Youth & Women Empowerment

The Youth and Women Empowerment program nurtures entrepreneurship at the grassroots level in Matulo, Misikhu, Bokoli, and Sitikho wards. It focuses on local residents – particularly women and young people – who run small businesses like market vending or informal trade. The region’s economy is largely agricultural, so many mama mboga and small traders sell produce or handmade goods in open markets.

To improve livelihoods, the Foundation provides practical resources such as sturdy market stalls or makeshift kiosks, complete with patio umbrellas for shade, and branded aprons or storage crates to enhance safety, hygiene, and visibility. These tangible supports help local vendors work more comfortably and professionally.

Key activities of this program include:

• Savings and credit groups: The Foundation organizes self-help groups where women entrepreneurs pool savings, access microloans, and invest in their small enterprises. By forming chamas, members learn financial skills and support each other’s businesses.
• Skills workshops: We offer training on basic business skills (bookkeeping, budgeting, marketing, and customer service), often in partnership with local trainers. These workshops help traders and young entrepreneurs manage cash flow, set fair prices, and reach more customers.
• Start-up kits and grants: Small grants, starter kits, and tool donations enable traders to expand. For example, a market seller might receive loan capital to buy extra stock of vegetables or a set of tools for a young artisan. These inputs help them grow businesses and achieve greater financial stability.
• Youth business mentorship: We assist local youth in forming clubs or cooperatives and link them with experienced mentors. Through internship opportunities and entrepreneurial competitions, young people develop innovative income ideas (such as soap-making or poultry) and learn vocational skills.
• Community planning: Regular community meetings are held to identify needs and gather feedback. By involving local leaders, market elders, and members in planning, the Foundation ensures projects address real priorities and empower participants to take ownership.

The program combines material support with capacity-building and local leadership. In practice, beneficiaries often form self-help groups led by experienced entrepreneurs who train newcomers in simple bookkeeping and savings habits. Youth leaders and women’s group coordinators help manage the loan funds, oversee group savings, and organize collective purchases of goods. Village elders and market officials also play a role in selecting beneficiaries and encouraging loan repayment.

By working through these grassroots networks, the Foundation ensures that assistance – from shaded market booths to small-business loans – reaches those most in need. This approach builds on proven empowerment strategies in Kenya and ensures the program is sustainable, participatory, and community-driven.