Floods Devastate Savings and Livelihoods of Informal Women Workers in Kibera

The recent floods in Nairobi severely impacted the financial stability of many informal women workers, leaving their savings and livelihoods in disarray. One such individual, Mama Yusra, has been particularly hard hit. Before the floods, she diligently saved Sh500 daily from her small business to ensure her children’s education. The floods not only washed away her savings but also destroyed her means of income.

“It all started in June and because of that we couldn’t harvest our crops. They were all washed away with the floods.” Nyayua Thang (blue), 62, resting in the water after almost falling while on her way to Old Fangak town with her neighbors at Wangchot Primary school. An entire village is taking refuge from the floods inside this abandoned primary school. Their village was flooded, houses collapsed, and no one, but a few, stayed behind. The water is at the doorstep of the four classrooms. Only small mud dikes at the entrance of the door are keeping the water out. Nyayua hasn’t eaten in days.

Mama Yusra’s story is a common one among the women in Kibera, who rely on small businesses to support their families. The aftermath of the floods has left many of them struggling to rebuild their lives. For Mama Yusra, the immediate concern is to find a location that is more conducive to business activity. She hopes to reestablish her livelihood in a safer, more stable environment.

READ ALSO  Revival at Lake Olbolosat: Signs of Life Emerge After Prolonged Rains

Despite the challenges, Mama Yusra remains determined. Her focus is now on restarting her business to provide for her children’s education and secure their future. The journey to recovery is daunting, but with resilience and community support, there is hope for a brighter tomorrow for the women of Kibera.

Related Posts
Court Halts Mandatory Registration of Learners with Social Health Insurance Fund

The High Court of Kenya has temporarily halted a government directive requiring school-going children to register with the Social Health Read more

Ruto to IG Kanja: All Kenyans Must Be Equal Before the Law

President William Ruto called upon newly appointed Inspector General (IG) of Police, Douglas Kanja, to ensure the equal application of Read more

Blow to Gachagua as Njuri Ncheke Elders Rally Behind Kindiki

Over 2,000 Njuri Ncheke elders have endorsed Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki as their key liaison to Read more

Governor Sakaja Distributes 1,000 Title Deeds to Nairobi Residents: A Key Step in Addressing Land Ownership Issues

Governor Johnson Sakaja recently distributed 1,000 title deeds in a ceremony held at Charter Hall. This event marks another significant Read more