By
Faith Mudoga
Life struggles have made me tough.
Sometimes you have to know your helping hand and those
who are out to just take advantage of you.
Jacinta Mbithe is the chairperson of Kenyans in Egypt Association. [Photo: Courtesy]
Jacinta Mbithe was born and raised in a middle-class
family like any other normal Kenyan girl. She went to a normal public primary
school and secondary school within her village and town of birth in Kamba land.
Later on, she proceeded to college
After college, she started hustling her way through life
and along the way she was lucky enough to find her better half. They tied a
knot and now are blessed with two children.
Mbithe was a stay at home mother while her husband was
the breadwinner.
She did this by choice because she wanted to have more time
with her kids. Not long after her family was flourishing and things were going
as she anticipated did things go sideways.
“Life is full of ups and downs. One should be
prepared for both because you can never predict what is going to happen
tomorrow. Sometimes you have to know your helping hand and those who are out to
just take advantage of you.” Said Mbithe.
Her husband fell ill and passed away in 2004. She was now
left with two mouths to feed and not knowing where to start.
They had used all
the money for her husband’s treatment and funeral and were left with nothing.
She started struggling in any way that she could to make ends meet.
“In 2006, my friend who is based in America reached
out to me. After conversing here and there, she learnt of my position and
struggles. She offered to assist me to secure a job abroad.” She narrated.
They commenced working on the necessary documents that
would grant her the work permit. Unfortunately, she was denied a visa and this
was a major setback for her.
“Some friends are sent from heaven. After our efforts
failed with the visa, my dear friend did not give up on me. She contacted her
cousin who resides and works in Egypt to inquire if I could get a job over
there. This time she went through the process and it was successful.” She
recalls.
After a few months, she went to Egypt as a domestic
worker. She then transitioned into working in gyms and later on, she began
doing translating jobs.
Her stay in Egypt was cut short after she was arrested on
her way to another country for not having the proper documents for transit. Her
visa had expired and she only had a copy of her passport. She was then deported
to Kenya immediately.
“Once again I had hit rock bottom. When I got back in
Kenya I remembered my academic papers that I had kept away. I reapplied to go
back to Egypt as a student and I was luckily accepted. When I got back there my
former employer was willing to employ me again. I did my studies as I worked.”
She explained.
Mbithe began meeting and interacting with other Kenyans
who were in Egypt. She made friends and grew her network. She decided to form
an organization for Kenyans who were in Egypt to help each other and feel
included.
The organization assists Kenyans living in Pharaoh’s Land
by catering for their needs.
It also assists members with hospital fees and
maintains a charitable fund for them.
Mbithe launched her third company, a currency firm that
also aids Kenyans in sending money home.
She registered the Kenyans in Egypt Association, of which
she is the Chairperson.
It also assists Kenyans who wish to travel to Egypt as
students or job seekers. She said that she has been able to pay school expenses
for her daughter, who is a student at the United States International
University, and her son, while not disclosing her worth.
Just like that from nothing to something, Mbithe has been
able to build her empire and businesses that help her fellow Kenyans from
scratch. She says anything is possible and any dream is achievable.
