Women Leading Change in Loitoktok, Kajiado County.

In December 2024, I was part of a team documenting the inspiring story of a women’s group in Loitoktok, Kajiado County. Located in southern Kenya along the Tanzanian border, Kajiado is a semi-arid region characterized by long dry spells and unpredictable rainfall. The Maasai community forms the majority of the population in this area.

Funguo CBO left a lasting impression on me. This women’s group was formed to support their livelihoods, bringing together women and young girls who face various challenges yet are transforming their lives through unity and determination. It was a truly remarkable experience  unlike anything I had witnessed before. The women were warm, kind, and welcoming, and their strength and resilience inspired me beyond measure

Our journey began in Nairobi, setting out early to ensure we arrived on time and made the most of our visit with the group. We were there to document the impact of the Next Level Grant Facility under the Voices for Just Climate Action, a climate financing grant managed by SDI Kenya. This support had enabled the women to expand their urban farming and launch a beekeeping initiative. The four-hour drive led us to a serene rural setting, lush with greenery, the sight of the Maasai community in their vibrant traditional attire enhanced the area’s breathtaking beauty. The weather, a perfect blend of sunshine and wind, created a refreshing atmosphere. Upon arriving in Loitoktok, we were greeted by the vibrant sounds of Maasai music. The women welcomed us with singing.

As we conducted interviews and documented their experiences, I gained deep insights into their lives. Many of the older women in the group were widows who had come together to support their families. They bore the responsibility of providing for their households, while the younger women learned from their resilience and resourcefulness. Traditionally, the Maasai people are pastoralists, relying on cattle as their primary source of food and income. However, climate change and extreme weather events, such as prolonged droughts, have led to significant livestock losses, forcing them to seek alternative means of survival. In response, the community has started embracing new skills. Women, in particular, have turned to bead-making and small-scale farming, growing vegetables for both household consumption and income generation.

The young women in the group played a pivotal role in its formation, learning from the elders while also assisting in translating interviews into Swahili. Aware of the urgent need to adapt, the women embraced new opportunities and worked together to secure their families’ well-being.

Through their collective efforts, they achieved significant milestones. They cultivated vegetables, which provided both food and income. One woman underwent special training to manage the beekeeping project, equipping her with the necessary skills and tools. Their efforts were successful, and the groups were able to harvest and sell vegetables and use them within the group.

Their story highlights the power of grassroots initiatives in climate change, yet the group continues to face significant challenges. Water scarcity remains a major obstacle. Initially, they relied on rainwater, but as droughts became more frequent, they were forced to travel up to five kilometers to purchase water — a task that proved unsustainable given their household responsibilities. One woman shared,

‘When there is a drought, it becomes difficult for us to sustain our project due to water shortages. First, we have to walk a long distance to fetch water, then a jerrycan is sold for 50 KES. You have to choose whether to use it for your consumption or for watering the vegetables.’

What struck me most about this experience was the unwavering strength of these women. Their struggles, hopes, and determination were deeply moving. They exemplified the power of community and financial discipline, proving that collective effort can drive meaningful change. Even before receiving external funding through the Next Level Grant Facility under the Voices for Just Climate Action (VCA), their savings group had already made remarkable progress.

Women in rural areas face numerous challenges, especially when they are the primary providers for their children and have limited income opportunities. Despite these hardships, the women of Funguo CBO embody resilience and unity, proving that with hard work, perseverance, and support, they can overcome obstacles and create a better future.

This experience taught me invaluable lessons about adaptation, resourcefulness, and the power of collective action in overcoming adversity. I left Loitoktok feeling inspired and hopeful that with the right support, these women will continue transforming their lives and communities for the better.

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