In the vast landscapes of Turkana County, home to the iconic Lake Turkana, communities are increasingly embracing entrepreneurship as a pathway to economic empowerment. From the bustling markets of Lodwar to the fishing villages along the lake’s shores, residents are exploring new opportunities in trade, fisheries, and a wide range of small-scale enterprises.
At the heart of this transformation is the Uwezo Fund, a national Government initiative that provides accessible financing through interest-free loans, complemented by financial literacy training for women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs). The programme supports both start-ups and the expansion of existing businesses, empowering communities from the grassroots level.
The Fund operates across the six constituencies of Turkana County: Turkana Central, Turkana West, Turkana South, Turkana East, Turkana North, and Loima. Through this outreach, the Fund has made significant strides in expanding access to affordable financing.
To date, approximately Sh113 million has been allocated to organized community groups across Turkana County. This support has reached 1,299 beneficiary groups, while Sh71,298,617 remains available for lending—presenting an opportunity for even more groups to access financing and expand their economic activities within the county.
The distribution of funded groups reflects a strong commitment to inclusivity and community participation. Out of the total groups funded, 556 are women groups, 721 are youth groups, and 22 are groups comprising persons with disabilities, highlighting the Fund’s focus on ensuring that vulnerable and marginalized groups actively participate in economic development.
Recent revitalization efforts are beginning to bear fruit. In Turkana West Constituency, a total of Sh2.2 million was recently disbursed to 29 groups, including 19 new beneficiary groups and 10 refinancing groups. This move signals renewed commitment to empowering grassroots enterprises and unlocking economic opportunities across the region. Other constituencies are also expected to resume disbursements following renewed stakeholder engagement and ongoing programme revitalization.
Through these loans, hundreds of groups have ventured into enterprises such as retail trade, fisheries, livestock value chains, crafts, agribusiness, and boda boda transport services. A significant number of beneficiary groups are women-led, reflecting the critical role women play in sustaining household livelihoods and strengthening local economies. Youth groups have also leveraged the Fund to create employment opportunities in sectors such as transport, small-scale retail, and service provision. Importantly, groups comprising persons with disabilities have benefited as well, promoting inclusion and ensuring that every member of society has an opportunity to participate in economic growth.
As part of ongoing outreach and documentation efforts, the Corporate Communications Department of the Uwezo Fund recently visited several beneficiary groups in Lodwar to capture their stories and highlight the Fund’s impact at the grassroots level.
One inspiring example is the Lodwar Fish Mongers Group, a community-based enterprise formed in 2015. The group received Sh100,000 from the Uwezo Fund, which enabled members to establish income-generating activities including fish trade, boda boda transport services, and table banking.
Today, the group has grown into a vibrant network with over 300 members. Members meet weekly to contribute savings through a 10 percent table banking model, enabling them to access small loans for both personal and business needs.
Through disciplined savings and collective effort, the group has achieved notable milestones, including building a revolving fund of Sh1.2 million, purchasing land in Kanamkemer for future development, and operating two boda boda motorcycles, each generating approximately Sh1,000 in daily income.
According to the group’s chairperson Ms. Anne Musembi, the venture has had a significant impact on the local community. The fish trade and related activities have created employment opportunities for more than 25 youths, while the steady income generated from the business has enabled members to meet their daily household needs and support their families. The initiative demonstrates how modest financial support, combined with collective effort and disciplined savings, can transform livelihoods at the grassroots level.
Beyond economic activities, the group also provides strong social welfare support. Members contribute to a welfare fund that offers Sh1,000 assistance during bereavement and Sh 500 during sickness. The group has also adopted the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) model, further strengthening financial inclusion among its members.
Another remarkable example of grassroots resilience is the story of Beatrice Akiru Nabwin, an entrepreneur operating at Lodwar Market. Beatrice is the chairperson of a women’s group engaged in basket weaving and craft production, supplying locally made baskets and related products to traders and residents within the town.
The group benefited from a Sh 100,000 Uwezo Fund loan in 2015, which enabled them to expand their enterprise and increase production.
However, like many small-scale businesses in the region, limited access to larger markets has slowed their growth. Ms. Beatrice is now appealing to the Government and development partners to facilitate greater market exposure, including participation in trade fairs and exhibitions, to help the group reach wider markets and increase sales of their locally made products.
In Nadapal, the Lokoilu Nadapal Group, formed in 2014, offers another example of how community groups are using the Fund to invest in their financial future. The 15-member group received Sh 100,000 in 2015, which they invested in both group projects and individual businesses.
Their model combines entrepreneurship with long-term financial planning. Members contribute toward personal investments intended to serve as pension savings, while also operating a 20 percent table banking contribution alongside a social welfare fund that supports members during times of need.
From fish traders and craft makers to transport operators and small-scale retailers, Uwezo Fund beneficiaries across Turkana County continue to demonstrate resilience, innovation, and determination.
With renewed stakeholder engagement and continued support from the Uwezo Fund, communities across Turkana County are steadily building sustainable pathways toward economic empowerment, job creation, and improved livelihoods.
By Peter Gitonga
