Caption: Francis Outside in his compound Photo by : Mectarious Kipketer
For many years, Francis, his wife and their three children lived without a place they could truly call home. Trapped in a cycle of poverty, they moved from one crumbling relative’s house to another, each one temporary, unsafe, and far from ideal. Whenever a house became too old or unstable, they had no choice but to move again, carrying only their few belongings and the hope that one day things might change.
That change came when Francis noticed something different in a neighbor’s life. The neighbor, once struggling like him, had joined UKR’s Family Care Program and was now living a better life. Encouraged by this, Francis decided to visit the UKR office in his area and share his own story.
After listening to him and assessing his family’s situation, UKR enrolled Francis into their Program. It became clear that Francis truly needed the support, and he did not disappoint. His commitment to improving his life and that of his family was evident from the beginning. Projects by UKR were stabilized within a very short period of him in the program.
Today, Francis and his wife are proud owners of a new dignified home. The change includes a well-built semi-permanent mud house, a separate kitchen, and a proper, clean latrine and bathroom. For the first time in their lives, they have a sense of stability and privacy.
Francis’ wife recalls how she used to fear for their safety during storms. “Whenever the wind blew strongly, I would worry that the house would collapse on us,” she says. “But now, I can sleep peacefully, knowing that we are safe and secure. We are proud of our home.”
The family’s standing in the community has also improved. They are no longer viewed as dependents hopping from one relative to another. Instead, they are seen as a family that is standing on its own feet.
With teachings of UKR, the family also has established a kitchen garden where they get food, easing the burden of buying. He has also established a poultry business with support from UKR. Francis has now sought informal employment of digging drainage systems by the road so that he can support the family’s needs. The wife, now that she is comfortable in her new home, has plans of starting a small vegetable business from the garden’s produce, to chip in the family’s needs.
Caption: Francis next to his poultry shade Photo : Mectarious Kipketer
