My name is Sahara. I am a refugee and a mother residing in Kenya. I am a businesswoman selling clothes. I fled my home country (Somalia) due to fear, chaos, and war. Life was extremely harsh due to the killing, rape, and everything evil you could think of. The harsh circumstances made me flee.
In 1994, I traveled to Nairobi by bus with a friend. I reside here (Kenya) because it is a safe environment. During my time in Kenya, I have never experienced any threats of violence or assault.
The financial hardship I faced forced me to look for work. I started my clothes business because clothes are easy to transport—I can carry the clothes for sale on my shoulders. I started selling clothes, but I could not find a location. During prayer hours, I placed my clothing on the street in front of businesses. I made a few sales and made a profit. Then, when the shop owners returned, I’d grab the clothes and carry them on my shoulders. I kept selling the clothes while walking. That’s how I started working.
I was enrolled in the RefugePoint program in 2023 upon referral from Rukiya (a RefugePoint Community Navigator). What I remember from (RefugePoint’s) business training is saving, capital preservation, and avoiding unplanned spending.
The work comes with numerous challenges, such as street closures, city council restrictions, and downpours. It requires a lot of patience. I am satisfied with this work, as it’s our primary source of income. It’s very important for me. I’d rather work hard than beg or rely on neighbors. So much has changed for the better. I feel self-motivated and confident in my abilities.
My family is doing well. My kids and I are doing well and have no difficulties. We live free. Whatever we get is ours. Praise be to God. My hope for the future is that I will become successful in life. My kids need to do well. I wish them happiness, good jobs, and a wonderful life. I hope to transition from being a hawker to being a shop owner. That’s our hope.
Carol, Sahara’s case manager at RefugePoint, shared:
“I am proud of Sahara because she worked smart and established her clothes business. I observed her income increase; then, she relocated to a modern apartment; her resilience was remarkable. Sahara runs her business efficiently and has since graduated from the program.”