An inspiring transformation is taking place in the remote Orwa village of Sekerr Ward, situated within West Pokot County’s historically volatile region.
The traditional sounds of mining and charcoal production have given way to the compelling aromas of fresh bread and honey, heralding a remarkable shift in the community’s economic landscape. A cohort of Indigenous women, though possessing limited formal education, has demonstrated extraordinary entrepreneurial acumen by transitioning from extractive industries to sustainable ventures in baking, apiculture, and soap manufacturing. The initiative received its initial impetus from World Vision Kenya. Everlyline Chenangat, who leads the 31-member Lokotyo self-help group established in 2018, oversees their home-based bakery operations with notable pride.
The impact of their endeavours is readily apparent throughout the village, where modern semi-permanent structures have replaced traditional grass-thatched dwellings, and children attend school equipped with new uniforms and educational materials, funded by their mothers’ entrepreneurial success. The financial sophistication of these entrepreneurs is particularly evident in their participation in the Savings for Transformation (S4T) program. This structured approach to financial management has enabled participants to develop robust savings habits and access capital for business expansion.
Antonella Lochale began her journey with a single beehive in 2016 and now she directs the Kantai S4T group, comprising fifteen women and two men, utilizing modern equipment for honey processing and packaging. The group maintains a disciplined weekly savings schedule, with individual contributions ranging from 200 to 500 Kenyan shillings. The entrepreneurial ecosystem has diversified beyond food products, with groups like Susan Simai’s venturing into liquid soap production and successfully securing contracts with local educational institutions. These business initiatives have yielded benefits beyond economic gains, fostering peace in a region previously characterized by resource-based conflicts.
Kenya’s World Vision’s National Director Gilbert Kamanga emphasizes the collaborative nature of this development, noting the existence of 228 active savings groups that have collectively accumulated capital exceeding 10 million Kenyan shillings. The establishment of water infrastructure in Chepkondol, Orwa, Mbara, and Chepkolol has facilitated diversification into horticultural farming, further expanding income-generating opportunities. According to Elijah Chiwe of World Vision, the transformation extends beyond economics to include improvements in health, education, and cultural practices like reduced instances of female genital mutilation and early marriages.
West Pokot County Deputy Governor Robert Komole recognizes these women as indicators of economic evolution. Their success story resonates throughout the region, with Area Assistant Chief Daniel Luwus acknowledging their role in demonstrating that poverty can be overcome through collective determination and unity. The sustainability of this progress relies heavily on continued support from World Vision and other partners, who provide essential training in financial literacy, business management, and access to microfinance.
