This archive report was first published on 26 November 2019.
Koriata Nampaiyo's life has been a testament to resilience and determination. Born in Narok West, Nampaiyo's journey began at a tender age when she underwent female genital mutilation (FGM) at 12 years old. This painful experience was only the beginning of her struggles.
At 15, Nampaiyo gave birth to her first child, a result of early pregnancy. She was assisted by traditional midwives at home, and the prolonged labor left her with rectovaginal fistula, a condition she lived with for 12 years. The condition made it difficult for her to control her bowels, a situation she was initially told was normal for new mothers.
However, things did not change, and Nampaiyo kept away from people, fearing their judgment. She joined Ndaraweta Girls' School in Bomet County in 2004 but had to drop out in 2006 due to her condition. Despite her struggles, Nampaiyo's determination to rise above her circumstances only grew stronger.
It was not until 2015, when she soiled herself at a party, that Nampaiyo realized the gravity of her situation. A friend who is a nurse noticed her condition and linked her to a hospital for corrective surgery. After the operation, Nampaiyo began speaking out about her experiences, and to her surprise, many women came forward to share their own stories of suffering in silence.
Today, Nampaiyo is the founder of the Koriata Nampaiyo Fistula Trust, which has linked over 200 fistula survivors from various counties for corrective surgeries. Despite facing challenges of funding, Nampaiyo remains committed to her mission of raising awareness about fistula and FGM.
As she looks back on her journey, Nampaiyo is grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. Her story serves as a testament to the power of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Published on November 26, 2019, in The Standard.
