Having a stone-walled house has transformed my living conditions. Previously, thieves would use a blade to cut open the tent or insects would infest our living space during the night. Equity Bank facilitated access to electronic smart cards through which we obtained cash to construct permanent shelter. We were linked to construction material suppliers who would take stock of our purchases and provide a receipt. My family had a bit of money remaining from our allocation and we used it to cement the floor and paint the walls.

I was registered in lopetun (local name for the Hunger Safety Net Program) after the community elders in the village noticed my hardship and recommended me into the program. I receive KES 5,400 which I use to pay school fees and buy food for my 8 children. I invest the balance in my business. Without HSNP, my children and I would have died long ago. Equity Bank provides excellent services. When payments are disbursed, we are promptly informed to go to our Equity agent, Joseph Sumba, to withdraw the money.

When my brother and his wife passed away, I took in their children in addition to mine. When I don’t have money to buy vegetables, I harvest some greens from my sack garden and cook for the children. The money I get from the program helps me to buy additional food, uniform and books.

Abdi Rahman’s Baraka Multi Shop has become an oasis for the people of Kakuma. Abdi doubles up as an Equity Agent with 2 shops, one in Kakuma and the other in Kaloboyei. #WorldRefugeeDay