Eunice Kiptabut, a businesswoman, experienced a major setback after separating from her husband due to cultural differences, which escalated during the 2007 post-election violence in Kenya. Her husband belonged to a community that clashed with hers, and amid rising tensions, her mother-in-law insisted on their separation, viewing Eunice as an enemy. Threatened with violence, Eunice was forced to flee to her parents’ home for safety.

After staying with her family for some time, Eunice eventually settled in a nearby village with her six school-aged children. She resumed her work selling second-hand clothes to support her family, but her business took a hit when she was diagnosed with fibroids. Medical expenses drained her resources, and her business ultimately collapsed.

However, with external support, Eunice was given a bale of clothes to restart her business. Driven by her determination and previous experience, she sold the bale within just three days. By the fourth day, she was able to purchase a new bale, and in less than two months, she had sold over six bales. Her business growth enabled her to rent a strategically located storefront, where she sells a variety of clothing items. This venture now allows her to cover her household needs, her children’s school fees, insurance premiums, and her medical expenses.

Eunice has recently expanded her efforts by starting a poultry farming project, raising day-old chicks to meet market demand during peak seasons. Currently, she has 49 chickens she plans to sell in December when prices are expected to be high. Through these ventures, Eunice is working hard to build a stable, prosperous life for her family.