Garissa Mp Empowers Women Savings Scheme

Women from Garissa township during the distribution of funds to four groups comprising 140 men and women. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Fatuma Abdullahi, a beneficiary speaking to the press /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

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A grassroots economic empowerment initiative spearheaded by ODM nominated MP Umulkheir Harun iscarefully transforming lives across thecounty.

The initiative is equipping mothers, youth and persons with disabilities with financial skills and start-up capital, fostering sustainable growth and restoring dignity among vulnerable communities.

The programme, implemented through her Umi Foundation, adopts a community-based savings model where women organise themselves into groups and contribute through chama (merry-go-round) schemes.

Once members demonstrate commitment and consistency in saving, the foundation injects additional capital to boost their funds.

Before receiving financial support, beneficiaries undergo a mandatory six-month training programme focused on financial literacy, equipping them with skills on saving, budgeting and managing small businesses.

The targeted mothers were identified based on data, ensuring that support reaches those most in need.

The model has already seen several groups establish and grow businesses, improving household incomes and reducing dependency.

On Sunday, the MP was in Garissa to oversee the successful distribution of funds to four groups comprising 140 men and women.

Umulkheir, who has declared her interest in the Garissa woman representative seat, said the initiative is anchored on empowering a critical segment of society.

“The concept that we’re using is a very basic one. I am personally part of a merry-go-round, as people call it,” she said.

“If we inject capital for our mothers and bring them together to pool resources, they are able to move forward. I saw this as an idea that I could deploy for mothers across the county.”

The initiative is already being implemented in several subcounties, including Dadaab, Lagdera, Masalani, Ijara and Garissa Township.

The MP said the programme aims to reduce overreliance on external support, noting that such initiatives provide a practical pathway towards poverty reduction.

“While poverty may not be fully eradicated, empowering mothers and elders through small businesses and supporting them with capital creates sustainable growth and dignity. If leaders adopt such initiatives, we can significantly reduce poverty among our people.”

Umulkheir added that the strategy is designed to reach as many mothers as possible across the county, emphasising their central role in society.

“Mothers are the backbone of our society. If you give a mother a hundred shillings, she will multiply it. She supports her husband, her children and her entire household. If you want to see real change, work closely with mothers.”

Beneficiaries who spoke during the event highlighted the transformative impact of the programme.

Fatuma Abdullahi said the initiative has enabled her to support her family and achieve financial independence.

Previously reliant on her husband for basic needs, the mother of six described her past situation as limiting.

She now runs a small business through the group and contributes to her household income.

Similarly, Hamida Abdullahi said access to training and capital has changed her life.

“I used to rely entirely on my husband, and life was not easy. Now I have started my own business, I earn my own income, and I can support my family,” she said.

The women expressed gratitude to the MP, noting that her foundation has consistently strengthened their groups by topping up their savings, enabling them to expand their businesses.

“She has stood with us and ensured our groups grow. After we contribute our savings, her foundation boosts us with more funds, which has helped many women expand their businesses,” Hamida added.

Hassan Abdi, a beneficiary living with disability, called on leaders and stakeholders to replicate similar initiatives in other regions.

He emphasised that access to financial support and empowerment programmes is key to uplifting marginalised groups and fostering community development.

He said that expanding merry-go-round schemes and similar models would go a long way in reducing poverty and promoting self-reliance among women and vulnerable groups.