The women’s group Bando has officially been registered as a self-help group in 2012. This group has its headquarters in the Migori district.

The 16-member group is made up of women of ages between 25 and 79. The older members support the younger ones as mentors. Bando is a women-only group. These women have a range of backgrounds. For example, Pamela (the chairperson of the group) is a widow who is now the breadwinner of her family. Others come from poor households, are usually married and, because of their low household income, have chosen to start a small business to meet the basic needs of their families.

All members run their own small shops in the town of Rongo, for example selling cereals, vegetables, tomatoes, fish, and fruit. Sr. Lelia, our Kenyan project manager, liaises with the group.