Uplifting Families and Communities: NALSA and Proudly Kenyan’s Beekeeping Initiative for Women and Persons with Disabilities in Murang’a”
Murang’a County marked a significant step On December 9th toward community empowerment as NALSA, in partnership with Proudly Kenyan, launched a transformative beekeeping initiative. The event, led by NALSA representative Judy Gaturi Munyoro, highlighted the importance of women’s contributions to economic growth and emphasized the inclusive nature of the project, which benefits all members of the community.
In her address, Judy shared her motivation behind the project, explaining, “Kigumo, where I come from, doesn’t have large tracts of land, but beekeeping presents an opportunity for communities to generate sustainable income.” She elaborated on her research, noting that beekeeping not only offers economic benefits but also enhances the environment, particularly in areas like Kigumo, where the presence of coffee, bananas, and avocado crops can benefit from bees’ pollination. “Introducing bees into the ecosystem helps improve yields for these crops,” she added, showcasing the broader agricultural impact of the initiative.
The project, which provided beehives and beekeeping training, is particularly impactful for women, who Judy identified as the backbone of the economy. “When we empower women, we empower the family, and that leads to better nutrition and financial stability. Women have historically driven self-help groups to generate income, and this initiative will further that success,” she said.
The initiative also offers significant opportunities for men, with many joining the training sessions to learn about beekeeping alongside women. Judy emphasized the importance of collaboration and continuous learning, stating, “We’re using a ‘train the trainer’ model, where selected women leaders will pass on their knowledge to others. This ensures that the skills spread throughout the community.”
“We’re using a ‘train the trainer’ model, where selected women leaders will pass on their knowledge to others. This ensures that the skills spread throughout the community.” go through. I felt the need to fill up the gap through this project and give them products.”
Nancy Kimani, a community member from Kahithi, echoed similar sentiments, praising the initiative’s impact on her family. “Through this group, we’ve been given a way to generate income,” she said. “From just 15 kilos of honey, we can earn 8,000 shillings. This extra income is helping our families thrive.”
The project has also led to a broader sense of community, with people actively engaging in the beekeeping process and eagerly anticipating their first harvests. Nancy expressed her gratitude to Judy and the NALSA team for making a tangible difference in her life and the lives of others in Murang’a County.
“We’re happy because this project has put money in our pockets and has brought joy to our families,” Nancy Kimani said.
The success of this initiative highlights the power of collaboration and the transformative impact of empowering marginalized groups. NALSA and Proudly Kenyan’s efforts are not just about providing beekeeping resources; they are about creating sustainable livelihoods, fostering independence, and enabling communities to thrive. The beekeeping initiative in Murang’a County stands as a testament to the positive change that can occur when communities come together to build a better future.