From Struggles to Stability: How a small gesture sparked big dreams in Kitui

In Kitui County, a resilient household is writing a new chapter of hope and self-reliance. The family, with two caregivers and two orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) was once burdened by limited income and uncertainty. Among them is one child living with HIV (CALHIV), making the need for stability and proper care even greater. Through the USAID 4BetterHealth Project, the household was supported with of KES 10,000 to boost the small retail shop they run. With determination and proper record-keeping, the caregiver managed stock, sales, and even tracked debts with impressive accuracy. The shop quickly became a reliable source of income, easing the household’s daily struggles. The caregiver is now planning to expand into selling plastic shoes and complementing the business with farming to further secure the family’s future.

“This shop has changed our lives. We no longer worry about the next meal, and I now dream of growing this business to educate my children and give them a better life,” said the caregiver with pride.