I understand what it means for a student to have nothing - Mama Ibra

[Athi River, November 19, 2024] Popularly known as “Mama Ibra”, Lightness Williams Mollel today received a cash award of Ksh 40,000 announced during the 47th Graduation Ceremony held on Friday November 15, 2024.

During the graduation ceremony, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Laban Ayiro recognised “Mama Ibra”, a small business owner at Athi River Campus off-campus, for her generosity and selfless love for vulnerable students of Daystar University.

Lightness provides meals on credit to Daystar University students at affordable prices and sometimes feeds those who cannot afford a meal. She is also known to provide accommodation to those whose houses have been locked due to rent arrears.

For her kindness to vulnerable students, the VC promised to boost Mama Ibra’s grocery business as part of the University’s Community Social Responsibility.  “We are not looking for publicity.  This is to say that we care,” Prof. Ayiro told the Infospot, the University’s official news bulletin.

The cash was presented to Mama Ibra during the Tuesday Chapel Service at Main Campus Athi River.  She was accompanied by her husband Mr. Caleb Nyakoe Nyangacha.

“Giving is about being present, standing with others and recognizing their condition,” said the VC as he presented the cash to Mama Ibra.

Lightness William Molel is a Tanzanian from Arusha who came to Kenya to try her hand in business.  Following hardships she faced and the need to survive, she began with odd jobs such as doing laundry for students, a job she did with diligence and perseverance.

After acquainting herself with Daystar University students living off-campus, Mama Ibra established good rapport with many who would become her customers.  She  started a small vegetable kiosk with as little as Ksh 500, and sold tomatoes and ‘dhania’ (coriander), besides other assorted goods.

With the unwavering support of her husband, Mr. Caleb Nyakoe Nyangacha, Mama Ibra expanded her business to selling of food items such as Bread, toast egg and the popular “viazi karai”, popular among young people.

“Being born in a hostile environment and lacking the love of parents, I understand what it means for a student to have nothing; that is why I support students who come to me in need of help by providing food and just being there for them,’’ said Mama Ibra to the Infospot.

Mama Ibra says that with the financial gift from Daystar University, she intends to expand her business.

“I want to thank the Vice Chancellor for his kindness, and Moses Wafula,  through whom my acts of kindness came to the limelight,” she said.

Mama Ibra’s story is a motivation to other people in the community to serve people regardless of limitations.