Over 100 women in Mashuuru, Kajiado East have come together to form a cooperative society that will enable them to grow economically.
Nasiru Farmers’ Cooperative Society includes members from three economic categories namely: dairy farming, beadwork and small-scale farmers who mostly deal in tomato farming.
Speaking during the launch of the cooperative, Kajiado Governor’s wife Ednah Lenku underscored the need for unity among the members for the cooperative to bear fruit.
“Most of the cooperatives which have been formed before did not last long because of wrangling among members. I urge you to be a good example and unite for your common good,” Mrs Lenku said.
The governor’s wife lauded the women for coming together to empower themselves saying that their efforts will change the community at large because women are the pillars of society.
Beatrice Kerei, Nasiru Cooperatives Society Chairlady said the cooperative was birthed on the need to empower the local Maasai women economically.
She noted that for a long time, the Maa woman has been left at the mercy of their husbands in matters of finances and added it is high time they learnt to fend for themselves.
“We want to focus on socio-economic empowerment for the women by not only focusing on the usual products like selling milk but also making value addition. In milk production, we want to add value by producing yoghurt and maziwa mala.”
She revealed the cooperative plans to seek markets for women making beads for their beadwork within the country and abroad and train them to make different beadworks for the diverse markets.
Kerei noted that for inclusivity purposes, each woman in the cooperative will represent her family so that the men and children do not feel left out.
They made an appeal to partners and well-wishers to help them in marketing their products.
Gladys Karao, a member of the cooperative who is a dairy farmer, noted that she is eager to learn milk value addition which will increase her profits.
Kajiado County has a total of 800 registered cooperatives.
By Diana Meneto
