One Story, Many Impacts: Education, Mental Health, and Economic Empowerment.
A childhood loss sparked Irene’s curiosity. Today, she is the one behind the radiography machine, helping others heal.
Light Up Hope university program scholar Irene Muyeyi stands besides a radiography machine at her work place in Kakamega County Mumias.
Photo credit: Gracious Aganda, Light Up Hope
Curiosity became purpose
In Mumias, Kakamega County, Irene Muyeyi stands confidently in a radiography room, guiding patients and operating machines with care. It is a space she once only imagined as a young girl.
Irene is a Light Up Hope alumna whose journey began in a humble home where access to basic needs was not always guaranteed. Raised under the care of her elder brother, her path was not easy; but it was shaped early on by a moment she never forgot.
“When my sister was sick, she had radiographs. We were told not to touch them. I didn’t understand them, but I wanted to,” Irene recalls.
That curiosity stayed with her; and it became her purpose.
A Childhood Loss That Sparked a Lifelong Dream
Irene’s interest in radiography began during a difficult time in her childhood. Watching her sister go through medical scans left her with more questions than answers. When her sister later passed away, those questions turned into a deeper desire to understand the field.
After high school, Irene chose to pursue radiography. But the decision came with resistance. Her brother, who had been her main support system, wanted her to study teaching instead, believing it was a more stable career path.
The disagreement created a deep rift between them, and at one point, communication completely broke down. Despite this, Irene held on to her dream.
Irene in campus.
Support That Carried Her Through Life’s Hardest Moments
Through Light Up Hope, Irene found the support she needed to move forward. She was guided through course selection and later joined Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) to study radiography.
During her time in university, Irene received monthly financial support, mentorship, and mental health care through the Women of Vision Education Initiative (WOVEN).
In her third year, she got pregnant; a moment that could have easily changed everything. With her brother still distant, the situation felt heavy. But she was not alone.
The Light Up Hope team walked with her through the entire journey. From emotional support to practical guidance, they stood by her until she welcomed her baby boy. They also made efforts to reconnect her with her brother, helping restore their relationship over time.
Light Up Hope counsellor Jacinta visits Irene when she welcomed her baby boy.
From Student to Professional and Business Owner
Today, Irene is a qualified radiographer working at Mumias Level 4 Hospital. She earns a base salary of KSh 20,000 and supplements this by supporting nearby hospitals, where she receives 30% of patient fees. Her monthly income ranges between KSh 35,000 and KSh 55,000.
Beyond her medical career, Irene also runs a pig and poultry business supported through a WOVEN business grant. She received KSh 69,000, which she used to build a pig sty, a chicken coop, and purchase livestock and feed.
From this business, she now makes an average profit of KSh 35,000.
Today, Irene is able to provide for her son and has also taken in her niece, raising her as her own.
“Because of Light Up Hope, I am now a radiographer; something I have always wanted to be since childhood,” she says.
Irene at her farm holding two of her chickens.
Photo credit: Gracious Aganda, Light Up Hope
Support more girls achieve their dreams!!
Stories like Irene’s are made possible through consistent support and opportunity. Join us in creating more stories like this by supporting education and mentorship programs at Light Up Hope.
