MEET THE TEAM TUESDAY - ELIZABETH WAMBUGU

Elizabeth Wanja Wambugu was born in 1965 to Habal Mwaura and Hannah Wanjiku, as the firstborn in a family of six children, in Timboroa, Uasin Gishu county. She does not know her exact birthdate.

A few months after her birth, Elizabeth's family relocated to Uganda to start a business selling secondhand clothes and farming. In 1973, while still in Uganda, she joined Namangonjo Primary School until 1975 when she was in grade three. Following a coup to overthrow the government, her family had to flee back to Kenya. They settled in the small town of Mumias in Kakamega county and continued their business. Elizabeth joined Muira Primary School, starting in grade four, and sat for her Certificate of Primary Education exam in 1978. Unfortunately, financial difficulties prevented her from continuing her education.

Elizabeth stayed at home, taking care of her younger siblings and managing household chores. During this time, she met Joseph Wambugu, and they married in 1984. They were blessed with a son, Habal Mwaura, who is now 39 years old. After marrying, Elizabeth moved to her husband’s rural home in Laikipia county, where they made a living from farming.

In 2000, Elizabeth separated from her husband due to domestic violence and relocated to Nakuru town, where she was hosted by her stepbrother. She soon found employment as a cook at a construction site for three years until the project was completed. With the money she had saved, she ventured into farming by leasing land until 2016 when the landowner terminated the lease.

As she was deciding her next steps, Elizabeth heard from a neighbor that the Little Lambs Center needed a cook. She went to the center and volunteered to help with cooking since she had no other commitments. She was later officially incorporated as a cook, a position she currently holds.