Rhoda's story

I was born in 1934 in Tetu Division in Nyeri. I went to school up to Class Four and left it at that point, but I know how to read and write especially Kiswahili.

Career information

In those days there was not much to do especially for a young lady, you either got married or stayed at home to help your parents.

Family life

After staying at home for long, I envied other girls of my age as they got married. So I decided to get married but all did not go well for me. So my husband and I separated in 1963 due to some family problems.

I gave birth to one child, a son who unfortunately passed away in April 2009. My son had only child. There were times when I really longed for a daughter. I prayed to God and finally one day I adopted a baby girl who is now grown up and married with two daughters and four sons.

Current living situation

I live alone in a two-roomed house made of iron sheets in a place called Kabiria which is along Kawangware 46 route.

I usually wake up every day at 5.45 a.m. I then go to church for morning prayers which ends at 7 a.m. From the church I go to the market to collect a few items for my kiosk.

Before I proceed to my Kiosk I have to buy water and keep it at home otherwise if I get it later, it may not be there completely due to its scarcity.

I later open the kiosk and sell cakes, mandazi and sweets till 9 p.m. I go to my house and prepare supper and later retire to bed because there is nothing else to do without electricity.

Talent and skills

I believe I am a very good preacher because when I stand up to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ it always has a positive impact on people and this makes me feel good.

I am also involved in community work which earned me a Presidential Award for Community Services in 1980s....I have a certificate for this.

During the Age Demands Action campaign in 2009 I was chosen to represent the older persons to the Government and I took their grievances to the Prime Minister. I believe the Government is going to do a lot for older people in this country...this is just the beginning.

As a beneficiary of the Sponsor a Grandparent Program I am always called upon to join the group that does the home visits to go and pray and encourage the other older persons who are feeling rejected and alone.