Ruth’s Story

Ruth* is an 18-year-old girl and has the longest tenure at the Safe House of any girl so far. Her mother left for Saudi Arabia and abandoned her children when Ruth was just 12 years old. Being the eldest girl, she was forced to take care of her three other siblings. They would spend their time outside mosques in Kakamega begging for food and money. Ruth could no longer do this and she opted to walk to Nairobi in search of help. They had lived in Nairobi before moving to Kakamega and she hoped she would find help when she got here.

She was rescued by the Children’s Office and placed in the Safe House for shelter. She returned to primary school and proceeded to secondary where she sat for her KCSE in 2023. She is waiting for her acceptance letters to join college. She would like to pursue technical courses that will equip her with skills that can eventually generate income. She is very helpful at the house during this period and always helps other girls with their homework.

Her positive spirit has kept her going and we are excited at what the future holds for her.

*name changed to protect identity and a random photo was used.