Lilian

I was born in Seme Kombewa. Mum dies when I am still young and before we know dad dies too. Being the first born my two brothers and my sister look up to me for their future. I drop out of school and leave for Kisumu town to look for a job. I land in the hands of drug users. I start using drugs and working as a sex worker to get some money to raise my siblings. I am only 15 years old.

One day we are in the club as usual waiting for clients. This lady comes asking us to take a HIV test. I think it is not necessary because I am not sick. I give all manner of excuses but she comes back. To get her off my back I agree to the HIV test. I test HIV positive. I decide to give up my trade, give away all my possessions because I know I am dying in a few days’ time. I don’t die but instead I get counseling and begin living a more meaningful life. I make a decision to go back to school. It is not easy because I have to share my meager earnings between my siblings and my school fees but I am determined to get this important thing – Education. I join an adult class. I am tired of being called a drug addict who is also a sex worker. I need a different title in my life. I have stopped using drugs and I know for me the sky is the limit. I am still a sex worker because I have to pay for my education, raise my child and also support my siblings but I know after graduating from school, I will earn a decent livelihood and stop sex work.