MAKUENI WOMEN GROUP GOAT PROJECT WINS BIG AT NAIROBI TRADE FAIR.

Utheu wa Aka Self-Help Group was started in 1998 in Kikumbulyu South by 22 women, mostly widows, with a simple idea—pooling just Ksh 5 weekly to support each other.

What began as a merry-go-round to buy kitchenware, household items and even build homes for vulnerable members soon grew into something bigger.

Before devolution, the group received a grant of Ksh 120,000 from the Njaa Marufuku Kenya initiative.

Instead of spending the money at once, they wisely invested in dairy goats to fight famine and provide their families with nutritious milk.

With guidance from county livestock extension officers, they later adopted Toggenburg goat farming, which soon caught the eye of agricultural experts in the county.

Their goats earned recognition and were presented at the Makueni Agricultural Show, where they won top awards for three consecutive years.

Inspired by their success, the group advanced to the Nairobi International Trade Fair in 2022, winning trophies for champion male and female meat goats.

While visiting their stand at this year’s International Trade Fair, County Assembly Speaker Mbilu Douglas and the Agriculture Sectoral Committee commended the group for their remarkable success in scooping two champion trophies and 26 awards.

Beyond trophies, goat farming has become a steady source of income, transforming livelihoods and aligning with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr ’s vision to empower women and youth.

Additionally, as a result of sustaining excellent performance, two members of the group have earned a slot in officiating at the international trade fair’s goat section.