Ann Karithi

Ann Karithi, born in 1993, is from Kiumbe village and is married to a farmer. Together, they have four children, three of whom are in primary school. They live in a modest two-roomed house with an unfinished floor and no electricity or solar lighting. The family sustains itself through farming on their four acres of inherited land, cultivating pigeon peas, cowpeas, maize, and millet, while also raising chickens, goats, cows, and sheep. Ann handles household water collection on her own and has turned to basket weaving as a crucial source of income, allowing her to purchase essentials like maize, beans, furniture, and make home improvements such as building a latrine.

For Ann, basket weaving is more than just a means of earning—it's a passion that brings her joy and fulfillment. Selling her handcrafted baskets to Merry-Go-Strong has provided much-needed financial support, improving her family’s well-being. She is deeply grateful to those who purchase her work, recognizing their role in her family’s stability. Looking forward, her greatest aspiration is to see her children receive a quality education and build better lives for themselves. She remains hopeful and finds inspiration in the world around her, embracing each day with optimism.