'Nipate School Fees' Widow and Mum Of 6 Repairs Neglected Village Road, Charges Motorists To Pass

In Kakamega County, a mother of six has found an unusual way to provide for her family after the loss of her husband left her struggling to survive.

The woman, identified as Mlongo, says her life turned upside down after her husband’s sudden death.

Instead of receiving support from her in-laws, she was thrown out of their home, stripped of all her belongings, and left to fend for her children alone.

With no house to call her own and no stable source of income, she had to think of a way to keep her children fed and in school.

Her solution has surprised many. Mlongo decided to take charge of a neglected village road by repairing it using basic tools.

To earn something for her efforts, she places a rope across the road and asks boda boda riders to contribute a small fee before passing.

“I only charge KSh 5 or KSh 10,” she explained. “Some riders pay, while others promise to pay later and just pass. I cannot fight them, so I let them go.”

On a good day, Mlongo earns about KSh 200. Half of this goes directly to her children’s school fees, while the rest helps her buy food and other necessities.

She admits it is not much, but she refuses to give up.

“I do not have big luxuries,” she said. 

“But at least my children can get something to eat and continue with school. I will keep working because I cannot quit.”

Beyond the financial struggle, Mlongo also lives in fear for her family’s safety. The small structure where they stay is weak and unstable, especially during heavy rains.

She prays for well-wishers to step in and help her build a stronger house and possibly support her in starting a small business.