How One Woman in Kibera Became a Homeowner Through the Human Needs Project Sacco Programme
- Alisa Bushueva
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
At the Human Needs Project, we believe empowerment begins when people are given the tools to take charge of their own future. In Kibera, our Sacco Programme is proving that savings, financial literacy, and access to affordable credit can completely transform lives – especially for women.
One woman who embodies this transformation is Millicent Adhiambo – a mother, a tailor, and now, a proud homeowner. Her journey shows what happens when determination meets opportunity.
Millicent first joined our Sacco Programme in 2013, even before the HNP Centre officially opened. At the time, she was eager to save and grow, but uncertainty about financial systems led her to withdraw after two years.
“Back then, things were not well structured,” she remembers. “I stopped saving because I was afraid of losing everything.”
Almost a decade later, in 2022, Millicent decided to return – this time with confidence and a clear goal. She saw how much the Sacco had grown, with transparent systems and strong community support.
“When I rejoined, I realized how much I had missed out,” she says. “People had really improved their lives through the Sacco, and that motivated me to stay focused.”
With consistency and determination, Millicent began saving again and soon qualified for her first loan of KSh 195,000 in 2023 to expand her tailoring business. She repaid it within a year – a milestone that not only boosted her confidence but also opened the door to bigger dreams.
In 2024, she took another bold step and applied for a KSh 585,000 loan to build rental houses on her family’s plot in Kibera. That single decision changed everything. Today, Millicent earns about KSh 19,500 per month from rent – income she uses both to repay her loan and to invest further in her future.
“I’ve really grown financially,” she says proudly. “I understand money now, and I use it wisely.”
Her progress didn’t go unnoticed. In mid-2024, Millicent was elected to the Human Needs Sacco Advisory Committee, where she now encourages other women to save, invest, and believe in themselves.
Her story is a powerful reminder that when women gain access to financial tools and knowledge, they don’t just build better futures for themselves – they uplift their entire communities.