In Summary

• Beatrice Atieno is a widow who was chased from her matrimonial home.
• She stays in a mabati house in Mathare slum.

As Kenyans join the rest of the world in International Women’s Day Celebration, we introduce to you Beatrice Atieno 62 year old woman hailing from Mathare slum.

Atieno has a family of 19 persons. Out of the 19,  nine  are her children  the rest are grandchildren. With this enormous family she struggles to make end meet.

“I have twenty years in Mathare I raised my children there after being chased away by my in-laws back Siaya county after demise of my husband I have got 9 children with another 10 grandchildren.” She stated.

Atieno Survival

Meeting her needs together with the family has not been a walk in the park…it’s full of devastation, grief and hopelessness. She works as daily house help commonly known as mama fua in Eastleigh. The job pays 300 shillings per day.

“This kufua job is not easy and you can imagine the much you can make is three hundred shilings.This comes after a long day of work.it is tedious and tiresome no one is willing to pay more than that. From my small budget I always buy omena (dagaa) and it serves the family well.” She added.

Job Challenges

According to her it has been difficult surviving with this job. It is not reliable and depends on the employers daily choice.

“Sometimes your are beaten and added more work load other than what you agreed. In this matter I blame  the gvnt for not protecting us.” She said.

Her Plea

Atieno feels that raising a family of 19 in slums is not  viable and that she is overwhelmed.

She is asking well wishers to help her relocate to her rural village in Siaya or any other convenient area.

“My appeal is that those who can come to my rescue  can assist me relocate get a land where I can put a structure for this family. Slam life is terrible and with my 20 years stay here in Mathare I can vividly assert that all is not well.” She said.

BY ALLAN OTIENO AND JUDY KANAITHA