By Jackline Wilfred, Isiolo
It’s a dream shared by many children, to grow up in an environment where challenges are few, and opportunities are abundant. For Gabriela Amoni, a young woman living with visual impairment, childhood was not without its struggles.
Born blind, she faced a world that often felt indifferent to her dreams. Yet, her spirit was unyielding. Despite her eyesight challenges, Amoni’s journey was not defined by what she couldn’t do, but by the strength of what she could.
As she grew, her parents and siblings became her steadfast supporters. They ensured she received an education and encouraged her to pursue her talents.
“I was born blind, and I thank God because my family never treated me any differently,” Amoni said in an interview with County Splash.
She went on: “They sent me to school, where I learned garment making. But when I finished school, I struggled to find the resources to further my skills. I could make sweaters, but without the right equipment, it was hard to turn my passion into a business.”
Through their care and belief in her potential, Amoni learned garment making—a skill that would become a symbol of her resilience. But even as she developed her craft, life posed its difficulties. Without a sewing machine to hone her skills, making a living from her talent remained a distant dream.
“At first, I thought my purpose was to make clothes, but now I understand that my true calling is to protect the world we all share. Being a climate advocate is just as important as any business, because it’s a legacy we leave for our children,” ~ Ms Amoni
Her goal was to eventually buy a sewing machine and grow her garment-making business and eke a living out of it. But it wasn’t just about business for Amoni, her passion was about contributing to a greater cause—the environment
“The world doesn’t only need sweaters; it needs trees. I’ve shifted from weaving fabric to weaving hope for a better planet. Every tree we plant is a step toward healing the land,” said Amoni
“At first, I thought my purpose was to make clothes, but now I understand that my true calling is to protect the world we all share. Being a climate advocate is just as important as any business, because it’s a legacy we leave for our children,” she added
But how did she became a climate change crusader? One day, as Amoni was breastfeeding her child, the radio broadcast she was listening to brought a spark of hope. It was the voice of President William Ruto, urging every Kenyan to take action against the effects of climate change.
He spoke passionately about tree planting and environmental conservation, encouraging citizens to plant trees and restore the earth, “If you want to plant a tree, do so, and plant again and again and again,” he said. The message was simple but powerful: our actions today shape the world of tomorrow.
“I heard President Ruto talk about tree planting, and when I joined this group, I was so excited to see they were already doing it,” she said, her voice filled with determination. “I thought, if I can help plant trees, I can make a difference,” ~ Ms Amoni
Amoni felt deeply moved by the President’s words. She thought of the drought that had claimed the livelihoods of many and the floods that had swept away homes, leaving people devastated.
“I heard President Ruto talk about tree planting, and when I joined this group, I was so excited to see they were already doing it,” she said, her voice filled with determination. “I thought, if I can help plant trees, I can make a difference,” said Amoni
She imagined how planting trees could bring change-not just to the environment but to the lives of many. It was in that moment that she realized her next step: to become part of the solution.
Amoni’s desire to make a difference led her to Sanyo Umbrella, a community group in Kambi ya Juu, Burat Ward, Isiolo County. This group, made up of over 70 women, was united by a shared vision of change.
Women of all walks of life—widows, women living with disabilities, and married women—had come together to empower each other and their community. Their mission? To plant trees, conserve the environment, and uplift each other through various initiatives such as savings groups, beekeeping, and land restoration.
Despite her blindness, Amoni was soon planting trees with the rest of the group. “The other women are so patient with me. They’ve taught me everything I need to know. I can plant a tree by myself now,” she said with pride. “I feel at home here. They don’t see me as disabled. They see me as a member of the group, and that’s what matters.”
Amoni’s story is one of resilience, perseverance, and hope. She believes that one day she will have her own garment-making business and that her work in environmental conservation will help make the world a better place.
“I may not be able to see the world like others, but I can feel its pain. Climate change affects us all, and I’ve found that my work now is to fight that pain—by planting trees, by advocating for a healthier planet.” Amoni said
Sadia Ibrahim, one of the leaders of Sanyo Umbrella, spoke highly of Amoni’s dedication. “Amoni is a disciplined and hardworking member of the group. She does everything the rest of us do. Her presence has made a difference, not just in her own life but in the lives of others as well. She’s a role model.”
Amoni had a message for people with disabilities: “Never say you can’t do something because you have a disability. I am blind, but I’ve learned so much through this group. I can plant trees, clear bushes, and participate in so many initiatives. I know one day I’ll be able to open my own garment-making business. We all have the ability to make a difference.”
Ann Emojo, the chairlady of Sanyo Umbrella, encouraged other women to join their group. “We need more women to come together, especially those with disabilities. Every one of us has a unique gift, and when we work together, we can create real change.”
