Our History
Since our inception in 2014 as NRT Trading, we have been dedicated to empowering communities in their journey towards economic self-reliance.
Initially established as a subsidiary of the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT), NRT Trading was founded as a business accelerator for social and conservation impact enterprises operating in northern Kenya. Over time, it became a key player in driving local economic development and contributing to the preservation of natural ecosystems.
In 2023, recognising the need to align with the growing aspirations of the communities we serve, NRT Trading rebranded to MashinaniWORKS. This strategic shift was more than just a name change. It represented our renewed commitment to deepening impact, enhancing community ownership, and fostering sustainable economic growth at the grassroots level.
Our name, MashinaniWORKS, emphasises our focus on “mashinani” (grassroots in Swahili) areas in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands, where we work to empower historically marginalised youth and women and improve their livelihoods through trade and commerce.
Driving Economic Growth at the Grassroots
MashinaniWORKS empowers the people in Kenya’s ASALs—men, women, and youth—to improve their lives through the development of marketable skills, sustainable enterprise, and commerce.
We believe that skill-based income forms the foundation for alleviating poverty and building resilient livelihoods. It creates confidence, improves lives, and changes mindsets. Possessing a skill creates job opportunities and attracts investment.
MashinaniWORKS focuses on driving progress in the most important aspects of grassroots economic development:
