Tag: Women empowerment

Beads of Hope: How BeadWORKS is Transforming Lives of Pastoralist Women through Handicraft

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Isn’t it amazing when mastering a craft becomes a pathway to financial independence and community leadership? For Nampaiyo Lepartingat, this was her reality.

As a mother of seven from Kalama Community Conservancy, Samburu County, her daily life revolved around caring for her family and managing their livestock. The unpredictability of livestock sales often left her financially strained, relying solely on her husband’s income. However, Nampaiyo sought ways to improve her family’s financial stability.

Everything changed five years ago when she discovered BeadWORKS through a friend. Intrigued by the prospect of earning additional income without leaving her home or livestock unattended, she eagerly embraced the opportunity to learn. Joining a Kalama women’s beading group, Nampaiyo quickly distinguished herself as a diligent and skilled artisan. Her talent in creating beautiful pieces and natural leadership capabilities rapidly became evident, leading to her recognition as a starbeader. She is one of 108 starbeaders and acts as a link between BeadWORKS and the beaders. Her responsibilities extend to serving as a supervisor and providing support, guidance, and leadership to the group members.

Through BeadWORKS’ support and training initiatives, Nampaiyo honed her beading skills and gained an understanding of financial management and entrepreneurship. The training offered through the Rangelands SACCO equipped her with essential knowledge in savings and credit management. This enabled her to invest in her businesses, including setting up a successful chicken-rearing business and a shop with mobile money services. With her earnings, Nampaiyo built a modern home for her family, replacing their traditional grass-thatched dwelling, and also provided her children with better living conditions, including access to electricity for smooth learning and security.

Since 2015, BeadWORKS has become a driving force for change among 1,200 pastoralist women in northern Kenya. By leveraging the inbuilt skills of these pastoralist women, BeadWORKS has effectively turned their artisanal craft into a sustainable source of income. For Nampaiyo and the other women, market linkages have been created locally and internationally, expanding their economic opportunities. This increased market access has amplified the impact of BeadWORKS, leading to further economic growth and empowerment for the women.

BeadWORKS, a handicraft initiative under MashinaniWORKS, harnesses the traditional beading skills of women in northern Kenya. This business line provides pastoralist women from nine NRT member conservancies with the opportunity to transform their cultural craft into a vital source of income. In doing so, BeadWORKS helps these women support their families while contributing millions of shillings in conservation fees that fund community development projects.

Explore BeadWORKS Kenya

From Hotel To Shop To Transport Businesses – Mikelina Leparmorijo’s Entrepreneurial Journey

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Mikelina Leparmorijo is a 50-year-old mother of 7 who was born into a pastoralist community. She grew up surrounded by traditional livestock-keeping, the primary income source for her family and many others in the community. However, at the young age of 15, Mikelina was forced into marriage and didn’t have the opportunity to continue her education beyond Class 8.

Despite this setback, Mikelina’s entrepreneurial spirit never wavered. A few years later, she began running a hotel and preparing meals for locals, which allowed her to earn enough money to support her children. However, she knew that she needed to diversify her income stream to ensure financial stability for her family.

In 2016, Mikelina learned about the Rangelands SACCO through the Conservancy management and immediately joined as one of the 300 members. Together with other women, she received her first loan of KES 25,000, which helped her boost her hotel business. Michelina later became a Conservancy Enterprise Agent to help recruit new members and follow up on outstanding loans.

“Rangelands SACCO came to our remote areas to change our lives. They trained us to earn a diversified income without depending on livestock. We know about saving and budgeting, and our businesses are running smoothly. We have averted the loss of livestock during the drought period because we were taught how to manage that.” Mikelina happily says.

With the help of the SACCO, Mikelina was able to take a development loan of KES 100,000, which she opened a shop to diversify her income in addition to investing in a vehicle that is being used for transport business together with her sons. Her hard work and dedication paid off when she was elected as the SACCO Chairlady two years ago, a position she holds with pride. Mikelina is proud that more women from her community are taking the opportunity to save and borrow loans from financial institutions like the Rangelands SACCO to improve their lives. Before, they depended on their husbands for everything, but now they have stable businesses.

Today, Mikelina celebrates the increasing number of women in her community who, like her, have embraced the power of savings, loans, and diversified businesses. These women have achieved financial independence, established stable businesses resilient to natural calamities, and secured brighter futures for their children through better education and improved living conditions.

Leadership in Business and Conservation – The Story of Pauline Lolngojine

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Recently, women in northern Kenya have emerged as key decision-makers in their communities. They now hold leadership positions and have gained control over benefits, which has resulted in their full participation in the economy as market actors.

Pauline Nduraa Lolngojine is a 47-year-old mother of five from Archers Post in Samburu County, whose story embodies resilience, community impact, and empowerment. Married off at a young age, her education was abruptly cut short in Form 3. However, Pauline chose not to despair. Undeterred by the following hardships, she seized an opportunity during the construction of the Isiolo-Moyale highway to start preparing and hawking meals for the workers. This marked the beginning of her entrepreneurial venture, and she soon expanded to selling groceries by the roadside.

Pauline addresses women during the Marsabit women’s caucus.

As a member of the Sera Community Conservancy, Pauline’s conservation efforts earned her a position on the board, where she later became the tourism chairperson, breaking barriers as the only female in this role. Her journey continued as she was re-elected as the Conservancy’s Chairperson, solidifying her position as a powerful voice for women.

In 2018, Pauline joined Rangelands Savings and Credit Cooperative (Rangelands SACCO), an independent, community-owned, and membership-driven financial organization. Elected as the chairperson, she embraced the training and guidance provided by the SACCO to become a star entrepreneur. Through Rangelands SACCO, Pauline received loans that she strategically invested to catalyze the growth of her businesses. The entrepreneurial and financial literacy training, including business planning, customer service, marketing and branding, managing profits and losses, costing, and pricing, equipped her with the skills to manage every aspect of her enterprises.

Being among over 6,000 members, the impact of Rangelands SACCO on Pauline’s life is evident from an initial loan of KES 30,000 to her latest loan of KES 900,000. She secured her children’s education and a plot for her restaurant and invested in equipment and materials, elevating the quality of her services. The loans met her progressive targets and positioned her in a better place.

Pauline provides outside catering services at Uaso Girls to children on an educational trip.

Her entrepreneurial journey saw her venture into diverse fields, from groceries by the roadside to outside catering services and a Choma Zone (roast meat) restaurant that will serve travelers along Archers Post.

In the Annual Delegates Meetings held on 26th April 2023 and 7th March 2024, she was celebrated as the best borrower in 2022 and 2023, respectively. “The awards motivate me to keep achieving my goals in the Sacco and being a role model by uplifting others through giving them advice and showing them my best practices,” says Pauline. Her journey with Rangelands SACCO is not just about financial gains; it’s about inspiring and uplifting an entire community, creating a ripple effect of positive change. Pauline has become an employer, creating job opportunities and contributing to the economic growth of her community.

Pauline receives her certificate as the Best Borrower in 2023 during the Rangelands SACCO Annual Delegates Meeting held on 7th March 2024
Pauline receives her certificate as the Best Borrower in 2022 during the Rangelands SACCO Annual Delegates Meeting held on 26th April 2023

As Pauline envisions securing plots for accommodation facilities and campsites, her dreams extend beyond personal success. She aims to contribute to the growth of the local economy and leave an indelible mark on the community that she holds dear.

Rising Beyond Terrorism Scars: Mumina’s Extraordinary Journey from Tragedy to Triumph

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Insecurity has long plagued Kenya’s northern and coastal regions, casting a shadow over the dreams of its residents and inflicting pain upon countless families. Yet amidst this adversity, there emerges an inspiring story of a 21-year-old that encapsulates resilience, determination, and an unyielding spirit.

In 2017, a young girl named Mumina Omar, then in seventh grade, embarked on her usual journey from the Mararani villages to Kiunga Primary School in Lamu County. Little did she know that this ordinary commute in search of education would forever alter the course of her life.

Mumina and her fellow pupils were en route to school when tragedy struck along Mararani to Kiunga road. Their vehicle unwittingly triggered a landmine planted by a militia group, resulting in a deafening explosion and a fiery inferno. Mumina vividly recalls the horrifying moment, “the only thing I remember is a big loud explosion followed by fire.”

Trapped in the Boni forest, their remote location delayed rescue efforts until late into the night, leaving four of her fellow pupils dead. However, Mumina was not rescued then, for the impact of the explosion catapulted her far from her peers. She spent a harrowing night alone in the forest, consumed by pain and fear, eventually lapsing into unconsciousness.

It wasn’t until 11:00 a.m. the following day that Mumina was discovered during a renewed search mission prompted by her family’s frantic report of her disappearance and rushed to Agha Khan Hospital in Mombasa. After two weeks, her condition failed to improve, and she was subsequently transferred to Kijabe Mission Hospital in Nairobi. Tragically, the extent of her injuries necessitated the amputation of one of her legs three months later.

Mumina showcasing her tailoring skills during a National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) assessment.

The loss of her leg had profound repercussions, affecting not only her education, dreams, and self-esteem but also her family resources. Yet, Mumina’s indomitable spirit prevailed. With the help of an artificial leg supported by a good samaritan, she returned to school in 2019, persevering through bouts of excruciating pain to complete her education up to form four.

After completing her secondary education, her pains anchored her within the walls of their home, where she dutifully assisted her parents with minor tasks, her aspirations for a brighter future seemingly constrained by her condition. In a twist of fate, Mumina’s path crossed with Ujuzi Manyattani in 2023, a program dedicated to empowering young men and women in marginalized communities through the support of the USAID Local Works program. The NRT Trading Coast regional Ujuzi Manyattani Coordinator encouraged her to enroll in the program, and that’s when she embarked on a three-month training in tailoring & dressmaking course. Despite her fears and doubts, through sheer determination and the unwavering support of her parents, trainer, and fellow trainees, Mumina learned to sew a wide array of clothes.

Today, as you observe Mumina gracefully operating a sewing machine pedal, you might mistake her for any other trainee in the class. But her story sets her apart. She uses just one leg to master the art of tailoring. This remarkable feat was born out of necessity, a necessity that arose from a fateful day in 2017.

Behind Mumina’s radiant smile and confidence at the sewing machine lies a heartbreaking journey transformed by newfound life skills. She defiantly declares that the militia groups may have robbed her of one of her legs, but they never robbed her of her destiny. Today, we celebrate Mumina Omar as she graduates and is issued with the startup tool kits through the support of the USAID Local Works Program alongside the other 30 trainees from Kiunga Community Conservancy.

Mumina’s story embodies the human spirit’s ability to rise above even the most daunting challenges of terrorism. It serves as an inspiring reminder that determination can conquer adversity and dreams can endure despite the darkest of days. Ujuzi Manyattani is a beacon of hope that empowers individuals like Mumina by imparting a diverse range of vocational skills, from vessel repair, mobile phone repair, catering, masonry, electrical installation to hairdressing and beauty therapy, and motorbike repair and maintenance in eight Counties of northern and Coastal Kenya.  

Mumina receiving her certificate during the Ujuzi Manyattani graduation held on 31/10/2023 in Kiunga Community Conservancy, Lamu County in Kenya.

To date, 1,102 young women and men have graduated with vocational skills training and have been issued startup tool kits to help them earn an income and secure their livelihoods. The graduates of Ujuzi Manyattani inject over KES 60 million annually into the local economy through income earned, as per an impact survey conducted in January 2023. The survey further reveals that at least 88% of our graduates embarked on self-employment through setting up their businesses.

Breaking Tradition: Mary Leleruk’s Poultry Revolution

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Mary Leleruk is a Maasai woman who lives in the heart of Naibunga Lower Community Conservancy in Laikipia County. She has been practicing beading for many years and has been training others in the art as well. In Maasai culture, beading has always been integral to women’s daily life. However, chicken rearing was traditionally considered an enterprise of low value compared to larger stock such as cattle and was thus overlooked. Mary, too, did not prioritize it in her homestead.

However, a transformative opportunity emerged in 2021 through the support of USAID Local Works and the Ufugaji Bora Mashinani program recognized the potential of poultry production training targeting sixty women and youth.  This aimed to introduce poultry training to change their perception towards chickens and to provide them with skills and opportunities to increase their household income. Additionally, it aimed to diversify livestock value chains.

Mary planting kales (sukumawiki) in her garden using poultry manure.

Selected among sixty women through the Ufugaji Bora Mashinani program, Mary delved into intensive training. This changed her perception of poultry rearing. She absorbed knowledge on building poultry houses, safeguarding against diseases, and crafting nutritious feeds from local resources. Maggots, rich in protein, became a staple ingredient sourced from cow dung.

Armed with newfound knowledge, Mary erected a modern chicken house and welcomed ten improved Kienyeji chickens. The once un-valued chicken now yields a steady supply of protein-packed eggs, nourishing her family. Chicken manure, once disregarded, breathed life into a thriving kitchen garden, yielding vibrant greens and vital iron.

Mary, showing off her freshly harvested tomatoes from her kitchen garden.

Oldonyiro town became the stage for Mary’s entrepreneurial spirit. Her eggs and fresh vegetables, coveted for their quality, command a premium, fetching Ksh. 600 per sale. With her earnings, she paves the way for her children’s education and secures essential household provisions.

In Mary’s eyes, chickens are no longer mere birds but vital contributors to her family’s well-being. Her voice resounds with conviction, urging other women to embrace poultry farming, recognizing its power to fortify diets and alleviate financial burdens.

“As a Maasai, I never understood the value of chickens in our homesteads. Now, if anyone tries to dissuade me, I’d consider them my adversary. These birds have revolutionized my family’s nutrition. They’ve lightened the load of school fees for my husband and me,” Mary declares.

Poultry farming, she learned, is a beacon of stability, less vulnerable to nature’s effects compared to traditional herding. Mary Leleruk dared to step beyond convention, melding her beadwork expertise with a newfound poultry passion. In doing so, she elevated her family’s fortunes and forged a path to self-reliance.

Balancing Chalk and Coins: The Teacher-Entrepreneur’s Journey with Biashara Mashinani

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Biashara Mashinani develops the capacity of men and women at the grassroots to start and manage enterprises to diversify household income and increase economic resilience.

Through the Rangelands SACCO, a community-owned and membership-driven financial organization, financial inclusion is promoted by giving members access to various tailor-made financial services, including savings accounts, affordable loans, business coaching, and investment opportunities.

Over the last six years, the Rangelands SACCO has disbursed over 200 million shillings in loans to its members. Among the 3,594 women beneficiaries is Tunu Farhiya Choya, a resident of Karare, Songa Conservancy in Marsabit County, whose life has been significantly changed.

As an employed Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teacher at Karare Primary School, schoolwork typically ends early, and she hardly found constructive tasks to keep her busy for the rest of the day. In 2020, the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, and due to school closures, Tunu was confined to her home idle, besides house duties.

Adding to her woes was a series of salary delays that left her in a tight financial spot. As a widow with two children, this was incredibly challenging. As the months passed and her bills piled up, she realized that depending solely on her job was no longer sustainable. Frustrated by the uncertainty of when her next paycheck would arrive, she decided to take matters into her own hands, turning her free time into income.

In September, the 42-year-old rented and stocked a retail shop at the Karare market center with her savings of 15,000 shillings. The reduced competition triggered the idea, but most importantly, to offer access to necessities to the residents. Before a return to normalcy, she dedicated her full attention to her business, intending to earn extra income to care for her family. On school days, her cousin runs the store during the day, while she takes over in the afternoon after school.

In 2021, Tunu learned of the NRT Trading Biashara Mashinani program through the conservancy management. Tunu eagerly seized this opportunity and embarked on a three-day intensive entrepreneurship and financial literacy training on business planning. With unwavering determination, she incorporated the knowledge from this training into her retail business and was inspired to join Sacco to start saving. Her dedication paid off as, after disciplined savings with Rangelands SACCO, Tunu became eligible for her first loan of 25,000 shillings.

This loan came at a crucial juncture, as a prolonged drought devastated the region, leading to a dire shortage of rainfall, which greatly affected the livelihoods of the indigenous people in northern Kenya. Before the SACCO’s intervention, Tunu, like many others in her community, had grappled with a sense of hopelessness. However, she used the loan wisely, allocating funds towards her children’s school fees, investing in her business, and securing a portion for savings.

Tunu expresses her gratitude, “Being a member of the Sacco has helped me a lot despite having come from a drought season whereby I experienced highs and lows. I have used the money to stock my shop with household commodities, foods, and cereals. I look forward to receiving more loans to expand my business.”

Tunu happily serves a customer at her shop.

Today, Tunu runs her shop with a positive outlook, aiming to achieve daily profitability. On her best days, she garners up to 3,000 shillings; on others, she still manages to earn at least 500 on a bad day.

She acknowledges NRT Trading for nurturing her entrepreneurial skills and fostering her financial growth, enabling her to run a thriving business that sustains her family and contributes to the betterment of her community.

Turning Grass into Gold:  The Remarkable Journey of Grace Meitiaki from Herder to Innovator in Pasture Production

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Grace Meitiaki, at 46 years of age, has walked the challenging path of a herder for many years, practicing the traditional ways of livestock keeping. This journey was marred by losses, with her livestock bearing the brunt of her outdated methods. But like a resilient sprout emerging through cracked earth, Grace’s story took a heartwarming twist.

In 2021, Grace’s fortunes began to change as she seized the opportunity to participate in the Ufugaji Bora Mashinani program supported by the USAID Local Works program, targeting 300 herders. Through this initiative, she embarked on a transformative four-module training course on better animal husbandry. The year 2023 marked a significant turning point when Grace, alongside 30 other Livestock Market Agents (LMAs), embarked on an enlightening exposure tour at the Kenya Agricultural Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO). This tour, a pivotal moment in her journey, expanded her horizons, propelling her newly acquired skills to greater heights, particularly in pasture production and management.

Grace, among other Livestock Marketing Agents (LMAs), during an exposure tour visit at KALRO Beef Research Centre, Nakuru.

Grace reflects on the eye-opening experience, stating, “The learning tour provided us with a platform to interact with experts, ask questions, and witness the practical application of the concepts we were trained on.”

With newfound knowledge and determination, Grace began a remarkable journey. She decided to invest in pasture production on her secluded piece of land, turning what was once overlooked grass into her most valuable asset. In doing so, she proved that knowledge could shatter stereotypes and barriers.

Her motivation was clear. Grace explained, “I was very keen on pasture production and management because I have been losing hundreds of livestock due to drought.” The transformation was palpable as she began producing her balanced animal blocks, enriching them with vital nutrients through animal salt, animal feeds, and molasses, all preserved under low heat.

But the story doesn’t conclude there. Grace’s training extended to module three, where she learned about conservation. Here, she discovered the potential of collecting acacia pods and preserving them, providing a lifeline to her livestock during the unforgiving drought seasons. Encouraged by the success of her initial trials, she’s preparing another piece of land to expand her pasture production. Grace also extends her heartfelt appreciation to her husband, Richard Metiaki, for his unwavering support.

In her own words, Grace emphasizes the profound impact of knowledge, stating, “Knowledge is power. I am a better herder, all thanks to Ufugaji Bora Mashinani. I am training other group members on this new venture so they can safeguard their livestock in the future.” Her joyful testimony speaks volumes about the ripple effect of education and training, creating a virtuous cycle that uplifts individuals and the entire livestock value chain.

Grace Meitiaki’s journey is a testament to the remarkable transformations that can occur when education, dedication, and support converge. Her story serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that with the right tools and knowledge, anyone can overcome challenges and pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.

Sketching Idea into Livelihood – Batuli’s Journey to Self-reliance

Posted on by nrttrading

Faza Village on Pate Island, nestled within the breathtaking Lamu archipelago, we meet Batuli Bwanakombo, a 23-year-old in her mini boutique sorting out a new stock of clothes, choosing which ones are best and most attractive for display with the help of her husband.

Batuli’s story is one of resilience, borne from her mother’s valiant struggle to provide for their family’s needs while balancing the weight of her school tuition. Despite completing her primary education, Batuli’s academic performance fell below expectations, dashing her dreams of pursuing higher learning. Hope seemed lost as Batuli found herself confined to the walls of her home, assisting her mother with household chores. However, destiny had other plans. A suitor arrived at their doorstep, seeking Batuli’s hand in marriage, and she accepted. Yet, the union failed to alter her circumstances; instead, it blessed her with motherhood but no means of income.

Batuli’s desire to improve her financial situation led her to seek business training from NRT Trading Biashara Mashinani on business idea generation and life skills. Through this training, Batuli acquired the knowledge and insights to navigate the intricacies of running a successful business. Determined to change their fortune, Batuli engaged her husband in an earnest discussion, sketching ideas to generate income. A gleam of inspiration emerged as they envisioned a retail clothing business, and they embraced this idea wholeheartedly. With newfound confidence and a solid foundation in business practices, they acquired a humble abode and adorned it with a dazzling collection of stylish, brand-new garments suitable for all genders.

In 2021, Batuli was among the beneficiaries from Pate to receive a loan of 25,000 shillings from the Northern Rangelands Sacco (NR Sacco) through its Biashara Mashinani program. Through hard work and diligence, she promptly repaid the loan and was awarded an additional 50,000 shillings, which she invested in expanding her business and diversifying her stock. Batuli’s boutique became a beacon of fashion for men seeking trousers, shirts, and shoes, particularly during festive occasions, where she could earn a remarkable 5,000 shillings daily. She consistently garners a respectable income of approximately 1,200 shillings on regular days.

The transformative power of Biashara Mashinani’s business training breathed new life into Batuli’s entrepreneurial journey, profoundly influencing her boutique’s success. Grateful for the knowledge gained, she humbly acknowledges her growth and evolution, “I have gained valuable knowledge from NRT Trading on how to make my business thrive. I have been putting aside funds for unforeseen circumstances and expansion, being more courteous to my customers, and organizing my collections more effectively. Additionally, I have made a conscious effort to maintain a high level of cleanliness in my store, which has become an additional boon, enhancing my reputation and attracting more customers,” Batuli explains.

She is thankful to NRT Trading for the financial support and invaluable skills training propelling her business to new heights. Buoyed by this encouragement, she eagerly envisions the future, setting her sights on establishing a wholesale shop serving people locally and beyond.

With the conservation efforts of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in the coastal region of Kenya like Lamu, a balance has been fostered between environmental conservation and sustainable economic development by creating opportunities for individuals like Batuli to pursue their dreams, contribute to the local economy, and inspire others to believe in their potential.

Batuli is a testament to the indomitable spirit of an aspiring entrepreneur who, against all odds, triumphed over adversity and carved her path to success. Her story echoes through the island, inspiring others to believe in their dreams and seize opportunities in wait.

Sudha’s Journey with Ujuzi Manyattani

Posted on by Susan Methamo

Twenty-six-year-old Sudha Mohamed is a Ujuzi Manyattani beneficiary who graduated in January 2023 with a tailoring and dressmaking course, among 29 others from Ishaqbini Hirola Community Conservancy in Garissa County.

Now, Sudha wasn’t your average girl next door. At the tender age of 17, she was married off, dashing her dream of attending university. However, Sudha wasn’t one to let life’s curveballs get the better of her.

Sudha had always been fascinated by beautifully mended clothes. She would gaze longingly at women parading their expensive outfits, wondering if she could ever create such masterpieces. Guess what? She decided to pursue her passion for tailoring; come what may!

Sudha joined Ujuzi Manyattani, a USAID-funded Local Works program that aims to empower youth and women in the community with valuable skills. She wanted to be a shining example for her younger siblings and make her dear mother proud. Through Ujuzi, she succeeded!

“Thanks to Ujuzi Manyattani, I received a tool kit on graduation day! I set up my tailoring shop right outside my mother’s store,” said Sudha.

She adds that the shop was to her advantage because she didn’t have to incur any extra costs like rent, electricity, and water bills, bearing in mind that this was supposed to be her only source of income and that her husband was jobless.

At the crack of dawn, you can find Sudha bustling in her shop, armed with measuring tapes, fabric scissors, and a trusty sewing machine. She meticulously takes measurements, jots them down, and expertly cuts fabrics, twirling the sewing machine like a pro. Sudha is a force to be reckoned with!

“What a stroke of luck that NRT Trading brought Ujuzi Manyattani right to our villages!” Sudha exclaims. “Now, I’m not just a tailor but also an entrepreneur. I’ve learned to plan my business, budget, and entertain my customers.”

With her newfound skills, Sudha earns up to KES 1,000 daily. Sure, it is not a fortune, but it is enough to keep food on the table and household utilities in check.

In a sea of competing tailors, Sudha stands out from the crowd. Why, you may ask? It is all because of the valuable advice she received from the NRT Trading Biashara Mashinani team. They stressed the importance of politeness and honesty with customers. Sudha is no “lying tailor”! She always keeps her word and finishes her work before the deadline. A true professional, indeed!

With dreams in her heart and a sewing needle in her hand, Sudha aspires to open a more extensive shop named after NRT Trading. She wants to be the talk of the town—a renowned tailor, supplier, and wholesaler all in one. And if that isn’t enough, Sudha hopes to inspire young girls like herself to enroll in similar training programs, empowering them to improve their lives.

Ujuzi Manyattani: Bringing Hope and Change to Northern Kenya’s Disadvantaged Communities.

Posted on by Susan Methamo
Fourth from Left is Mr. Maina Njane with Ujuzi Trainees.

In the heart of northern Kenya lies a program that is changing lives and providing hope to those who never thought they had a chance. NRT Trading Ujuzi Manyattani; is a mobile-integrated vocational training program that provides access to learning, adult literacy, and entrepreneurship skills to people from disadvantaged backgrounds and those without formal education.

Mr. Maina Njane with Ujuzi Trainees.

Partnering with institutions such as Kiirua Technical Training Institute and Laikipia North Technical and Vocational College, Ujuzi Manyattani has been making waves since its inception in 2019.

We spoke with Maina Njane, the Principal of Laikipia North Technical and Vocational College, about the program and its impact on the region.

Mr. Maina is an Electrical Engineer who climbed the ladder to a principal in February 2018, just as the vocational training institution was established. Mr. Maina is a huge advocate of the Ujuzi Manyattani program and has nothing but praise for it. “It’s the best thing that ever happened,” he says with a smile.

Starting from Right is Mr.Maina Njane, Mr. Ture Boru, NRT Trading Chief Economic Programs Officer with Ujuzi Trainees.

“We are very fortunate that we have accepted to be innovative, unique, and daring in this approach and for reaching out to communities we work with in partnership with NRT Trading.”

Maina

The approach NRT Trading takes in this program is what makes it unique. Instead of expecting the learners to come to them, they take the trainers to the learners.

 “It brings forth much excitement because we can see the level of impact that Ujuzi has brought to the region. The fact that the trainers can go to the learners means that they are able to provide training to people who may not have had access to it otherwise,”

says Mr. Maina.

As the program evolves, Mr. Maina believes it’s vital to integrate aspects such as Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and other trends within the technical space. He adds that the training can be universally accepted by linking with industries and engaging with national policy bodies like the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) and the Ministry of Education.

Ujuzi Manyattani is more than just a vocational training program; it’s a beacon of hope for those who thought they had none. With its unique approach to training and commitment to the region’s communities, it’s no wonder Mr. Maina believes it’s the best thing that ever happened. The program is changing lives, one learner at a time.