For twenty-one years, Esther Mutheu’s world was defined by the borders of her vegetable stall in the California area
of Kamukunji. It was a life of sun, soil, and profound uncertainty. Each day began with the hope that the weather
would hold, that customers would come, and that the few hundred shillings earned would stretch far enough to keep
her children in school.The greatest shadow over her tireless work was the fear that her sacrifices would not be enough.
“With little income,” she admits, “I feared my children would drop out of school.”
The prospect felt like an inevitable storm she could not outrun.That storm never broke. Instead, a different kind of change began to flow through the community. Her children,
bright and eager, found support through Constituency Development Fund (CDF) bursaries championed by their Member of
Parliament, Yusuf Hassan. It was a lifeline that kept them in class.But the true transformation began when they walked through the doors of the Ajira Digital Program. There, they
traded textbooks for keyboards, learning the digital skills that would redefine their family’s future.
daughter now work online, their contributions woven into the household’s stability.
She particularly highlights the inclusivity of the program that made it possible, praising Yusuf for
“opening Ajira to even non-Kamukunji residents; a game-changer for youth who missed out on university.”
years, the roads were a treacherous partner in her business.
This simple infrastructure—solid ground and clear light—has extended her working hours, increased her income, and
restored a fundamental sense of safety.
overlooked, she has witnessed a consistent dignity in Yusuf’s leadership.
For a woman who has spent two decades in the gritty, essential work of feeding a community, this fairness is as
vital as the tarmac beneath her feet. Her stall remains, but the world around it—and the opportunities flowing from
it—has been fundamentally changed.
of Kamukunji. It was a life of sun, soil, and profound uncertainty. Each day began with the hope that the weather
would hold, that customers would come, and that the few hundred shillings earned would stretch far enough to keep
her children in school.The greatest shadow over her tireless work was the fear that her sacrifices would not be enough.
“With little income,” she admits, “I feared my children would drop out of school.”
The prospect felt like an inevitable storm she could not outrun.That storm never broke. Instead, a different kind of change began to flow through the community. Her children,
bright and eager, found support through Constituency Development Fund (CDF) bursaries championed by their Member of
Parliament, Yusuf Hassan. It was a lifeline that kept them in class.But the true transformation began when they walked through the doors of the Ajira Digital Program. There, they
traded textbooks for keyboards, learning the digital skills that would redefine their family’s future.
From Survival to Stability
Today, the rhythm of Esther’s life has changed. The frantic worry has softened into steady pride. Her son anddaughter now work online, their contributions woven into the household’s stability.
“They help to sustain our family,” Esther says, a note of quiet victory in her voice.
She particularly highlights the inclusivity of the program that made it possible, praising Yusuf for
“opening Ajira to even non-Kamukunji residents; a game-changer for youth who missed out on university.”
Changes You Can Touch: Roads, Light, and Safety
But the transformation is not only digital; it is also profoundly physical, felt right outside her stall. Foryears, the roads were a treacherous partner in her business.
- Better roads: “Once-muddy roads are now tarmacked,” she notes, making it easier for customers to reach her.
- More hours to work: With improved access and movement, her produce no longer struggles in poor conditions.
- Improved security: New streetlights now cast a protective glow over the market and surrounding streets.
“Before Yusuf, we closed by 7pm due to insecurity,” Esther recalls.
“Now we work late without fear.”
This simple infrastructure—solid ground and clear light—has extended her working hours, increased her income, and
restored a fundamental sense of safety.
A Leadership Style Built on Fairness
Through it all, what resonates deeply with Esther is a principle of equal regard. In a place where many feeloverlooked, she has witnessed a consistent dignity in Yusuf’s leadership.
“He treats all his constituents the same,” she observes. “He does not discriminate. Even when the Muslims are
having their celebrations, he brings all of us foodstuffs and we make merry as a people.”
For a woman who has spent two decades in the gritty, essential work of feeding a community, this fairness is as
vital as the tarmac beneath her feet. Her stall remains, but the world around it—and the opportunities flowing from
it—has been fundamentally changed.