Photo: Nafula Sharleen/Facebook
Nafula Sharleen, a Kenyan businesswoman based in New York, has shared a remarkable story of generosity that is turning heads online.
In a detailed Facebook post, she recounted how she helped her former boyfriend, identified as Kioko from Mbooni near ITETANI High School, move to the United States despite their romantic relationship ending years ago.
Sharleen narrated that her journey with Kioko started in Estlando, where they often visited his family.
“Tulishuka hizo matatu za huko ikabidi tutembee one hour mpaka kwao, kwa sababu hakuna magari za kwenda huko. Closest tao ilikuwa Kithuluni market. But advantage ni maembe imeiva everywhere,” she wrote, highlighting the humble and challenging environment Kioko grew up in.
She added humorously that the local mangoes came with strict rules:
“Utakula maembe lazima uombe mwenyewe, otherwise ukiiba maembe utalogwa.”
Despite ending their relationship due to the harsh climate and dry land in Mbooni, Sharleen says she still helped Kioko pursue his American dream.
“Yes nilidump Kioko from Itetani because of jua na dry land ya Mbooni, but Kioko ako USA. Nilimsaidia akakam na student visa 2015,” she wrote. Today, Kioko is married and living in the US, and Sharleen even attended his wedding.
Her post reveals that her help was driven by Kioko’s potential and determination. She explained that he had excelled academically despite difficult circumstances.
“Sikuleta Ex wangu Kioko Maju, coz nilitaka kuleta mechi homegroud. Nilimleta coz alikuwa na potential. Bro aligrow up kwa mashida Estlando mtu wangu, but still managed kuget A- kwa day school,” she shared.
Sharleen detailed the painstaking process of getting him a scholarship and navigating the US visa system.
She used her connections and took initiative without initially informing Kioko, ensuring everything was in place before he applied.
“Nikamuapplyia college na scholarship majuu bila yeye kujua. Alipo kuwa accepted on full scholarship na ikabidi i20 na stuff process zianze ikabidi nimemshtua,” she recalled.
Her meticulous planning paid off when Kioko obtained his student visa in August 2015 and started his journey in September the same year.
The post also touches on her ongoing efforts to help other Kenyans achieve opportunities abroad.
Sharleen says she now focuses on supporting DV Lottery winners, joking that her work helps her meet people and develop character.
“Nimesaidia wasee wengi kukam huku, but watu ni wale wale! Siku hizi I stick to only hosting DV Lottery winners! Still am doing God’s work. Kusaidia watu na ma visa nijikute,” she said.
Sharleen’s story has sparked online discussions about generosity, mentorship, and personal boundaries.
Reactions;
Isaac Too: Kama shida ilikua jua na dry land si mkeongea na Kioko mtafute shamba mahali mzuri ama.
Ndatho Pius: Na hivyo ndivyo umeishi single tangu Kioko aende. Now utaolewa lini.
Peter Kirop: Be informed majority comes from humble beginnings. Hiyo ushako sio lasima muishi. You had your own motive to look way out. Am sure he is better now to make you not to follow even socially. I know everyone is happy has God blessed, with money, with Children or good health, wewe.
Miriam Kamami: Kwa nini I never knew you when I schooled at itetani high skool those days na sasa hii may be ningekuwa USA nikipambana huko en this is my dream country to locate to en settle in Jesus name akiii Nafula Sharleen.
Wachira: Wewe ni mtu wa maana sana Nafula Sharleen ... Tuko na childhood friends huko hata salamu za Mungu ni ngumu... Keep it up girl.
Karanja: Lakini inakakaa kioko aliacha tu umeiva ka maembe za huko kwao....asii.