Appeal for funding THE KISUMU PROJECT
by Ambasador Bob Jalang'o
Since the attainment of political independence in 1963, Kenya has undergone major political and socio-economic transformation that has made the country not only a major tourist attraction but also a leading exporter of agricultural and horticultural products in Africa.
Apart from the ethnic conflict following the disputed general elections of December 2007, Kenya has remained a beacon of peace in a region surrounded by unstable governments. It is due to peace enjoyed by the country that has enabled it to host virtually all diplomatic missions, headquarters of two UN offices and other UN Agencies, corporate regional headquarters and a host of international NGOs.
In between these economic achievements, the country registered a sharp increase in population between 1960 – 1990 that surpassed GDP growth and which resulted in rural urban migration, high rate of unemployment, mushrooming of large urban slums and scramble for land. Kenya’s urban population is only about 25%.
With a current population estimated at 41 million from a reduced annual growth of 2.5%, the annual economic growth averaging 5% is seen as a positive development by the current government’s fiscal policies. Despite these, however, rural poverty, youth unemployment and burden on rural women continue to be a major concern for the government and its foreign donors. Although there is relatively high literacy rate in Kenya compared with other African countries, employment and income generating opportunities for women, especially those in rural areas are lacking.
The rural population living along the shores of Lake Victoria region in western Kenya relies mainly on subsistence farming, fishing, and minor businesses. The tradition of heavy domestic responsibility being borne by women is still rampant despite the government’s policies of equal opportunities for both men and women. It is against this backdrop that efforts to empower rural women by international NGOs like Care for Kenya, through initiatives like Micro financing for women are enthusiastically supported and encouraged.
As a former member of Kenya's Legislature representing a rural constituency in Western Kenya and a former diplomat, I’m aware of challenges facing women in this region and therefore welcome the extension of Care for Kenya's current program (that has been very successful among women in one of Nairobi’s slum districts) to Kisumu in western Kenya. Care for Kenya, through its Founder Ms. Daleela Farina and the Board members, has shown a commitment to supporting its project in Kenya that has greatly improved the economic lives of Kibera women using very modest funding.
I have dedicated part of my free time to work on projects in Kenya to assist rural women and to make a difference in the lives of these communities whose background and challenges I fully understand and care for. I’m therefore thrilled to see the type of project Care for Kenya is implementing in Kenya that targets the underprivileged women and youth who require empowerment with income generating programs.
I wish therefore to appeal to new donors to make generous contributions to Care for Kenya, while past donors are equally encouraged to continue with additional generous gifts to enable the Organization start a similar new project in Kisumu from January 2012. I will utilize my extensive knowledge of the political, socio-economic nuances of the country and key contacts to achieve this very noble objective and ensure success and sustainability of the project.
Project 2: Show Me Your Mumu – Care For Kenya Collection
Show Me Your Mumu enters the contemporary fashion market with a revolutionary new concept—the re-invention and re-introduction of the mumu—a new figure-flattering garment that inspires creativity and freedom of expression by virtue of its versatility and vibrancy. Built on the foundation of the Mumu lifestyle, Show Me Your Mumu launches its newly expanded Spring 2011 collection online and debut’s into select retail outlets nationwide.
Mumu has partnered with CARE FOR KENYA to create an amazing and vibrant collection of mumus and totes available exclusively online. The collection is eclectic and fun reflecting the philosophy of mumu and the beauty of local Kenyan textiles and craftsmanship.
The Kenyan based productions of the Show me your Mumu – Care For Kenya Collection will generate income to a group of women entrepreneurs in Kibera, the largest slum in Nairobi, Kenya. The aim of this project is to provide reliable and sustainable income for Kenyan women who are deeply affected by HIV/AIDS and have limited work capabilities.
All proceeds of the collection will not only be directed towards expanding the women's program through further training, but a large contribution will be given back to the women of Kibera who have contributed their time and hard work to the line. Through the joint efforts between Care For Kenya and New York/LA based designers, we have established a successful and sustainable income generating mechanism for impoverished women in the slums and rural areas of Kenya, while also promoting the empowerment of women by encouraging them to surpass the current economic boundaries and strive to create better lives for them and their families.
Care For Kenya team introducing the Kenyan textiles to the women entrepreneurs at the Kiberan Women's Center
Founder, Daleela Farina, introducing the designs to Mom Rose
Project Coordinator, Alexa Caesar, helps cut out samples for the Show Me Your Mumu- Care For Kenya Collection
Founder, Daleela Farina, helping cut out samples for the Show Me Your Mumu - Care For Kenya Collection
Mom rose eager to start working on the Show Me Your Mumu - Care For Kenya Collection while son watches on
Project 1: The Nolcha Cares Collection
Our first project began a year ago, funding a group of Kenyan women entrepreneurs who wanted to enter the burgeoning market of fashion production.
After supplying equipment and materials for their start-up business, we continued to look how we could help grow their small operation. Since New York is fashion capital of the world and Nolcha: Fashion Business Services seeks to supply creative’s with the resources and relationships needed to succeed, we thought this was a match made in heaven.
Four fashion designers donated unique African inspired sketches that will be produced in Nairobi, ultimately creating a source of employment and sustainable growth for these Kenyan women.
