Women’s Empowerment Link (WEL), a member of the Horticulture Advocacy Network, has implemented several interventions aimed at improving the wellbeing and resilience of women workers within the horticulture sector in Kenya. The impact of the past interventions can have demonstrated below where the organization implemented financial literacy and management trainings for workers within the tea sector in Kenya.

“This programme has really helped me. I did not used to save before because I thought with the little income I am getting I can’t possibly save any money. But after the training in 2022, I was able to learn how to budget better and this helped me save more and I started my soap making business. Now I am getting more money and not struggling as much as I used to.” notes Wambui, a processing department staff at Kanyanyaini tea factory, in Kirinyaga County, Kenya.

At the Kapkoros tea factory in Bomet County; a beneficiary, shared about the impact of the financial literacy undertaken by the Women’s Empowerment Link (WEL). Mr. Chumo, a gender committee member at Kapkoros tea factory notes;

“This training has really changed my attitude especially towards including my spouse in financial discussion and even listening to her views. Previously, this was not the norm but now we discuss financial issues and we are able to find solutions together which is working so well. As a member of gender committee, I also sensitize other workers on financial management matters as well as gender issues. There is a lady I sensitized who did not really save as much but after our sensitization forums at the factory, she started home banking which she says is working so well and can’t wait to see how much she is able to save come the end of the year. These trainings really go a long way in helping people and we are grateful we have benefitted from this.”

Catherine from Kanyenyaini tea factory located in Muranga County, noted that due to the interventions undertaken, she is now more empowered to save more, and consequently, increasing her household income.

“I am passionate about farming. This programme gave me more knowledge on how to save more so that my dream comes true. Currently, I was able to start a kitchen garden that has greatly helped me to reduce some essential costs on food but also increased my household income. As a single mother I cannot count on anybody else to help take care of my children therefore, I have to keep saving and start farming at a larger scale.” Catherine, store department at Kanyenyaini tea factory.

Furthermore, at the at Kapkoros tea factory, Evelyne, the head base office notes;

“These trainings have been really good. I did not think I could save as much as I save now. This business was a dream of mine. I remember being trained on long and short term goals, individual financial goals that we realized most women put on hold. I am happy I took that step and started an electric shop. It’s a risk but the benefits are good. I am now able to supplement my income and I look forward to open more.”