Tag: Women empowerment

When Craft Becomes Capital: How BeadWORKS is Supporting Long-Term Artisans’ Livelihoods

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Pelina Kinyaga’s journey with BeadWORKS Kenya begins at a moment when the program itself was still taking shape. When BeadWORKS was introduced in Lekiji Village within the Leparua Conservancy, she was among the first women artisans who chose to participate. Initially, her involvement was cautious: she watched and learned, curious whether this emerging enterprise could really challenge the rhythms of their community’s economy, defined by livestock and seasonal uncertainty.

Beading, however, was already part of her life. As a Maasai woman, Pelina had acquired the skill informally, passed down from one generation of women to the next, and practised within the rhythms of community life. She produced necklaces, ceremonial headpieces, and bangles for morans (Maasai warriors), items valued for their cultural significance rather than their commercial potential. What BeadWORKS introduced was not the craft itself, but a reframing of it. Through clear systems of quality control, design guidance, and market access, the program demonstrated that beading could serve as a consistent source of income. For Pelina, the most compelling element was simple and persuasive: the opportunity to earn her own money and be paid fairly for her work. The social enterprise, which now supports 1,200 pastoralist women across nine community conservancies, confirms that these traditional skills can be linked to consistent, meaningful income rather than to episodic use or barter alone.

The income from beading introduced a new sense of predictability into her household. As a mother of six, aged from early childhood through adolescence, Pelina is responsible for her family’s daily needs and long-term well-being. What mattered most was stability. Unlike narratives of survival built on borrowing as default, Pelina’s life has seen that pattern decline. Earlier in her life, she might have borrowed money to meet day-to-day needs, but that was before she had reliable earnings. Her income from BeadWORKS now provides a dependable weekly cash flow: she receives regular payments for beaded products sold through local and international channels. In 2024 alone, the network of artisans collectively saw product sales exceed KES 25 million, with artisans earning over KES 4 million from items they produced and contributing to both household and conservation needs without reverting to unsustainable coping strategies.

One moment that clarified this change for her occurred when her last daughter was sent home from school for not having a school uniform. The uniform cost KES 600, a modest sum in absolute terms but significant in context. Instead of scrambling for casual credit, Pelina approached a local tailor with confidence, grounded in her upcoming payment; they agreed to credit based on it, and the situation was resolved without stress. This instance signalled both her prudence and the emerging financial agency she now exercises.

Beyond income, BeadWORKS also exposed her to leadership support, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy trainings. These sessions offered concepts that Pelina applies directly in her daily life, particularly in managing household resources and making decisions for her family. BeadWORKS artisans participate in entrepreneurship support that extends to savings mobilisation and access to financial institutions such as the Rangelands SACCO, where many now hold savings accounts and can access formal loans. This shift is reinforced by mutual support structures within the women’s groups themselves, through which members save together and secure loans, fostering a social community grounded not only in craft but also in shared economic planning and mentorship.

Pelina’s consistency over the years has made her a respected artisan and informal mentor. She continues to enjoy making belts and animal-inspired pieces, especially lion designs, that reflect her love for wildlife conservation, cultural heritage, and market appeal. Her contribution to the women’s saving group — and the mentorship she both gives and receives — is part of a communal ecosystem in which financial habits, marketing skills, and collective ambition are reinforced.

Today, Pelina’s life is marked by a practical stability that would have been hard to imagine before her association with BeadWORKS. She pays school fees, contributes to household nutrition and healthcare, and plans incremental improvements, such as building a permanent home to accommodate her family’s needs. Her story, situated within a program that has generated hundreds of millions in sales and elevated women’s participation in both local and global markets, illustrates how sustained, market-linked craft enterprises can reshape livelihoods through continuity, competence, and economic independence.

Read more on how “Bead Work Makes the Dream Work”, an article published by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, a long-time partner of BeadWORKS Kenya.

Ujuzi Manyattani and the Making of a New Generation of Entrepreneurs

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It is a Wednesday morning in Archers Post, and by nine o’clock the town is already alive with activity. Just off the highway, a freshly painted pink door stands out among a row of stalls. Through the string curtain at its entrance, black-and-pink salon chairs are visible beneath warm gypsum lights reflected in wide mirrors. A customer, freshly shaved, leans forward to inspect his reflection. At the counter, a woman jots in a notebook, shelves of neatly arranged beauty products framing the space.

That woman is Priscilla Nchichi Juma, a 36-year-old entrepreneur and the owner of Vinpelo Spa & Salon. When Priscilla first expressed interest in studying hairdressing and beauty therapy, reactions were mixed. Some encouraged her; others dismissed it as impractical, a pastime rather than a profession. Today, her confidence is unmistakable, rooted in the experience of building a business from the ground up.

Before all of this took shape, Priscilla’s life was far from what it is today. The youngest of seven children, life changed drastically after losing both parents and the family’s circumstances shifted abruptly. Priscilla and her siblings were taken in by relatives, and her maternal aunt became her guardian, doing her best despite limited means. Although Priscilla completed primary school, financial constraints made secondary education unattainable.

In the years that followed, she relied on casual work to contribute to household needs. The income was modest and unpredictable, leaving little opportunity to save. At 22, she married and continued working to support her family. Together with her husband, they managed as best they could, but school fees, food, and daily expenses consumed most of their income, leaving little room to invest in a business of her own.

Her introduction to hairdressing came through informal work at local salons. She began with basic tasks like washing clients’ hair, cleaning up, and handing over hairpieces to stylists in the middle of braiding. Before long, she was helping with cornrows, blow-dries, and styling. “Watching clients light up when they looked in the mirror made me fall in love with this work,” she recalls.

Priscilla performs a facial scrub for a client

Although she dreamed of owning a salon, Priscilla believed that proper training was essential – more than just skills learned by observation. She held onto her dream, considering it something for “one day.” That opportunity came in 2024, when she learned about Ujuzi Manyattani, a flagship mobile vocational training program under MashinaniWORKS that aimed to empower youth and women like her through practical skills training, without disrupting their way of life. The program, endorsed by the Sera Conservancy management, local leaders, and stakeholders, arrived at the right moment for her. Priscilla enrolled in a three-month course in hairdressing and beauty therapy and the program’s flexibility allowed her to attend classes while caring for her youngest child, making learning seamless for mothers like her.

Under the guidance of an instructor from Kiirua Technical Training Institute, Priscilla strengthened her technical skills, learning braiding, haircutting, skincare treatments, manicures, pedicures, and makeup application. Alongside vocational skills training, she and her classmates received business and financial literacy training, which is a key component to developing the skills needed to manage sustainable enterprises and generate profitable income. It has played an essential role in enhancing graduates’ business acumen, leading 88% of them to establish promising careers in related fields.

Priscilla completed the three-month training in June 2024, earning a Level 3 (Mastery) certificate in Hairdressing from Nyeri National Polytechnic, a nationally recognised qualification. She also received a startup toolkit to help her begin her journey in the beauty industry. Rather than opening a salon immediately, she took time to plan carefully. She began by working from home and offering mobile services within her neighbourhood, refining her skills while saving and learning about local demand.

Priscilla receives her certificate and start-up toolkits in the presence of dignitaries, led by Former British High Commissioner to Kenya, Neil Wigan, during the Ujuzi Manyattani graduation held in Doldol on 19th June 2024

As a member of a women’s table banking group, Priscilla had been saving and borrowing from their shared fund. When the time felt right, she combined her savings with a small loan. The funds allowed her to renovate a space, purchase salon furniture, and stock essential products. A few months later, her long-held dream became Vinpelo Spa & Salon.

The response from the community exceeded her expectations. Men came in for haircuts, while women booked appointments for styling and beauty services. Products that were previously difficult to find locally sold quickly. Saturdays, which coincide with market days in Archers Post, became especially busy, bustling from morning until afternoon. Today, the salon generates between KES 8,000 and 10,000 on a good day from services and product sales.

Competition in the beauty industry is unavoidable, especially in her industry, where loyalty runs deep. However, her clients keep returning. She attributes this to offering personalized attention, consistent follow-ups, and treating everyone as if they were the first of the day. This professionalism has earned her trust and word-of-mouth referrals which have slowly become her strongest marketing tools.

Her success now extends beyond her own household. The salon employs two young people, one as a barber and another assisting with hair and beauty services. The income she earns has also enabled her to support three teenagers in school, some of whom are orphans or come from financially vulnerable families.

Looking ahead, Priscilla plans to expand into wholesale beauty supplies and eventually become a Trainer of Trainers, which will offer a practical way to sharing skills to extend opportunity to other young people build livelihoods of their own, drawing directly on the pathway she accessed through Ujuzi Manyattani.

Celebrating Women in Business and Conservation

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Picture this: A woman sits under the shade of an acacia tree, her hands working magic with tiny glass beads, threading them together to create patterns for a keychain that mirror the spots on a giraffe or the tusk of an elephant. At the end of the week, these ‘love letters’ to the wildlife and culture that inspires her craft will turn into an income.

This is the world of BeadWORKS, where something as simple as a glass bead becomes a lifeline, a voice, a force for change, and an unlikely product financing conservation efforts and developments in northern Kenya.

On 22nd July, at the Kalama Conservancy Headquarters, BeadWORKS artisans from nine NRT community conservancies across Isiolo, Samburu, Laikipia, and Marsabit came together for a noble cause, contributing KSh 3.5 million in conservation fees.

The funds were allocated as follows:

ConservancyConservation Fees (in KES)
Melako897,212
Il Ngwesi874,560
Sera394,304
Westgate370,204
Lekurruki268,863
Leparua242,948
Kalama230,772
Naibunga Lower136,270
Naibunga Central132,208

This amount represents 5% of their annual sales income, dedicated to supporting conservation efforts and community development projects, like supporting conservancy rangers, wildlife protection, or school bursaries. Since its inception in 2016, the conservation fee model under BeadWORKS has generated KSh 13.37 million, directly benefiting community-led conservancies.

BeadWORKS, a World Fair Trade Organization-certified enterprise, is a business line under MashinaniWORKS that has, for over 15 years, established an organized network of 1,200 pastoralist women in northern Kenya, creating income-generating opportunities by transforming their traditional beading skills into high-quality, handcrafted products.

In 2024 alone, BeadWORKS generated Ksh 36.2 million in product sales, raising its total revenue since 2016 to Ksh 267.45 million. The women themselves earned 10.6 million shillings in 2024 from creating 75,626 products – earrings, belts, keychains, decorative pieces, and more. Over the years, these artisans have put 80 million shillings directly into their own pockets – money that allows them to pay school fees, put food on the table, start businesses, and, in several cases, leave behind destructive survival activities like charcoal burning.

“BeadWORKS is not just about beading. Every bead tells a story – of resilience and economic empowerment of our women. It’s a skill that takes them from one level to another.” Salma Lekoomet, BeadWORKS Production Manager.

In the communities where BeadWORKS operates, women traditionally haven’t had much say in decision-making, but that has since shifted.

The women have gone on to take leadership roles among themselves, serving as Star Beaders or members of peace committees, and even in conservancy boards. Now, when meetings happen, women’s voices fill the room. When families make financial decisions, women contribute to the discussion. When children dream about their future, they see their mothers as examples of what’s possible.

They have also gained access to financial institutions, like the Rangelands SACCO, where most of them are members, allowing them to save money and take loans.

“Previously, many of us relied on our husbands for financial support, always waiting for them to provide for our needs. However, now that we’ve achieved financial independence, the dynamics have shifted, allowing us to contribute equally and support one another.” Joyce Lelukai said, adding that, “I also opened an account with Rangelands SACCO, and I’ve borrowed loans for starting my businesses and building a modern house.”

She was echoed by her counterpart, Nkasupat Leariyaro, who is a Star Beader and vice chairperson of the Melako Conservancy board. Through BeadWORKS, Nkasupat has been exposed to life-changing experiences, including the recent trip to the United States of America.

At the celebration officiated by the Marsabit Deputy Governor, Hon. Solomon Gubo, along with other county officials and partners, 103 Star Beaders were recognized and awarded Ksh. 1.17 million. The artisans work in groups, with each Star Beader supervising between 10 and 15 women. They play a crucial role in ensuring quality control and coordination, serving as the link between their network and the BeadWORKS office. They also provide mentorship and training to their members.

That didn’t stop there. Nine Star Beaders from each conservancy were awarded for their outstanding performance. Three best overall beaders out of the 1,200 – Nasaru Leariyaro of Melako Conservancy, Christine Shuel of Il Ngwesi Conservancy, and Nantiyon Letaapoof Sera Conservancy – were awarded with solar kits.

Melako and Il Ngwesi Conservancies also won Best Conservancies in the year 2023/24 awards.

Melako Conservancies members celebrate after being awarded a trophy for the Best Overall Conservancy 2023/24. ©MashinaniWORKS

What started in the villages of northern Kenya now reaches across oceans. BeadWORKS handcrafted products appear in displays across Africa, North America, Australia, and Europe. Every purchase connects someone thousands of miles away to these talented artisans.

Here, the BeadWORKS e-commerce website has been a transformative success. The website generated Ksh. 827,148 in sales in 2024 alone, but more importantly, it has been winning recognition. The Kenya E-commerce Awards have consecutively honored BeadWORKS: Gold for Best Sustainability Initiative in 2022, Gold for Best International/Export E-commerce website in 2023, and in 2024, a triple win – Gold for Best Handcrafted Fashion E-commerce Website, Silver for Best Cross-Border E-commerce Website, and Silver for Best Jewelry E-commerce Website.

BeadWORKS has also established itself as a globally recognized brand, partnering with other brands such as Ibu Movement, the Ethical Fashion Initiative, and Mifuko – all of which share similar perspectives to BeadWORKS.

This network of women has grown into something unprecedented in northern Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) – a women-led enterprise addressing profound challenges including gender-based violence, poverty, malnutrition, and insecurity, through economic empowerment.

Across nine conservancies, the 1,200 women will continue the work that has already proved to be life-changing.

When you choose BeadWORKS, you’re carrying the dreams of women who wake up every morning and choose to make their world better. You’re making a business transaction with some of the most skilled artisans in Africa. You’re ensuring that their children stay in school, you’re connecting your style to their story, and your purchase to their power.

Visit www.beadworkskenya.com to purchase beautifully beaded handcrafted products made in northern Kenya that change lives.

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A 19-Year-Old Turning Her Passion Into a Paycheck

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Born and raised in Kiwanja, within the Maiyanat Conservancy in Laikipia County, Jackline Wamoke was practically raised on the scent of hair oils, the rhythmic tug of braids being parted and plaited, and the lively chatter that fills a salon.

Her mother, a long-practicing hairdresser, passed down more than a profession; she nurtured a sense of possibility. Jackline’s older sister followed that same path, and together, they formed a kind of informal apprenticeship that shaped Jackline from an early age.

During school holidays, she would spend hours in the salon, slowly learning the techniques through observation and practice, the rhythm of customer care, and the business instinct required. These small acts of care and craft shaped Jackline’s childhood and, over time, revealed that she could one day take on the family trade.

After completing Form Four in 2023, she enrolled in Ujuzi Manyattani in March 2024, a program designed to empower young people in marginalized areas by offering hands-on vocational skills locally relevant to their communities’ needs, which can translate into immediate income. The training went far beyond what she had learned in her mother’s salon. Ujuzi Manyattani introduced her to contemporary trends in beauty and personal care, expanding her expertise to include beauty therapy, such as makeup, manicures, and pedicures. Jackline quickly distinguished herself among the top performers in her cohort, propelled by a desire to elevate her craft to a professional level.

Upon graduating, Jackline wasn’t looking for a job; she was returning to one. Her sister, who had been managing the family salon, passed the baton to Jackline and was ready for its next phase. She made immediate upgrades to the salon, starting with the tools she received through the Ujuzi Manyattani program to redefine the customer experience. She replaced the small wall-mounted mirror with a full-sized one, added a blow dryer and a sink for improved hair treatment services, and hair clippers to begin offering barbering, an in-demand service in the area.

These changes might seem small, but they made a world of difference in both the quality of service she could provide and how customers viewed her business. She didn’t need to win the community’s trust from scratch. They already knew her first as the young girl helping around the salon, later as a trained stylist with new skills to offer. In Kiwanja, where only two other salons operate, competition is limited, and Jackline’s reputation gives her a natural edge. She’s precise, whether it’s lines for schoolgirls, plaits for weekend weddings, or a fresh shave for the boys, she does it all with passion, making sitting on her salon chair something to look forward to.

On a regular day, she sees four to five customers, though that number often rises during peak periods, such as school openings and community events. Her mother, still very much part of this evolving journey, often steps in to help during these high-traffic days. On a good day, Jackline can make anywhere from Ksh. 800 to Ksh. 3,000, depending on the number of customers she serves.

Now, her income is directed to savings, but she still manages to set something aside for her younger siblings’ pocket money and help out with the little things that add up in a household, such as restocking sugar when it runs out or picking up flour on her way home. Her entrepreneurial spirit also pushed her to start selling shoes, clothes, and beads from her salon, which is another way to earn extra money.

Jackline dreams of expanding her salon into a larger space to accommodate more customers and offer additional services.

Thanks to the funding support from Fauna and Flora, under the Darwin Initiative through the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT).

Rangelands SACCO: Harnessing Inclusion for Economic Development

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At the age of 10, Alice Shakinei from Masol Community Conservancy in West Pokot County experienced a severe reaction in her right leg following a polio injection during a clinic visit.

Her family sought treatment from community herbalists, and after several failed attempts, took her back to the hospital. Unfortunately for Alice, it was too late. She was left with a disability that physically restricted her in multiple ways. Determined to rise above her circumstances, Alice grew up to become an industrious lady who today runs her own petroleum business.

On a typical day, you will find her cheerfully filling up her jerry-cans with petroleum, ready to serve her customers. Before she established her business, Alice was a stay-at-home mother with no source of income, and was left to raise her children by herself after her husband left.

“At that moment, I knew that the children were looking up to me as their provider, so I decided to start selling petrol and diesel on people’s verandas. It took me two years before I secured a space.”

In 2019, Alice used a Ksh 25,000 loan from Rangelands SACCO to grow her business. As the sole fuel supplier in her area, which lacks a petrol station, the demand for her products and services has risen. On a good day, she makes up to Ksh 10,000 and on an average day, up to Ksh 6,000.

The business training Alice received from Biashara Mashinani played a crucial role in the expansion of her business. “I had the skills and a bit of knowledge, but what I was taught was not even close to half what I knew. Learning budgeting, proper business planning, record keeping, and time management helped me,” she explains.

Alice fills a jerry can at her shop in Marich Centre, West Pokot County. Photo|©MashinaniWORKS

Alice is not immune to the stigma associated with her condition. “People have said negative things about me, but at the end of the day, I know that I am the only one who can help my children and myself.” Additionally, Alice’s limited mobility causes her to lose customers sometimes, as deliveries are unsuccessful or delayed.

These challenges would discourage many, but not Alice, now 37. She draws strength from knowing she has built a safe home for her three children and ensured they have access to education and other basic necessities. Alice aspires to own a petrol station and serve customers from all parts of the country. Her advice to young girls and women is, “Prioritise venturing into business, embrace everything that comes with it, and do not let anything stop you from achieving your goals.”

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.

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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

Posted on by nrttrading

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.