Northern Kenya is a region marked by arid conditions, limited infrastructure, and historical marginalization. The adverse impacts of climate change further exacerbate the development challenges faced by the communities in this area. Despite these hardships, innovative projects have emerged to address these issues and improve the wellbeing of life for indigenous communities, among the initiative is Supporting Community-Led Responses -SCLR being implemented in Samburu County with support from ASAL Humanitarian Network (AHN) and Arid Lands development Focus (ALDEF).

through SCLR small grants Samburu Women Trust primary focus to invest resources towards indigenous women and youth led through NKISHON project that supporting Community-Led Responses SCLR – Nkishon is a Samburu word which means life. The project being a resilience and adaptive among indigenous communities is being implemented in Samburu County and aims to empower women-led and youth groups to undertake community-driven initiatives.

Since time in memorial indigenous women
have been at the forefront to offer solutions
toward climate resilient and adaptation in
their locality. The big challenge that women
and young people face are lack of resources
to enable them to achieve their goal and
prioritizes their needs as indigenous women.

SWT supported community led response with a primary focus to strengthen the capacity of indigenous communities living in Samburu County to mitigate, respond to, and recover from crisis through coordinated and sustainable interventions by providing seed grants to these women networks and organized youth groups to enable them development, foster resilience and self-reliance among indigenous communities.

This approach will not only address immediate needs of the community but also builds a foundation for long term development and stability that enables grassroots networks access funding and prioritizes what they want as a community hence the NKISHON project will improve significantly step towards overcoming the historical and environmental challenges of Northern Kenya. By empowering indigenous women and youth led networks at the communities, particularly women and youth, the project promotes sustainable development and enhances the ability of these communities to adapt to and recover from various crises. Our hope is to continue investing in indigenous women and young people, to enable them priorities what they want as a community as well as indigenous communities.

Jane Meriwas

Executive Director
Samburu Women Trust

Naramat Women Group
A Beacon of Hope in Laresoro Village

In Laresoro village, near Archers Town, the Naramat Women Group stands as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives. Through the SCLR-Nkishon project, this dedicated group has implemented three key activities aimed at uplifting the larger community: peace-building training, restocking livestock, and feeding the sick and elderly. One story that epitomizes their impact is that of Nakotila Lemukono.

Nakotila Lemukono.

Nakotila Lemukono, an 81-year-old woman from the indigenous Samburu community, has faced numerous challenges in her life. With her hearing impaired and advanced age making it difficult for her to fend for herself, Nakotila’s situation was further worsened by the loss of her livestock during the last drought. This devastating event forced her family members to leave in search of a better life, leaving Nakotila in the village with no means of support.

Living with her jobless daughter-in-law, who also had no source of income, Nakotila relied solely on the goodwill and blessings of the community around her. The harsh conditions made daily survival a constant struggle, until the Naramat Women Group intervened with their feeding initiative. For two months, the Naramat Women Group provided Nakotila with regular meals, ensuring she did not go hungry. This support brought about a remarkable change in her life. Nakotila expresses her profound gratitude, saying;

“Nowadays, I get food every day,
and this has really changed my life.
I am strong now and I don’t fall sick
frequently.”

This initiative not only provided Nakotila with the nourishment she desperately needed but also restored her strength and improved her overall health. It allowed her to regain a sense of dignity and hope in her later years.

Livestock restocking.

In Waso Ward, where intercommunity raids and severe droughts have devastated lives and livelihoods, a beacon of hope shines through the efforts of the Naramat Women Group. With unwavering determination and support from Nkishon Project, these remarkable women have initiated a livestock restocking program that is transforming their community. This story highlights their journey of resilience, compassion, and strategic action to rebuild what was lost.

The community faced an unprecedented crisis as intercommunity raids and a severe drought wreaked havoc, wiping out entire herds of livestock for many families. Livestock was their primary and, in most cases, the only source of income and food. The loss was catastrophic, plunging families into despair and stripping them of their means to sustain themselves. The community was in dire need of a lifeline.

Recognizing the urgent need for recovery, the Naramat Women Group, with support from the Nkishon Project, took a bold step. They secured a grant and made a strategic decision to purchase 30 goats, which would serve as the foundation for their livestock restocking initiative. This wasn’t just an act of kindness; it was a carefully planned effort to restore the community’s economic stability and food security. The Naramat Women Group carefully identified the families most affected by the raids and drought. They ensured that the assistance reached those in greatest need, providing each selected family with one goat. These goats were more than just animals; they represented a chance to rebuild livelihoods and restore hope.

The impact was immediate and far-reaching. Families who had lost everything began to see a path forward. The goats provided a source of milk, essential nutrition for children, and the potential for future income through breeding. The initiative sparked a sense of unity and resilience within the community, as families worked together to care for their new livestock and support one another. The story of the Naramat Women Group’s livestock restocking initiative is a powerful testament to the strength of community-driven solutions.

By addressing immediate needs and laying the groundwork for sustainable development, these dedicated women have transformed their community. With the support of the Nkishon Project, they have shown that even in the face of severe adversity, hope can be restored, and lives can be rebuilt. This success story serves as an inspiring model for other communities facing similar challenges, proving that with compassion, unity, and strategic action, recovery and resilience are possible.

Transform Samburu affirmative project.

In Archers Samburu County, a group of young, passionate individuals is making waves with their
dedication to environmental sustainability and community health. Through Transform Samburu Affirmative Project, these youths from diverse backgrounds have embarked on a mission to combat the adverse effects of climate change and promote a cleaner, healthier environment. Supported by the generous grants from the Supporting Community-Led Responses Nkishon project, the group has made a significant impact to the society within areas of its operations. Their efforts are multifaceted, addressing both immediate and long-term environmental concerns.

1) Environmental cleaning
A vital aspect of their work involves collecting litter and garbage from public places. Armed with their new grant, the group conducted a thorough clean-up drive across the ward, collecting waste and ensuring that public spaces are free from litter. They undertook a mass burning of biodegradable waste while carefully segregating plastic waste for recycling. The innovative recycling project transforms collected plastics into decorative items such as flower vessels. This not only helps reduce plastic waste but also provides the community with beautiful, handcrafted products. By turning trash into treasures, the group is not only cleaning the environment but also promoting the idea of sustainable living and creative reuse.

2) Sheltering the needy

This group of dedicated indigenous youth has extended their mission beyond environmental conservation to address urgent human needs within their community. One of their most touching and impactful initiatives has been providing a home for Simeon Lesoipa, a 75-year-old blind man who faced unimaginable tragedy.

Simeon Lesoipa’s life was upended by a devastating flood that swept through Loruko village. The disaster claimed the lives of his wife and two children, as well as all his goats, leaving him destitute and heartbroken. Blind and bereaved, Simeon’s plight caught the attention of a compassionate well-wisher who took him into her home in Lderkesi Waso Ward. Although she provided a temporary refuge, she lacked the resources to offer Simeon a decent shelter or sufficient food. It was in this desperate and vulnerable state that the TRANSFORM SAMBURU AFFIRMATIVE PROJECT intervened.

Recognizing the dire need for stable housing, the youth group rallied together to build a semi-permanent house for Simeon. This new home not only offered him physical safety but also restored a sense of dignity and hope. For Simeon, this house represents more than just a structure; it is a sanctuary from trauma and an anchor for his future.

“I am very emotional to even narrate the disaster that befell
my family, leaving me a hopeless man,” says Simeon. “I thank
the young youth that came through for me, and I ask more
well-wishers to come out and help because I am blind, and
getting food is a big struggle. I also have other children who
need education and other provisions.”

Simeon’s words echo the profound impact of the TRANSFORM SAMBURU AFFIRMATIVE Project’s work. His gratitude emphasizes the transformative power of community support and the critical role of local initiatives in addressing complex humanitarian issues.

This story and the compassionate actions of the TRANSFORMSAMBURU AFFIRMATIVE PROJECT have inspired others within the community and beyond. Their work highlights the importance of grassroots initiatives in creating sustainable and meaningful change. Through their unwavering dedication and heartfelt compassion, the youth of the TRANSFORM SAMBURU AFFIRMATIVE PROJECT are not only mitigating the effects of climate change but also nurturing the very essence of humanity.

Lpurkel Music Entertainment (LME).

Lpurkel Music Entertainment (LME) understood that the community needed more than just music, leading to the initiation of mentorship programs to help young people grow personally and professionally. By mixing music with mentorship, LME provides a comprehensive approach to development, building trust and bridging gaps with the universal language of music.

The team also noticed that young schoolgirls needed basic hygiene products. At Waso Girls and Girgir Mixed Secondary School, many girls faced challenges in accessing sanitary pads, which affected their attendance and concentration in school. By providing dignity kits and sanitary towels to these girls, LME helps them attend school with confidence and dignity. This initiative is not just about providing hygiene products; it’s about ensuring that girls do not miss school during their menstrual cycles, promoting gender equity, and supporting girls’ education. Seeing these young girls attend school regularly, participate actively, and focus on their studies with newfound confidence is immensely rewarding.

LME’s visits to children’s homes focus on providing hope and love to the most vulnerable members of the community. At Archers Post Children Home, the team offered mentorship, emotional support, and entertainment through regular visits. These interactions help the children feel valued and cared for, providing them with a sense of family and belonging. Through music, games, and personal engagement, LME builds relationships and provides a supportive environment where these children can thrive.

The Nkishon seed Grant has been crucial in making these initiatives possible. With their support, LME has been able to expand mentorship programs, reaching more young people and providing structured support and guidance. The organization has also increased the supply of dignity kits, ensuring more schoolgirls have access to necessary hygiene products. Additionally, visits to children’s homes have been enhanced, offering more frequent and impactful visits filled with activities, music, and mentorship.

Through these initiatives, funded by the Nkishon seed Grant, LME is changing lives and building a stronger, more supportive community. This unique blend of music and mentorship, combined with a commitment to social responsibility, makes LME a beacon of hope and change in the community.

“We already have a platform that brings fame, so we use
this influence to provide edutainment and mentor young
school-going girls,” says Sam Lekoriani, co-founder of
Lpurkel Music Entertainment in an exclusive interview.

Sere Namayiana Youth Group.

Nestled in the interior of Sereolipi, just 20 kilometres off the Isiolo-Moyale highway, the Sere Namayiana Youth Group has made remarkable strides in community development and support. This youth group, driven by a shared vision of creating a safer and more nurturing environment, embarked on a project that has brought about significant positive change. The community nursery school in Sereolipi faced numerous challenges. Motorbikes and pedestrians frequently cut through the compound, disturbing the young learners and compromising their safety. Additionally, the school equipment often fell victim to theft, hampering the learning process.

Recognizing these pressing issues, the Sere Namayiana Youth Group took decisive action. With the support of Nkishon project, the group successfully fenced the community nursery, transforming it into a secure and peaceful learning environment. The new fence not only prevents unauthorized access but also provides a sense of security for the students and teachers. The positive impact on the learners is evident, as they can now focus on their studies without constant disruptions. The community has also expressed gratitude, noting the enhanced safety and reduced incidents of theft.

Footing hospital bill for the little Ndumaki

Part of the grant was also allocated to a cause close to the group’s heart – supporting Ndumaki
Lenkaikipiani, a ten-year-old girl from Kinya village. Ndumaki, who has epilepsy, experienced a tragic accident that resulted in severe burns and the amputation of her right hand. While alone at home, she fell into a fire, suffering extensive burns that required an eight-month hospital stay.

The Sere Namayiana Youth Group stepped in to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by Ndumaki’s family. They used part of the grant to cover her hospital bills, ensuring that she received the necessary medical care without added financial stress. Ndumaki’s resilience and bravery have inspired the community, and the group’s support has highlighted the importance of coming together to help those in need.

The initiatives undertaken by the Sere Namayiana Youth Group have had a profound impact on the community of Sereolipi. By securing the nursery, they have created a safer and more conducive environment for education, directly benefiting the children and their families. Their support for Ndumaki has not only provided much-needed financial relief but also showcased the power of community solidarity and compassion.

The group’s efforts have set a precedent for future projects, demonstrating that with determination and collective action, significant positive changes can be achieved. The community looks forward to continued progress and the enduring benefits of the Sere Namayiana Youth Group’s initiatives.

Through their actions, the Sere
Namayiana Youth Group exemplifies
the true spirit of community-led
development and support, making
a lasting difference in the lives of
those they serve.