Betty Kagemi is a 26-year-old mother of two living in Magutueni, Tharaka Nithi. She sounds excited as we speak. She is just getting discharge from hospital where she successfully underwent corrective surgery for recto-vaginal fistula on 23rd May. Betty first developed fistula while delivering her first child in February 2020. She had prolonged labour. Her …Read More

Juliet Kaithani is a 75-year-old mother of seven living in Mugwe. She sounds a bit tired, and her speech is slightly slurred. She does not speak English or Swahili and we therefore need the assistance of a nurse to translate. Juliet developed fistula in 1988 when delivering her last child. She underwent a caesarean section …Read More

Stella Nyambura is a 37-year-old mother of three from Baringo. She travelled 222km, all the way to Tharaka Nithi hoping to get a solution to her problem. When I speak to her the joy and elation is clear in her voice. Having successfully delivered two children, Stella did not anticipate developing any complications. Like any …Read More

Francisca Chepng’eno is a 39-year-old mother of two living in Bomet. She has a heavy accent that slightly strains our communication, but we push through. Francisca sounds a bit tired; she is still recovery from her surgery. Francisca first suffered fistula in 2002 during the delivery of her second child. She suffered prolonged labour and …Read More

Taabu Kaingu is a 52-year-old mother of six living in Tezo, Kilifi County. She’s in high spirits but not too chatty while we conduct the interview. She successfully received corrective surgery on 28th March 2022 and is satisfied with the results so far. When a baby comes into the world, it is a joyous occasion. …Read More

Jasmila Celina Kalama Charo is a 35-year-old lady residing in Malindi. Before speaking to her, I spoke to her caregiver who was very warm. When Jasmila comes to the phone, she sounds frail and tired but agrees to proceed with the interview. Hers is a special story. Jasmila lived a normal, fulfilling life until 2017 …Read More

Marie is a very strong and outspoken 34-year-old mother of two. When we approach her for the interview, we find her talking to younger mothers in the ward. She is a staunch Christian and attributes her strength to persevere through fistula and receiving free treatment to God. Marie has been suffering from fistula since June …Read More

Adelaide Khabere Ganira is a 46-year-old mother of two daughters, aged 26 years and 24 years. Originally from Kaimosi in Western Kenya, Adelaide is a businesswoman who operates in Kiserian, Kajiado County. Adelaide has lived with a fistula for the last two decades. She talks about this journey. “My experience began after I delivered my …Read More

Tabitha Kyengo Koso, 77 years old farmer from Makueni County narrate the yester years of Kamba Community. ‘Years back women who gave birth to girls were paid for bride price at birth, did you know that?’ she asks. The girl would then stay with her mother until around 5 yrs of age. The future husband …Read More

Amina Gakii Nyaga is a 34 yrs old lady from Tharaka Nithi County. Amina is a housewife, she has 3 children. After completion of her Form 1 education, she got pregnant and got married at a tender age. Her life over the years was good with the support of her then deceased parent in law. …Read More