Meet Mama Adey, a determined mother and a proud member of the Iskaashato Business Group in Bulla Nguvu, Mandera Town. Her story is one of resilience, second chances, and the quiet strength of a woman who refused to give up—even when everything seemed lost.
For years, Mama Adey stayed at home after her small cereal-selling business collapsed. What began as a promising hustle slowly faded away—not because of lack of effort, but due to limited financial knowledge and poor record-keeping.
“I was making sales, but I didn’t know how to manage the money. Slowly, the business went down, and I lost hope,” she recalls, her voice carrying the weight of that difficult time.
Like many women in her community, Mama Adey had the drive to succeed but lacked the tools and guidance to sustain a business. Days turned into months, and her dreams of financial independence felt further out of reach. Yet deep inside, her entrepreneurial spirit remained alive.
Her turning point came through a grant funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), implemented by GENCAD in partnership with the Kuza Jamii II consortium led by Village Enterprise. It was more than just an opportunity—it was a second chance.
Determined not to repeat the past, Mama Adey joined forces with two other women who shared her vision. Together, they formed the Iskaashato Business Group—a name that reflects cooperation and mutual support. The group received KES 60,000 in seed capital and an additional KES 30,000 top-up grant. With this, they restocked cereals, food ingredients, and essential household items, breathing life back into their small retail business.
But this time, things were different.
Beyond the financial support, Mama Adey and her group received training in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and record keeping. They learned how to separate capital from profit, track daily sales, manage expenses, and plan for growth. For the first time, Mama Adey felt in control of her business.
“This time, I understand how to separate profit from capital and how to keep records. I feel confident running my business,” she says with a proud smile.
Today, her shop tells a different story. The shelves are neatly stocked, customers come and go, and there is a sense of stability and purpose. The business is steadily growing, and with it, Mama Adey’s confidence and her team, they are now able to contribute to their household needs—buying food, supporting her children’s education, and restoring dignity in her home.
What was once a story of loss and frustration has become a powerful journey of resilience and renewal. Mama Adey is no longer defined by her past struggles. She is now a confident businesswoman—equipped not only with capital, but with knowledge, skills, and belief in herself.
Mama Adey’s story is a reminder that when women are given the right support, they don’t just rebuild businesses—they rebuild their lives.
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