In addition, more than 13 PWDs have also been accorded economic empowerment.
Rani has also assisted young mothers through her initiative with 21 girls already educated.
“When you empower girls and women, you are empowering the society. That is why I chose to assist the young mothers,” states Rani.
Besides, she has also participated in various community peace initiatives.
She says hers is to see a transformed society where everyone feels loved.