Mirera Dickson

Dickson Mirera, from Majengo, Kakamega County, has spent a lifetime battling poverty, working tirelessly to support his family, and refusing to give up, no matter the odds. 

In his younger years, Dickson traveled to Tanzania, hoping to escape the grip of poverty and find a better future. However, life there was not as promising as he had imagined. Jobless and struggling, his dreams of financial stability faded quickly. His parents, seeing no progress, urged him to return home. 

But Dickson did not return empty-handed. During his journey past Mount Kilimanjaro, he fell in love with a Tanzanian woman, and with the blessing of her parents, they married and moved to Kenya together, ready to build a life from scratch. 

Back home, his older brother sympathized with his struggles and helped him secure a job at a security company. For eight years, Dickson worked diligently as a security guard, earning KSH 4,000 per month. When his contract ended, he transitioned to working as a private security guard in households, earning KSH 2,500 per month. 

To this day, he continues to work night shifts from 6 PM to 6 AM, returning home only to pursue odd farming jobs during the day. On good days, he earns KSH 150, but on others, he returns empty-handed. With rent at KSH 1,000 per month, his earnings are barely enough to sustain him and his elderly wife. 

Despite his unwavering determination, Dickson’s health has deteriorated over the years. He suffers from severe diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis, yet he has no choice but to keep working to survive. 

In August 2018, during the first recruitment phase at Mama Ibado Charity (MIC), Dickson was enrolled in the seniors' feeding program. With improved nutrition, his health has stabilized, allowing him to adhere better to his medication. 

He also attends MIC’s healthcare clinic, where he receives treatment and essential medication, further improving his quality of life. 

Though he still carries the weight of his responsibilities, Dickson finds comfort in knowing he no longer struggles alone.