Family Economic Empowerment in the Kenyan Slums

The COVID-19 pandemic has remarkedly disrupted the global economic system and daily life sending many families into various degrees of economic recession. The pandemic has exacerbated poverty rates and global inequality with many families losing their source of income, leading into a depression of economic distress. 

Our success

Macheo continues to work towards improving the lives of vulnerable families despite the harsh economic challenges caused by COVID-19. We are committed to bring hope to the families, so that they may overcome adversity and take care of their children. 

Story of Maureen

Maureen* (not her real name) is a 40-year-old single mother of 4 living in the slum area, together with her children. When we met her, she was stressed because her business had gone down and she was not able to provide the most basic needs for her children and especially her teenage daughter who was pregnant. She also experienced difficulties in paying rent and fees for her children and many times they would sleep hungry.

After meeting the social worker, Maureen first received a cash transfer as a form of relief that enabled her to take care of her children's immediate needs like food. Her daughter was shortly enrolled into a teen mothers program where she received a lot of guidance and support. She was also encouraged to go back to school.

Maureen started to feel confident again and began to share ideas about starting a business. She already had good skills to start and through economic empowerment, she received seed capital.

 Today her business is thriving and her customers love her. She can provide for all her children’s needs without much worry, including her teenage daughter and her grandchild. Her daughter has also gone back to school and hopes to someday to join college.

“Thank you Macheo, you restored hope in the lives of my children by empowering me,” Maureen said.

It is because of your support that her 4 children and grandchild expect a better future.