Said Ibrahim Kanyanga

Said Ibrahim, a senior resident of Isiolo County, has weathered a lifetime of hardship. Like many others in his community, he spent years trying to provide for his family through any means possible. At one point, he worked in a hotel, but that opportunity didn’t last long. He then tried his hand at mechanical work, repairing punctures, a skill he hoped would bring in a small income. When that too fell through, he turned to herding livestock, hoping to make ends meet. But the challenges only multiplied.

The income was unstable, the work was physically demanding, and eventually, even that was no longer an option. Without a consistent job or any reliable support system, Said found himself stuck in survival mode. Work was hard to come by, and most days, he stayed at home with no source of income, unable to meet even the most basic of needs. The toll of living in such prolonged uncertainty began to show both physically and emotionally.

Said lives with ulcers and high blood pressure, conditions that are worsened by stress and poor nutrition. With no steady income and no one to turn to, he struggled to access medical care, often pushing through pain and discomfort because seeking treatment was simply unaffordable. But then came a turning point, the day Said was enrolled into the Mama Ibado Charity Seniors Feeding Program.

Today, Said is one of 1,000 vulnerable seniors supported through this life-changing initiative.

These food hampers include staple household items such as maize flour, sugar, milk, rice, cooking oil, and other essentials that make a dignified life possible. For Said, this support has been more than a box of food. It has meant consistency.

It meant knowing where his next meal would come from. It has meant sleeping with a full stomach and waking up without worry. But the support doesn’t stop there. Mama Ibado Charity also covers Said’s healthcare needs.

Whether he’s battling a cold or facing a flare-up of his chronic condition, he can walk into the hospital and receive the treatment and medication he needs no questions asked, and no fees required.

This consistent healthcare access has dramatically improved his quality of life, allowing him to manage his conditions and regain a sense of independence and dignity.