Former Lamu Nominated Member of County Assembly (MCA), Khadija Mohammed Hamid, is now vending food on the streets, having served as an MCA from 2013 to 2017.
The 36-year-old, mother of four, decided to help the community after a five-year term serving in the county, and later switched to start a food vending business to provide for her family.
"After leaving the position, I started hawking food instead of seeking employment. It is better than being on contract or employed," Hamid explained.
She however stated that she still has a footing in politics.
"Don't be surprised when you see me back in parliament. I am still in politics," she added.
Khadija revealed the stigma that followed after she lost her position and started selling food.
"At first, people in the society thought I was frustrated from the transition of earning a huge sum of money to street vending. They look down on me but have no idea that I am making money. Every job is honorable regardless of its nature," she added.
Hamid said the only thing that has changed is that she now gets money on a daily basis compared to a salary at the end of the month.
She added that employment is unreliable as 'one day you are working and the next you are fired over trivial issues.'
"You don't have to work in an office, sometimes, in employment, you lose your job in an instant and are left stranded. People undermine the type of work am doing but it pays," she remarked.
