Having served as an MCA from 2013 to 2017, former Lamu Nominated Member of County Assembly (MCA), Khadija Mohammed Hamid, has turned to food hawking on the streets.

After a five-year term serving in the county, she decided to help the community and later started a food vending business to provide for her family.

"After leaving the position, I started hawking food instead of seeking employment. It is better than being on contract or employed," the 36-year-old mother of four explained.

However, Khadija stated that she is still interested in politics.

"Don't be surprised when you see me back in parliament. I am still in politics," she added.

After she lost her position and started selling food Khadija experienced stigma.

She said, "At first, people in the society thought I was frustrated from the transition of earning a huge sum of money to street vending. They look down on me but have no idea that I am making money. Every job is honorable regardless of its nature."

Getting money on a daily basis compared to a salary at the end of the month is the only thing that has changed, she said.

According to her, employment is unreliable as 'one day you are working and the next you are fired over trivial issues.'

Khadija remarked, "You don't have to work in an office, sometimes, in employment, you lose your job in an instant and are left stranded. People undermine the type of work am doing but it pays."