Juma Haman

Born in 1953 in Maragoli Village, Vihiga County, Haman’s early childhood was filled with joy, surrounded by his family of eight. However, family strife disrupted this happiness, forcing him to move to Kakamega with his mother, leaving behind his father’s love, care, and stability.

As a child, he helped his mother with domestic chores while trying to navigate life’s uncertainties. Eventually, he enrolled in primary school in Kakamega, but his education was short-lived. By class three, financial struggles forced him to drop out and work as a herds boy to help his mother afford basic needs like food and soap.

At 17, determined to seek a better future, Haman left for Nairobi, where he worked as a casual laborer in construction. His perseverance paid off, and in 1973, he secured a job as a handyman. After two years, he was trained as a driver, a skill that not only changed his life but allowed him to earn a steady income and support his family. That same year, he started his own family, hoping for a brighter future.
For years, life seemed stable. Haman and his wife were blessed with five children, though one passed away at birth. Despite their struggles, the family shared moments of peace and happiness. However, as time went on, poverty remained a constant battle, affecting his children’s future.

In 2009, everything changed. Haman lost his job, and the impact was devastating. With no source of income, the burden of financial instability weighed heavily on his family. The uncertainty terrified his wife, and she eventually left, returning to her paternal home. Haman was left at the mercy of his children, who took up casual labor jobs in local markets and villages to help support him.

Despite his unrelenting efforts to survive, his age and deteriorating health made it difficult to work. To sustain himself and his last-born son, who still lives with him, he resorted to pulling carts and carrying luggage for the community, earning barely $1 a day. The physical strain took a toll on him, and he was diagnosed with hypertension, chronic chest pain, and arthritis, leaving him unable to fend for himself.

One day, as he was going about his daily routine, he bumped into a village elder and when he narrated his struggles, he was referred to Mama Ibado Charity (MIC) for assistance. Following an assessment, he was enrolled in the feeding program in August 2019. Since then, the food support has become a lifeline for both Haman and his son, helping to restore his strength and improve his overall well-being.

Through MIC’s healthcare services, Haman now receives regular check-ups and medication to help manage his hypertension and chronic ailments.

“My life has been a constant struggle, but the support from Mama Ibado Charity has given me strength. I am grateful for those who make this program possible. May God bless them abundantly.”