Kakamega, Kenya – For Sharold Avasha, who lives in Kakoyi village in Malava Sub-county, the choice to leave home for Saudi Arabia came from a desperate search for better opportunities. As a total orphan struggling to find work in Kenya, the chance to travel to the Gulf offered both hope and fear.

“At first, I was terrified, I had heard many disturbing stories on the news about how workers are treated in Saudi Arabia. Being a total orphan, I had no family to discuss my decision with except my brother, who has always been my closest confidant.”

The journey was full of new experiences, including her first time on an airplane. Despite her worries, her desire to support her family outweighed her fears. When she arrived, she found a country very different from her own.

“Saudi Arabia is much more developed than Kenya, offering many job opportunities for both citizens and foreigners,” she says.

While her experience was unforgettable, it also came with major challenges. Avasha points out a common problem faced by migrant workers: contract violations. The hardest part was working 13hours none stop even though my contract said I would work for 8 hours but basic needs like shelter food clothing and hygiene were well taken care of.

Healthcare was another obstacle. When you get sick, there’s often no proper medical checkup. You just get painkillers without a doctor’s examination or any lab tests. Avasha stresses that a successful journey depends on the legitimacy of the recruitment process. She encourages Kenyans to only work with government-registered agencies when going work in any foreign country.

She observed the digital divide, appreciating that Wi-Fi is widely available in Saudi homes, which helped her stay connected despite the high costs of internet in Kenya.

Having grown up as an orphan and frequently moving between her aunts’ and uncles’ homes, Avasha credits her survival to faith, patience and humility. Today, she is proud to have built her own life and family.

“Life as a toddler without parents was hard, but I am grateful to the few who supported me. To my brothers and sisters who want to pursue dreams abroad: do not give up. Stay focused, pray, and keep pushing. If I had given up during my tough times, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Every problem has a solution if you remain respectful and patient.”

Sharold Avasha’s story shows the strength of the human spirit. Her journey from the quiet villages of Kakamega to the busy households of Saudi Arabia represents more than a job search; it was a quest for the dignity and stability she lacked as a child.

Although she carries the scars of hard work and the loneliness of the Gulf, Sharold returns to her community with more than just better opportunities. She brings a plan for survival. She demonstrates that while being an orphan may influence where you start, it does not determine where you finish.

“We should guard well the investments of our brothers and sisters who are outside Kenya you don’t know what they are going through to make that investment” James Avasha brother to sharon advice