Persons with disabilities often face social discrimination from an early age. While government policies aim to safeguard their rights, particularly in healthcare and welfare, their potential to live fulfilling, economically independent lives is frequently overlooked. As a result, many grow up relying on others for survival.
Rozina Chakua’s journey reflects both the hardship and resilience experienced by many in similar situations. Now 35, Rozina was born into a family of six in Kishushe, a semi-arid village in Kenya. She was an energetic child and the favorite among her siblings. After completing high school, Rozina enrolled in a tailoring course at a local village polytechnic, which led to employment at a garment factory in Mombasa.
While working in Mombasa, she met and married her husband. Life was stable,they supported each other financially, and Rozina regularly sent money to her parents back in Kishushe. But five years into her marriage, Rozina began experiencing unexplained weakness in her limbs. Her condition worsened quickly, eventually leaving her bedridden. After several medical consultations, doctors diagnosed her with muscle atrophy caused by a neurogenic condition, a progressive illness that results in a loss of mobility. It was incurable.
The diagnosis was a devastating blow, not just for Rozina, but also for her husband and family. One day, without warning, her husband called her parents and told them to come for their daughter, claiming he would not be returning. Heartbroken and physically dependent, Rozina returned to Kishushe with her parents. Surrounded by sympathetic visitors and unable to care for herself, she fell into despair. She mourned her lost independence and feared she had become a burden to those she loved most.
In 2023, a turning point came when ActionAid Kenya, through its Women’s Rights Program, conducted a rapid survey of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Kishushe. The aim was to facilitate their registration with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) through the government’s eCitizen portal. Rozina was among those identified and was soon enrolled in the local PWD group.
However, her limited mobility made attending group meetings extremely difficult. She relied on her mother to carry her to gatherings. Recognizing this challenge, ActionAid Kenya, in partnership with the local PWD group, mobilized their networks to secure a wheelchair for her. This single act of support transformed Rozina’s life.
“I had seen the world move on and leave me behind,” Rozina reflects. “I saw myself as a burden. But with the wheelchair, the poultry project, and the incubator, my life has been restored. I am glad that I can now move on, have a voice, and support myself and my parents again.”
With her newfound mobility, Rozina regained her sense of purpose. She started poultry farming within her homestead, helping to support her family and stay active. Encouraged by her determination, ActionAid Kenya later donated an egg incubator, enabling her to hatch chicks and sell them to neighbours and local farmers. Today, Rozina has grown her flock to 68 chickens a steady source of income for the household.
“I never imagined I could earn a living again,” Rozina says. “But now I wake up each day with something to look forward to. Taking care of my chickens gives me joy, and knowing I can contribute to my family makes me feel proud.”
This new livelihood brought financial relief and, equally important, restored her dignity. In a community where disability is often misunderstood or stigmatized, Rozina and her family are no longer seen as “cursed.” Instead, they are recognized for their strength and resilience.
Today, Rozina continues to thrive. Her poultry business is expanding, and she now serves as vice secretary of the local PWD group. Her transformation is a testament to the power of community support, inclusive development, and personal determination.
Rozina’s story illustrates the importance of a holistic approach to empowering persons with disabilities, one that goes beyond charity to promote sustainable livelihoods, social integration, and meaningful participation in society.
Authors: Pauline Atieno, Local Rights Program (LRP) Coordinator, ActionAid Kenya & Ezra Kiriago ,Communications Coordinator ActionAid Kenya.