Born in 1966 in Shitaho Village, Shirere Sub-location, Kakamega County, Rehema Anjia Saidi’s life has been one of resilience and determination. Growing up in a family of eight siblings, she faced early hardships, including the loss of a sibling at a young age. Despite financial struggles, she was fortunate to receive basic education, completing Class 7 under the CPE system. However, her education came to an abrupt end due to financial constraints, forcing her to look for ways to support her family.
Determined to change her circumstances, Rehema moved to Nairobi, where she worked as a domestic worker to help her younger siblings complete primary education. Her efforts paid off, allowing most of them to finish school, a sacrifice...
Born in 1966 in Shitaho Village, Shirere Sub-location, Kakamega County, Rehema Anjia Saidi’s life has been one of resilience and determination. Growing up in a family of eight siblings, she faced early hardships, including the loss of a sibling at a young age. Despite financial struggles, she was fortunate to receive basic education, completing Class 7 under the CPE system. However, her education came to an abrupt end due to financial constraints, forcing her to look for ways to support her family.
Determined to change her circumstances, Rehema moved to Nairobi, where she worked as a domestic worker to help her younger siblings complete primary education. Her efforts paid off, allowing most of them to finish school, a sacrifice she carried with pride.
In 1988, she returned to Kakamega, where she got married and started a new life. Soon after, she found work as a salon attendant at Amalemba Market, where she worked for two years. During this time, she actively contributed to the family’s finances while also learning tailoring skills. Together with her husband, she saved enough to buy a sewing machine, hoping to build a better future.
However, in 1990, her life took an unexpected and painful turn. She developed an ear infection, causing pus discharge from her left ear. Seeking medical attention at Kakamega Provincial General Hospital, she was later referred to Kenyatta National Hospital for specialized treatment. But financial limitations prevented her from continuing the care she desperately needed, forcing her to return home with an unresolved medical condition.
As the years passed, her health deteriorated further. The condition worsened, forcing her to seek treatment at various hospitals, including Kakamega Provincial Hospital and Eldoret Teaching and Referral Hospital. The endless search for medical care drained the family financially, pushing them deeper into debt and poverty. Despite her efforts, she remains in need of ongoing treatment whenever she can afford it.
Through these struggles, Rehema has been fortunate to have a supportive husband, who does his best to care for her and their four children. However, her condition has completely barred her from working, as severe nosebleeds prevent her from engaging in any physical labor.
In 2020, a turning point came when Rehema was enrolled in the Mama Ibado Charity (MIC) seniors' feeding program. Receiving monthly food rations has significantly relieved her family’s financial burden, covering nearly 80% of their food needs. The nutritional support has allowed her to focus on her medication, giving her the strength to manage her health challenges. In addition, she benefits from MIC’s healthcare services, which have greatly improved her overall well-being.
Despite the many hardships she has faced, Rehema remains strong, grateful for the support that has brought relief to her family.
“The food has given me strength and lifted the weight of poverty from my family. Now, we can focus on getting the medical care I need. I am truly thankful to everyone behind the feeding program,” she shares.
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