CHRISTINE BARUGA

Born into a family of ten in South Imenti, Meru, Christine Ngeta grew up in circumstances that required her to become independent from an early age. Raised by her uncle rather than her parents, Christine completed Class 8 before financial circumstances brought her education to an end. With many siblings and limited resources within the family, continuing her studies was not an option, and she began searching for ways to support herself.

Through her uncle, Christine moved to Isiolo in search of employment. She took on a series of informal jobs, working as a house help and later doing labor-intensive work. The jobs were physically demanding and provided little financial security, leaving Christine struggling to meet her basic needs and contributing to difficulties within her household. Still determined to create a better future, Christine saved what she could and enrolled in a tailoring course. Her circumstances, however, made it difficult to sustain her training. After only three months, financial challenges forced her to leave the course. Without employment and struggling to afford rent, Christine found herself once again facing an uncertain future.

In 1993, Christine met her partner, and together they began building a life. Their first child was born in 1995, but the family continued to face significant challenges. Christine later developed health complications that required major surgery. Years afterward, she experienced the loss of a pregnancy, a deeply painful experience that came during an already difficult period in her life.

Her challenges were compounded when her husband developed a chronic illness. During some of their most difficult periods, he would leave the home, leaving Christine to carry much of the responsibility on her own. When she sought advice from her family, they encouraged her to honor her commitment to her marriage and remain by her husband’s side as he navigated his illness. Christine chose to stay and care for him, even during periods when the household had so little that they would sometimes go to bed without food.

A turning point came when Christine learned about Mama Ibado Charity. After sharing the challenges facing her household, she was enrolled in the organization’s monthly food assistance program.

The support brought meaningful relief to Christine and her family. Although managing her husband’s ongoing illness remains difficult, the regular food distributions have helped ensure that the household has access to food even when other resources run out. For Christine, this assistance has provided more than meals. It has given her a measure of stability and reassurance as she continues to navigate the responsibilities she has carried for much of her life.