Women defying odds taking up jobs meant for men.[Standard] At only 24, Beatrice Achieng, a mother of one from Ugunja in Siaya County, is breaking gender barriers with every spark from her welding machine. In a trade long dominated by men, she stands out as the sole female welder in her workshop along the Kisumu–Busia Road, forging a living in steel and proving that passion, not gender, defines success. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters…
Author: By Rogers Otiso
Vianney Irankeje, and Bruce Ishimwe with buckets of snacks, 10 litre coffee stationed at Jomo Kenyatta Highway, Kisumu to sell coffee.[Rodgers Otiso/Standard] In Kisumu City, as travellers hurry through matatu stages in the early morning and late evening, the smell of hot street coffee fills the air. For many, it is a quick, affordable drink to warm the body and start the day. But for the young men selling it, each cup is more than coffee; it is a livelihood in the course of making ends meet. Street coffee, fondly known as Kahawa is a popular fast drink in Kenya.…
Monica Sharon prepares soft box before starting shoot of the day. [Rodgers Otiso/Standard] On the streets of Kisumu, where the rhythms of matatus, hawkers, and hurried footsteps compose the city’s daily soundtrack, a new quiet transformation has been unfolding. Two young women walk with cameras in hand, eyes tuned to moments others miss. Belden Akinyi, 20, and Monica Sharon Clemo, 23, are not just capturing images; they are reclaiming space in a male-dominated craft – transforming street corners into canvases and fleeting glances into timeless portraits. In a county where youth unemployment remains high and opportunities are scarce, the duo…