Impact: What Changed
Economic Growth & Group-Owned Enterprises
- Women pooled savings to rent farmland and tea plantations, launching joint agricultural ventures that continue today.
- Groups now manage their own microfinance systems — saving regularly, issuing small business loans, and reinvesting profits.
- Businesses have flourished: from tailoring and poultry to vegetable farming, food stalls, and soap production.
- Groups paid for their own advanced farming and agribusiness trainings, determined to grow stronger and more skilled.
Mental Health & Confidence
- Women reported increased self-worth, public speaking ability, and a sense of peace after years of trauma.
- They became peer mentors, trained facilitators, and safe listeners for others.
- “We used to hide. Now, we’re seen — and we speak.” — Member, Nyota Group
Stronger Social Ties & Safety Nets
- Groups act as mutual aid circles — supporting one another through illness, childbirth, funerals, and school fees.
- These sisterhoods are now woven into the fabric of village life — organizing events, celebrating milestones, and responding to crises.
Leadership & Civic Participation
- Women from the groups have been elected or appointed to local governance roles — including ward committees, public health boards, and budgeting forums.
- They are now trusted community voices who advocate for women's rights, children’s protection, and local development.
Reductions in Gender-Based Violence
- Reports of sexual and domestic violence have decreased in communities with active SHGs.
- Group members act as first responders — checking in on vulnerable girls, helping survivors access care, and holding abusers accountable.
- Younger girls and young mothers say they now feel safer, more protected, and less alone.
What the Groups Are Doing Today
Ruiru, Kiambu County (Peri-Urban Focus)
Closer to urban markets, these groups are focused on tailoring, self-care, and catering services.
- Fadhili Group:
Specializes in catering and small-scale event services. Now partnering with women-led food vendors and saving toward kitchen equipment.
“We used to cook just for our families. Now we are hired for weddings and church events. We feel seen.” – Agnes, Fadhili Group
- Nyota Group:
Produces school uniforms and children’s clothing. They’ve become a trusted local supplier during back-to-school seasons.
They’ve applied for Kiambu County’s Women Enterprise Fund.
“When children wear what we made, we feel proud. Our hands are feeding us.” – Wanjiku, Nyota Group
- Imani Group:
Makes handmade soaps and personal care products. They’ve opened a small kiosk and are exploring branding and packaging.
“People in the community now ask for our soap by name. We’re building something of our own.” – Lilian, Imani Group
- Wema Group (Kiambu):
Focuses on small-scale catering and food delivery. The group is building relationships with local churches and offices, and saving toward better equipment.
“Cooking brought us together — now it’s feeding our dreams.” – Naomi, Wema Group
Mathioya, Murang’a County (Rural Farming Focus)
In these deeply rural areas, groups are leading in farming, tea, poultry, and climate resilience.
- Jikaze Wamangaza Group:
Operating a tea-harvesting cooperative on leased land.
They received funding from Murang’a County Government to expand their venture.
“Even without land of our own, we built something from the soil. That’s power.” – Rose, Jikaze Group
- Wema Group:
Engaged in poultry and vegetable farming. They’ve built a greenhouse and expanded into school markets.
“We raise chickens, save together, and feed our children with pride.” – Grace, Wema Group
- Tuungane Group:
A catering group serving local events. Two apprentices recently joined to learn skills from older women.
“We are not just cooking. We are teaching the next generation to stand strong.” – Mama Njeri, Tuungane Group
- Wamama Tunjengane Group:
Runs community workshops on organic farming, seed saving, and soil care.
“We farm with respect for the land — and now other women come to us to learn.” – Beatrice, Wamama Tunjengane
Project supporters
Project staff
Ann Wangui
Hannah Muthoni
Ann Wangui
Women and Girls Project Coordinator
Yasmin Ali
Hannah Muthoni
Ann Wangui
Kiambu County Community Women Lead
Hannah Muthoni
Hannah Muthoni
Hannah Muthoni
Muranga County Community Women Lead