A group of women at Magumu trading centre, Nyandarua County is on the verge of owning land owing to a Sacco they formed back in 2010.
Having lived at Gicagi village on small pieces of land donated to their families by government, the women are determined to see their families’ living standards upgraded. They want to have enough land where they can initiate development projects.
Pricilla Wanjiku, who chairs Gachanga Women Housing Sacco, says they have already indentified four acres of land and they are on process of buying it.
“Although the four acres would not be enough for all members after sub-division, this will be a milestone in our journey to build a better future for our families,” she says.
Wanjiku says for long families at Gicagi Village have lived in poverty a thing they loathe bequeathing to their children.
“We have lived in these small pieces of land which have no title deeds. Our future has been uncertain; anyone can claim the land or government may rethink our stay here. That’s why women saw it good to come together and buy land,” she explains.
She says the land is too small that their children cannot get a place to put up a house when they become of age. “Most of our children rent houses at Magumu trading center and due too low sources of income some take to drinking. I have seen some who have messed up their lives with alcohol. Some get into other vices,” she says.
Wanjiku says as mothers they have purposed to eradicate poverty amongst themselves. “We are working hard to see our children’s lives are better than ours. All our members although earning little are committed to development.”
Gachanga Women Housing started as a self-help group with 55 women. According to the chairlady they used to meet every Wednesday and contribute Ksh 100.
“Through the group we were able to buy members utensils and tents for hire. We also supported each other in all needs,” says Wanjiku.
She notes it was until 2010 when they realized they can do much more to better their lives and that is how Gachanga Women Housing came to be. To date they are 88 women as some have withdrawn.
“We have never looked back despite some our of members leaving us. We registered the Sacco in 2012 and we have been able to save close to half million shillings. We will soon meet our goal,” she says confidently.
Most of the Sacco’s members are casual labourers and contribute Ksh 300 every month. “Our challenge has been lack of education and training to Sacco’s members. However we have tried our best to train them and most now know the importance of saving,” Wanjiku adds.
The chairlady says they have partnered with Tower Sacco to ensure every member will own land in future. “We will also assist members construct houses,” says the Sacco’s Secretary Mary Wambui.
In Ol’Kalou Karuka Jubilee Women Sacco is financing women groups to attain their development agenda. The Sacco is currently serving 155 groups and has issued over Ksh 800 million loans.
“Women in Ol’Kalou are getting enlightened and are joining Saccos where they are investing in viable projects,” says Mary Gitonga, the Sacco’s chairlady.
Faced with more responsibilities, Mary says women are looking for ways to develop themselves and societies are coming in handy.
She says they also train women groups on proper farming methods and other economic activities. “Our main agenda is to see women overcome poverty and we are happy to see most are willing to join groups and Saccos where they stand to reap more.”
Jane Ngendo, the Sacco’s treasurer, expresses her confidence that co-operatives will empower women and deliver them from the pangs of poverty.
“Every woman needs to be in a Sacco or a group, as this will enable her together with others achieve development much faster. What one cannot do many can,” she says.
In Ol’joro-orok, Ol’joro-orok Women Sacco led by Lucy Kiboi is helping women save and invest in various economic activities.
Nyandarau county co-operative commissioner Veronica Kahura says the county has been targeting women to bring them on co-operative movement. “Most women have no collateral they can use to secure loans, but when in Saccos they are able to acquire loans easily,” she says.
