Stoma World Kenya

The Difficult Choice: Food or Stoma Supplies

For many ostomates in Kenya, living with a stoma presents not only physical and emotional challenges but also severe financial strain. With one quality stoma bag costing approximately Ksh 700 (5 Euro) and needing to be replaced every four days, the monthly expense for stoma management can reach Ksh 4,900 (35 Euro) – an amount far beyond the reach of many Kenyans living in poverty.

This financial reality forces ostomates to make an impossible choice: buy food to nourish their bodies or purchase stoma supplies to maintain their dignity and health. No one should have to make this choice, which is why Stoma World Kenya established our Food Distribution Program.

The Impossible Choice

Many ostomates in Kenya face this difficult decision every month:

Food for a Family

10kg Maize Flour Ksh 1,200
5kg Rice Ksh 850
3kg Beans Ksh 600
Cooking Oil (2L) Ksh 500
Vegetables & Fruits Ksh 1,000
Sugar, Salt & Spices Ksh 750
TOTAL Ksh 4,900

Monthly Stoma Supplies

7 Colostomy Bags Ksh 4,900
Adhesive Removers Additional Cost
Skin Barriers Additional Cost
Stoma Powder Additional Cost
Without these supplies, ostomates face skin irritation, infections, leakage, and social isolation
MINIMUM COST Ksh 4,900+

Same cost, impossible choice

Our Food Distribution Impact

Through our food program, we're helping ostomates avoid this impossible choice

Families Supported

230+

Monthly food packages

Counties Reached

Across Kenya

Food Packages

2,800+

Distributed annually

Our Distribution Locations

Nairobi County

Families supported: 85

Distribution center: Guru Nanak Ramgarhia Sikh Temple

Frequency: Weekly distributions

Nakuru County

Families supported: 42

Distribution center: Nakuru Regional Hospital

Frequency: Bi-weekly distributions

Eldoret

Families supported: 38

Distribution center: Eldoret Community Center

Frequency: Monthly distributions

Mombasa County

Families supported: 45

Distribution center: Mombasa Regional Office

Frequency: Bi-weekly distributions

Garissa

Families supported: 20

Distribution center: Garissa Health Center

Frequency: Monthly distributions

Click on distribution points to see details

What's in a Food Package

Each monthly food package contains essential nutritional items to support an ostomate and their family:

Maize Flour

Staple for preparing ugali, a common Kenyan dish

10kg

Rice

Versatile grain for multiple meal preparations

5kg

Beans & Lentils

High-protein legumes essential for ostomates

3kg

Cooking Oil

Vegetable oil for food preparation

2 liters

Fresh Produce

Seasonal vegetables and fruits

Varies

Nutritional Considerations

Ostomates have special dietary needs that we consider when preparing food packages:

Balanced Nutrition

Our packages include a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats essential for healing and maintaining good health with an ostomy.

Hydration Support

We include electrolyte supplements when available, as many ostomates (especially those with ileostomies) need extra hydration support.

Fiber Consideration

Food packages are designed with appropriate fiber content based on the type of ostomy, as too much or too little fiber can cause complications.

Cultural Relevance

We ensure foods are culturally appropriate and familiar, making it easier for recipients to prepare meals they and their families will enjoy.

Impact Stories

How our food program changes lives

Margaret's Story

"Before SWK's food program, I had to choose between buying food for my children or stoma bags for myself. Often, I would use plastic bags instead of proper stoma supplies so my family could eat."

Margaret, a 45-year-old mother of three from Nakuru, received her colostomy after complications from colorectal cancer surgery. The food program has allowed her to maintain proper ostomy care while ensuring her children don't go hungry.

Joseph's Journey

"After my ileostomy surgery, I couldn't work for months. My savings were gone, and I couldn't afford both food and ostomy supplies. SWK's food distribution became my lifeline."

Joseph, a 35-year-old carpenter from Eldoret, received regular food support while recovering from surgery. This allowed him to use his limited funds for stoma supplies. He's now back to work and volunteers at local distributions.

Esther's Relief

"As a grandmother raising three orphaned grandchildren, getting my urostomy meant another expense we couldn't afford. The food packages mean I don't have to make impossible choices."

Esther, a 67-year-old grandmother from Mombasa, relies on SWK's food distribution program to help feed her grandchildren while managing her urostomy. The nutritional guidance has also helped her improve her overall health.

Our Food Program Partners

We collaborate with these organizations to source and distribute food packages

Guru Nanak Ramgarhia Sikh Society

Kenya Red Cross

World Food Programme

Local Farmers Association

Help End the Impossible Choice

No one should have to choose between food and essential medical supplies. Your support can help ensure ostomates in Kenya receive both nutritional support and the stoma supplies they need.

Monetary Donation Sponsor Food Packages Volunteer Corporate Partnership

Frequently Asked Questions

Distribution frequency varies by location. In Nairobi, we distribute weekly, while in more remote areas distributions happen monthly. We aim to provide enough supplies to last between distributions.

Any registered member of Stoma World Kenya who demonstrates financial need can qualify. We prioritize those with limited income, those caring for dependents, and those who have recently undergone surgery and are unable to work.

Yes. We accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences related to ostomy management, religious beliefs, allergies, and medical conditions. Please inform your local distribution coordinator of any special dietary needs.

You can help by donating funds or food supplies, volunteering at distribution events, providing transportation for distributions in remote areas, or connecting us with potential food donors or partners.

Food Distribution Program

The Difficult Choice: Food or Stoma Supplies

The Impossible Choice