Hadija Kanaiza

Hadija Ramadhan Kanaiza, a widow from Majengo, Kakamega County, has endured a lifetime of hardship, loss, and resilience. She is a mother of two daughters and a grandmother to three grandchildren, all of whom depend on her for survival.

Her husband passed away at 75 years due to health complications, leaving behind medical debts of KES 30,000, which he had borrowed from a relative to cover treatment costs. With no income of her own, Hadija was unable to repay the debt, adding to the financial burden.

During her husband’s illness, Hadija dedicated herself to nursing him, sacrificing her small business in the process. With no means to generate income, she struggled to provide for her family.

After her husband’s death, her hardships worsened. A relative of her late husband took over her home, forcing her and her children into homelessness. Despite seeking help from local elders and the chief, nothing was done to restore her home. Left with no choice, she and her children were forced to move into a small, leaky shack, offered by a kind neighbor.

With no financial stability, Hadija could no longer afford school fees, leading to her children dropping out of school. As she struggled to rebuild her life, her firstborn daughter left without notice, only to return later with three young children. Now, Hadija has taken on the responsibility of raising them, despite having no resources to support herself.

The stress and struggles of survival have taken a severe toll on her health. She now suffers from depression, high blood pressure, arthritis, and heart problems.
In September 2021, a neighbor introduced her to Mama Ibado Charity (MIC), where she was enrolled in the seniors’ feeding program. Since then, she has been receiving monthly food rations, helping to ease her burden and improve her household food security.

Hadija also receives medical care through MIC, ensuring she gets treatment and medication for her health conditions. Additionally, she is a beneficiary of the SHIF/SHA program, with payments covered by Mama Ibado Charity, giving her access to healthcare that would otherwise be out of reach.

Though life remains challenging, Hadija finds strength in the support she has received, allowing her to continue caring for her grandchildren and facing each day with renewed hope.

“I have endured many hardships, but at least now I don’t have to worry about food or medical care. I am deeply grateful,” she says.