Makindu: 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 and 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.

According to Kenya News Agency, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Mama Doing Good, Boniface Kiome, speaking during an empowerment forum at Kavete in Makindu Sub County, said that 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 in starting a kitchen garden, hence improving their food security and nutrition,” said Kiome.

Kiome highlighted that 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 strongly supported by Mama Doing Good. This initiative also contributes to the growing of trees in the county, whereby women are supported to have tree nurseries, aiming to improve forest cover in the area, in line with the government agenda of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.

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 by 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.

In addition, 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.

Kiome further called on other organizations and well-wishers 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.