Breaking Barriers
Zipporah Ntininie – Kajiado County
In the heart of Kenya’s vibrant political landscape, where the dust of democracy settles upon the aspirations of its people, one woman stands tall amidst the challenges, determined to reshape the narrative for persons with disabilities (PWDs). Meet Zipporah Ntininie, a beacon of resilience and inspiration, whose journey from crafting Maasai beadwork to vying for political office embodies the spirit of empowerment and advocacy. During my time in school, I faced a challenge due to my shortsightedness, particularly in public school where I studied until class two. I struggled to see what was written on the blackboard, especially during exams. Recognizing my difficulty, I was eventually transferred to a private school for the blind where they were more understanding of my condition. This change provided me with the support I needed to overcome my visual impairment and excel academically,” she mentions.
At the age of five, Nasteha experienced the traumatic ordeal of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), which left her with physical and emotional scars. The procedure rendered her unable to walk properly, and the lack of medical attention after a subsequent injury resulted in a permanent disability. Despite these challenges, she persevered, completing primary school against all odds. However, the burden of her disability made attending school increasingly difficult, and she eventually had to drop out during her second year of high school due to financial constraints.