A compassionate encounter during a clean-up exercise in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) has led a county official to sponsor a young homeless woman.
Chief Officer for Environment, Geoffrey Mosiria, detailed the interaction in a statement released on Tuesday. He recounted how the young lady approached him last Saturday during an ongoing clean-up initiative, desperately asking if there was any job opportunity she could be offered.
Upon inquiring about her background, Mosiria learned of her challenging circumstances: she had only completed Class 8 and had endured years living on the streets. Her honesty and plea for work moved the official to offer her substantial support, including taking her to college.
"Last Saturday, during the CBD clean-up exercises, a young lady from the street families approached me, humbly asking if I could give her any kind of job. She looked tired, broken, and desperate, but there was also a quiet strength in her eyes," he said.
He enrolled the lady in a technical college in Nairobi, where she can pursue a course in hairdressing and beauty.
Mosiria covered the full tuition, accommodation, meals, and tablets to help her during online research and studies.
"Her courage moved me. And today, something beautiful happened: she got a second chance at life. I enrolled her at ICS Technical College CBD branch, where she will study hairdressing and beauty therapy."
"She received a full scholarship, covering her tuition, accommodation, meals, and even a tablet to support her online research and studies," Mosiria said.
He added that the lady shared the experience she had gone through in the streets for her daily struggle, filled with fear and harassment.
"Men, including male street dwellers and even soldiers, have tried to take advantage of her. But she stood her ground. She refused to give in. She chose dignity over survival," Mosiria shared.
In the statement, Mosiria vowed to walk with her until she completes her training, stating that no one should ever be left behind, especially not when they’re fighting this hard to survive with dignity
"Not everyone in the streets chooses that life. Many are victims of circumstances. Every street family has a painful story, and most suffer in silence," he added.
