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At Kayombi market in Ugunja in Siaya County, a middle-aged woman washes boda bodas every day. A young baby is often strapped to her back as she goes about her business.
Like all bright kids, Florence Ochieng had a dream, a dream that was shattered when money became an issue at the final leg of primary school education.
“I dropped out of primary school due to financial problems and a year later, decided to get married to my primary school lover, hoping to make life bearable,” the 29-year-old told The Nairobian.
That was not to be because when the baby came and the man allegedly bolted, she had to think on her feet.
“By the time I was due, my husband had married my cousin. I was forced to sleep on the floor since my cousin and best friend was occupying our matrimonial bed,” Florence said.
She says life was better off with her husband since back at home, she was also the breadwinner.
But when she could not bear the domestic violence from her husband and mistreatment from her co-wife, she decided to go back to her sick mother.
“I started ploughing for Sh50 a day. One day, while working on a neighbour’s farm, I got into labour and began and delivered my child alone,” Florence said, adding that her mother was surprised to see her with a baby wrapped in a blouse.
A month after delivery, she was back to work. Meanwhile she began saving. When news of her hard work reached her husband, he came running back and love was in the air again.
After three years and three more children, the other woman was back in the picture and Florence was back on the floor.
Florence moved back to her mother’s home again and this time, she fetched water for hotels for two months. Everyone knew Florence as mama maji and it never bothered her.
Today, she’s the proud owner of a pressure washer. Her day begins at 7am with her eight-month baby strapped on her back. After washing about eight motorbikes and one car daily, she takes home at least Sh400.
Her greatest fear is that her baby might fall sick, but this makes her resilient, knowing that one day she will afford a house help.
“Today, friends who used to discourage me want to know the secret of my success. I tell them to use what they have to get what they want.”
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