The Story of Jackline Kimeu and the Nashilu Women Group
In the heart of the Amboseli ecosystem, nestled in the semi-arid expanse of Kajiado County, lies the village of Marba. This community, deeply rooted in pastoralism, has long relied on livestock for its livelihood. However, the harsh realities of prolonged drought and the ever-present danger of wildlife predators have severely impacted the population of their livestock.
Among the resilient individuals in Marba, Jackline Kimeu stands out as a beacon of hope and determination. Jackline, the second wife in her family, is a devoted mother to two daughters, Sopiato and Nailantei. The challenges she faces as a pastoralist are daunting. The unforgiving climate of Amboseli has led to the death of many animals due to lack of pasture, while others have fallen prey to wild predators. This rapid decrease in livestock, the mainstay of their livelihood, forced Jackline and the women of Marba to seek alternative means of sustenance.
A turning point came when the Heads and Hands (HnH) initiative, in collaboration with Afrikapu, extended a helping hand to the women of Marba village. This partnership was instrumental in forming the Nashilu Women Group, uniting the women of Marba in their efforts to create and sell beaded products. The initiative provided much-needed market access, ensuring that their products reached a broader audience. Additionally, they introduced the use of loom frames, revolutionizing the way the women crafted their beaded items. The new technique not only made the production process easier but also resulted in more appealing and beautiful products, significantly boosting their sales. “The Loomframes have made our work in beading much easier and the quality of the products has also improved,” Jackline added.
Beyond market access and improved production methods, the HnH initiative also imparted crucial financial skills to the women. They introduced the group to proper and convenient saving techniques, facilitating the opening of an account with Equity Bank. This development allowed the women to save their earnings safely and with minimal risk, paving the way for financial stability and growth.
Jackline reflects on these changes with gratitude and optimism. “For the first time, I can bring food to the table without necessarily depending on my husband. It has given me a sense of independence and pride,” she shares.
With her newfound financial stability, Jackline has reinvested her income from beadwork into another venture—hairdressing. She has successfully opened a small salon in Marba’s mini-town, where she offers hairdressing services to the community. “Beadwork and hairdressing are not affected by drought. I can continue working and earning an income even when the droughts persist,” Jackline explains.
As the secretary of the Nashilu Women Group, Jackline is optimistic about the future. She has ambitious dreams for her family, aiming to build a modern home and provide a quality education for her daughters. She envisions Sopiato and Nailantei attending schools beyond their village, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to bring positive change to their community.
Jackline, on behalf of the Nashilu Women Group, extends heartfelt gratitude to the Heads and Hands initiative and Afrikapu. Their support has not only transformed the group’s economic prospects but also instilled a renewed sense of hope and resilience among the women of Marba village. As they look towards the future, Jackline and her fellow artisans are determined to continue their journey, empowered by the support they have received and driven by their unwavering spirit.
