BURUTI YUSUF

Yusuf Buruti was born in 1991 in the Shikhambi area of Kakamega County. He grew up in a large household of eight children, though the family faced the loss of two siblings during his youth. Among the six who remained, Yusuf stayed in his hometown while his other brothers moved to Nairobi and his sisters started their own families elsewhere.

He began his education at Daisy School, attending classes from nursery through to the completion of his primary school exams. Being abled differently after being affected by polio, he persevered through his studies until he finished Class 8. He then transitioned to Roasterman Polytechnic for two and a half years, where he specialized in shoemaking and repair to secure his future.

Once he completed his vocational training, Yusuf immediately set out to establish his own small workshop. He spent his early adulthood working as a cobbler, using the skills he gained to serve the local community. This period was defined by his transition from a student to a self-employed craftsman trying to find his footing despite his physical challenges.

Yusuf eventually married and the couple was blessed with three children. Life became a heavy struggle as he worked to provide for his family through manual labor and shoe repairs. His wife previously ran a small business, but after it closed, the entire financial burden of the household fell solely on his shoulders.

His change came after he met a representative from the Mama Ibado Charitable Organization at his local mosque. Following a successful registration process, he began receiving essential household supplies including maize flour, milk, sugar, oil, and tea leaves.

The intervention has significantly reduced his mental burden, allowing him to focus his limited earnings on school fees rather than basic survival. Beyond the food assistance, Yusuf also benefits from the organization’s healthcare program, visiting the clinic every Thursday for medical check-ups. This medical care is vital in managing his health and ensuring he remains strong enough to continue his trade.

"Having a reliable source of nutrition and healthcare has stabilized my home, allowing me to focus on my children's education rather than just their survival," Yusuf Buruti notes.

He is deeply grateful for the help, which ensures his children no longer go to bed hungry when business at his shop is slow.

Despite this progress, Yusuf still faces significant financial strain regarding his living conditions. He continues to need assistance because the cost of house rent remains a major obstacle that his small income cannot fully cover. Additional support would provide his family with the long-term stability they need to thrive.