More Than a Job: The Power of Economic Opportunity

Story content collection courtesy of East African Communications Team + Ziwani Center Staff. Written by Finn McDaniel.

In 2008, Boniface left everything familiar behind in Kisii and moved to Nairobi, determined to build a better future as a successful businessman. He found employment in a factory and worked for two years, saving up the money he earned. During this time, he opened his first cybercafé. When he was laid off from the factory in 2010, rather than giving up, he leaned into his entrepreneurial spirit and opened two additional locations in his community; however, the people he trusted to manage the new shops betrayed that trust.

“Unfortunately, my colleagues stole from me, and by 2011, I had to close two of the shops, leaving me with just one.”

The fallout of this financial setback was devastating and came just as Boniface’s life took another difficult turn - he fell ill and tested positive for HIV. The news was hard on him, but through the help he received from the counselors at the hospital and the support of his wife, he was able to set his sights on recovery. 

“When I received my results and saw that I was HIV-positive, I was shocked, scared, and overwhelmed with emotions. The counselors at the hospital helped me process the news, and after some time, I came to accept it.”

Physically unwell and facing financial hardship, Boniface joined the Untold program. Through the economic empowerment track, he was introduced to woodworking and quickly took to it, developing a passion for the trade. This new skill not only gave him purpose but also allowed him to improve his own business in practical ways. He began to furnish his cybercafé with tables and chairs that he had created himself. His furniture was so popular that customers began to request custom orders, cementing a consistent stream of income for Boniface and his family.

During his road to recovery, Boniface also found comfort and strength in the group and one-on-one therapy sessions offered by the program. Slowly, he began to overcome the self-stigma he had internalized. Realizing he was not alone in each session helped him build a growth mindset and regain hope for his future. 

“Every time I came, I left feeling better. Each visit reminded me why I was there: to learn and grow. And I can confidently say I achieved that—and more. I discovered a gift I take pride in.”

Through his triumph over his illness, Boniface learned a powerful truth about fear and self-acceptance. 

“Fear will destroy you. You cannot accept yourself and live in fear at the same time.”

Today, Boniface is filled with a strong sense of purpose. He dreams of growing his furniture business into something that can give back and uplift others who face similar challenges.

“I am hopeful that when you meet me in a few years, I will have a showroom and a factory that employs people from all walks of life. I want to pass on the knowledge I’ve gained to others, just as it was freely given to me.”

By openly sharing his own journey with HIV, Boniface strives to remind those struggling with stigma that their diagnosis doesn’t define them, nor diminish the light within them.

“I am a straightforward man, and through speaking to others, I want to encourage those who are HIV-positive like me to love themselves. If you don’t love and take care of yourself, your life will be short. There are no shortcuts—follow the light at the end of the tunnel. If you let stress take over, your body will respond, and you may lose weight, fall sick, or see your journey end prematurely. So, I encourage everyone not to lose hope. You will live, and you will live well.”