Karoi Josphat

Karoi’s story is one of resilience in the face of immense hardship. Born in 1957 in Lodwar, Turkana County, she enjoyed a simple but happy life. Married to her sweetheart in a traditional ceremony, they were blessed with three children. Karoi was a stay-at-home mother who cared for their children while her husband worked tirelessly as a casual laborer. Together, they built a loving home where every need was met. "He was very supportive," she recalls with a wistful smile.

But life took an unforeseen turn when Karoi turned 30. Her husband fell seriously ill, and their once stable life unraveled. Suddenly, she found herself thrust into the role of both father and mother. In search of a fresh start, she relocated with her family to Shambani in Isiolo County. Tragically, just a month later, her husband succumbed to his illness, leaving Karoi to care for their three children with no reliable source of income.

As the family struggled to adjust to their new reality, Karoi worked tirelessly. Whether walking long distances for casual labor or collecting firewood to sell, she did everything possible to put food on the table. Still, the uncertainty of tomorrow loomed large, and she often went hungry to ensure her children were fed. Despite her hardships, Karoi remained determined, drawing strength from memories of happier days in Lodwar.

The challenges continued to mount. Five years after losing her husband, two of her daughters also fell ill and passed away. This devastating loss left Karoi grief-stricken, but she pressed on, now caring for her grandchildren. Each day brought the same question: how to feed the children? Food was scarce, and often, she would go without to ensure the little she found went to them.

Karoi’s turning point came when she joined the seniors’ feeding program. The program became a lifeline, providing her with consistent meals and easing the heavy burden she had carried for decades. With the support of the program, Karoi no longer wakes up to the paralyzing uncertainty of how to feed her grandchildren.
 
Today, Karoi smiles a little more often, her resilience shining through as she nurtures her family with the support she so desperately needed. Hers is a story of loss, love, and unyielding perseverance—and a testament to how a helping hand can restore hope in even the most challenging circumstances.