Kenya has been besieged by torrential rains that have caused flooding, washed away homes, and ruined this season’s crops. Regina tells us, “It has done damage, like destroying houses, and people carried by the river. Our gardens are flooded with water, the crops are turning yellow. The women are worried they won’t have anything to harvest.”

Kibwezi

With the arrival of the rainy season, some group members have been able to start up their projects that require water, including planting tree nurseries and making bricks. Beatrice writes, “In our cluster we must share love, because our members, we are poor.”

Kilome

Groups are setting their goals for the coming year and working hard to meet their targets. Susan writes, “Due to the rain which is pounding down heavily, we’ve encouraged women to work hard in their fields with an aim of harvesting a lot during this special time.”

Kisau

Members continue to be challenged by the high cost of living. They trained on farming, poultry keeping, and irrigation. Two groups are preparing to graduate this year. 

Malili A

Like the other clusters, women here are challenged by the cost of living. “Everything is expensive, and there is no money,” writes Regina. Women are working hard to different IGAs such as doing casual labor, braiding sisal ropes, and keeping livestock to earn enough money. 

Malili B

Groups are crushing ballast to sell, making liquid soap, and doing casual labor to meet their targets. 

Makueni

This cluster has been busy with trainings this month. Members learned about reproductive health and cancer awareness. They continue to increase their knowledge of poultry management and climate change. 

Matondoni

This new cluster is starting off with group trainings. Members are learning how to grow crops like cabbage and onions and how to start beekeeping. The cluster faces significant challenges, as many group members are illiterate and married young due to a lack of education. 

Mbooni

Members are learning how to grow dragonfruit and broccoli. They also engaged in a community service project to provide food and clothing for deaf and mute children at a specialized school. 

Tulimani

Groups are hopeful for the rains and are planting their crops. One group has started table banking and reports it has been successful so far. Monicah reports that “Groups struggled much for targets but tried their best.”