This archive report was first published on 7 June 2020.
June 12, 2020, was supposed to be the day of my return home, but little did I know that it would be a day of mixed emotions. I had been waiting for this moment for weeks, and finally, the confirmation from Kenya Airways arrived via a WhatsApp link at 6 pm on June 4.
The link confirmed my flight and the requirements that came with it, including a Covid-19 test and mandatory quarantine upon arrival. I was jolted by the news and had to take a moment to process it all.
As I scrolled through the document, my heart sank when I saw the cost of the ticket - Sh167,000. I had anticipated a cost of around Sh100,000, but this was a shock I wasn't prepared for. My dream of returning home seemed to be slipping further away.
But then, something miraculous happened. My employer, Daniel, informed me that our client had volunteered to pay for my ticket. I was overwhelmed with emotion and couldn't believe my luck. Miracles do happen, and I was living proof of that.
With the cost of the ticket no longer a concern, I was able to focus on the next steps - finding a Covid-19 testing centre and preparing for my quarantine. It was a relief to know that I would be returning home soon, and I was grateful for the kindness of my employer and client.
