Isiolo County, Kenya| A groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing the economic resilience of vulnerable young women is transforming lives in Isiolo County.
The SCORE 2 project—“Promoting Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Livelihoods in Isiolo County”—has provided five Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLA) groups with seed capital of Ksh 200,000 each, enabling them to engage in income-generating activities.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Merti Integrated Development Programme (MID-P) and financially supported by the German Government (BMZ) through Sign of Hope, is part of a larger three-year effort to empower marginalized groups across seven wards in the county.
The project integrates livelihood-enhancing activities such as agriculture and business opportunities, with a focus on sustainable development.
Economic Empowerment Through Financial Support
The five beneficiary groups, comprising young mothers aged 18-24 from Chari, Cherab, Kinna, Oldonyiro, and Sericho, are among 165 women groups working with MID-P under the Promoting Resilience, Inclusivity, and Meaningful Engagement (PRIME) Program.
Before receiving the funds, the women underwent training on group management, financial literacy, record-keeping, and budgeting, facilitated by the County Government of Isiolo through the Department of Trade and Industrialization.
During the handover ceremony in Isiolo Town, Deputy County Secretary Mohamed Boru commended the women for being the first recipients of the grant, urging them to utilize the funds wisely for long-term economic benefits.
“You should count yourselves lucky, as many other groups wished for this opportunity. It is your responsibility to use these funds effectively,” Boru remarked.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to form Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs) to take advantage of emerging business opportunities, particularly at the Isiolo International Abattoir, where they could engage in bulk livestock sales for increased financial returns and potential exports.
Building Resilience and Strengthening Livelihoods
MID-P Programme Manager Ibrahim Kabelo reiterated the organization’s commitment to empowering women and youth through capacity-building initiatives.
“The project is focused on accelerating change by creating an enabling environment for women and youth groups to access opportunities, receive support, and achieve their potential. Our goal is to help them lead healthier, economically empowered lives,” Kabelo stated.
To ensure accountability and sustainability, MID-P will monitor the utilization of funds, ensuring adherence to business plans and proper investment by the group members.
Impact on Beneficiaries
For the beneficiaries, the financial support represents a turning point in their economic journey.
Viola Lental, a representative from Oldonyiro Women’s Group, expressed gratitude for the support, highlighting the significant impact of the initiative.
“We acknowledge and appreciate the interventions from MID-P, development partners, and the County Government of Isiolo. This support has contributed to our growth—both economically and in knowledge,” she said.
A Model for Future Development
The success of this initiative underscores the importance of financial inclusion, training, and strategic investment in uplifting vulnerable communities.
As more women gain financial independence, the ripple effect is expected to enhance household incomes, reduce poverty, and contribute to Isiolo’s overall economic growth.
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With continued support and effective monitoring, the SCORE 2 project is poised to become a model for empowering marginalized groups across Kenya, fostering sustainable development and resilience in vulnerable communities.
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