At least 65 women groups from various parts of Makueni County have benefitted from 5,000 litre water tanks to help them with clean water for domestic use also crop production.
The women groups benefited through a partnership between Mama Doing Good and Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA), a Canadian based organization that distributed the tanks.
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Mama Doing Good Boniface Kiome, speaking during an empowerment forum at Kavete in Makindu Sub County, said so far they have distributed 411 tanks.
“Through this partnership, we are helping women secure clean water for their homes and farms, which will assist them start a kitchen garden, hence improving their food security and nutrition,” said Kiome.
“MEDA has been instrumental in supporting this project by cost-sharing the acquisition of the tanks on a 50-50 basis, while the women’s groups contribute through table banking, an initiative we strongly support,” he added.
This initiative is also contributing to the growing of trees in the county, whereby women are supported to have tree nurseries, with a view to improving forest cover in the area, in line with the government agenda of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.
Kiome said through this initiative, they intend to plant 60% fruit trees, 30% indigenous trees, and 10% exotic species for both environmental and economic benefits.
“Our re-afforestation efforts complement the national government’s agenda on forest restoration, and we are integrating tree planting into our programs, we are not only addressing climate change, but also creating economic opportunities for women and communities,” the deputy CEO noted.
At the same time, Kiome disclosed that Mama Doing Good through Joyful Women Organization (JOYWO) is also supporting women’s economic empowerment via table banking and resource mobilization.
“Our goal is not just to distribute tanks, but equally to empower women with the skills and knowledge to earn a living,” Kiome explained.
He further called on other organizations and well-wishers to come forward and to support this noble initiative, citing the increasing demand for more resources.
“The need for these interventions is growing rapidly, yet our funds remain limited. We urge partners and donors to join us in expanding the impact of this program,” he appealed.
By Albanus Kioko
