Kisumu: How Former Data Clerk Turned Life of Struggles into Mission to Help the Elderly
- Oscar Owino Odhiambo was a volunteer data clerk for many years, working without pay at a community-based organisation
- Something deep down bothered him: the fact that the elderly members of society were often forgotten
- His desire to make a change saw him resign from his stable job to start an organisation which helps the elderly
Manyatta— After completing his Form Four education, Oscar Owino Odhiambo's path was anything but smooth.
Source: UGC
Driven by a desire to make a difference, he started off as a data clerk in a community-based organisation (CBO).
Oscar's eureka moment
He told TUKO.co.ke that although the role was unpaid, it ignited a passion for philanthropy that would later define his life's purpose.
After months of volunteering, Oscar transitioned to a new opportunity with Safaricom, joining its Sales and Marketing team as a Brand Ambassador.
For two years, he thrived in this role, though it was seasonal and lacked long-term stability.
In 2018, faced with the uncertain nature of the job, Oscar made the difficult decision to join the informal "Jua Kali" sector.
He secured a front office administration job in a small company where he earned a modest salary of Ksh 7,000 per month.
How Oscar rose from the bottom
The pay was a far cry from what he received at Safaricom, but it offered one critical thing — consistency.
"I moved into a two-roomed iron-sheet house in the slums of Manyatta, paying KSh 2,000 in rent," he recounted.
However, life was far from easy. Salary delays often led to his landlord locking him out. On such nights, he sought refuge at friends’ or neighbours’ houses.
Tensions escalated at work over the years due to the toxic environment. Requests for a pay raise or timely salaries were met with resistance.
At times, Oscar would go up to three months without pay. There were no leave days, no holidays, and certainly no employee benefits.
When did Oscar start NGO?
Despite the hardship, he remained at the company for over four years, clinging to hope for a better future.
"Hope materialised a year later, in 2023, when I finally landed a new job," the 30-year-old explained.
As a supervisor, he enjoyed slightly better pay and the dignity of assigning tasks and occasionally taking short breaks — a luxury compared to his previous job.
But even before this career move, Oscar had already begun walking the path that truly fulfilled him. In 2022, he officially registered his nonprofit, Hope to Live Charity Organisation.
Source: UGC
Oscar helps the elderly
Starting an NGO with little experience was daunting. He faced countless hurdles, learning the ropes through perseverance and sheer willpower.
His resilience paid off when the organisation received its first major funding directly from USAID, a milestone that changed everything.
Empowered and motivated, Oscar resigned from his job in 2024 to fully dedicate himself to serving one of the most neglected populations in his community — the elderly.
Through Hope to Live, he now works tirelessly to uplift and support the aged, providing essential services and a renewed sense of dignity to those who need it most.
Kenyan nurse works overtime to feed needy families
Meanwhile, Amos Orwa has made it a point to offer financial assistance to needy families in Kenya.
He told TUKO.co.ke that his desire to help comes from the fact that he grew up in a family of nine where none had the opportunity to go beyond high school.
Determined to break the cycle, Amos trusted in God, pursued an education, and became a nurse in the US.
Since he is now in a better place, he has made it his mission to raise money for the less privileged through working extra shifts.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
