Cynthia was 15 years old when she came to Nairobi from her parents’ home in Uganda. Upon arrival at her aunt’s place, she met a man who assured her of a job in Mombasa with good pay. She says, “I left with this man to Mombasa; I didn’t even tell my aunt where I was going because I thought Mombasa was just nearby and I would return in the evening.” The job was an illusion. Cynthia became Musa’s prisoner as he would lock her up in the house when he left for work. She was threatened and sexually abused before she was able to run away.
“As I wandered in the street, I met a staff of Trace Kenya, who took me to the hospital for tests, then to the police station to record a statement, and finally to the shelter”. The case was launched at Tononoka Children’s Court for trafficking and defilement. Musa was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment. Cynthia is now 18 years old and is currently undertaking a dress-making life skill course.
Mulhath Juma completed class eight at Tumaini Primary School and excelled. She was ecstatic at the thought of joining Form One, but unfortunately, when she approached her father with the good news, he said, “I have no money to waste on a girl’s education, you must agree to get married”. She engaged in menial domestic work like washing clothes and fetching water for her neighbour as a source of income. She says, “I bought books and household necessities. I was unable to pay my school fees, and as a result, I had to study without taking any exams. One of my teachers told my mom that there are people who assist the children in their education. That’s how I met Eric, who connected me to trace Kenya.”. Mulhath is a beneficiary of the Africa Born in My Heart Project, who has ensured she continues to pursue her education.
Melissa hails from Samburu, located near the coast region of Kenya. The 16-year-old ran away from home to escape retrogressive traditional and cultural practices because her father wanted to marry her off against her wish.” I hiked a truck along the busy Mombasa/Nairobi highway after managing to convince the driver that I was headed to Mombasa to visit a relative.” She got stranded upon arrival but a good Samaritan spotted her; an officer from Trace Kenya who promised to assist her.
After recording a statement at the Mvita Sub-County Children’s Department, “I was placed under Trace Kenya Shelter, where I received psychosocial support and security as the Directorate of Children’s Services sought an opportunity for me to further my education. Melissa is currently pursuing a course at a Catholic boarding institution in Samburu and Trace Kenya is paying her fees.