Building futures together: How DRC support empowered the community in Mandera to create lasting economic change

In Mandera, a group of 15 determined women, four mothers and eleven young women, came together with a shared vision: to overcome financial hardship and build a future defined by self-reliance. Before joining the Supporting Displacement-Affected Communities in Kenya for Entrepreneurship Development (SDACKED) project, funded by the Swedish Government and implemented by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), the women were just ordinary individuals with ambition, without a structured way to save, had no formal business knowledge, and never accessed any financing. Their transformation began after being mobilized by DRC and receiving intensive entrepreneurship and financial literacy training.

The women were equipped with essential skills in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, group dynamics, and the Community Savings and Loans Association (CSLA) method. As their confidence grew, they formalized their collective association by registering it with the Ministry of Labour & Social Protection as a self-help group under the name Washamsi Association, gaining the legitimacy to open a bank account and engage with local authorities.

The group members began saving immediately, each contributing KES 3,000 per month. In a strong demonstration of inclusive leadership, they later revised the contribution amount to KES 2,000 each to ensure that even the most vulnerable members could participate. Those unable to meet the fixed amount were encouraged to buy shares with whatever they could afford, ensuring no one was left behind.

“I have gained leadership skills, learned how to save, and trained as a business skills officer,” says Sumeya Issak, the group’s Secretary.

 As a professional nurse, she supports less-literate members, ensuring every woman progresses with the group.

“Now I can guide others, and our group has a vision that goes beyond business,” she postulates.

Through disciplined saving, the group initially accumulated KES 286,000 over a period of 6 months which they invested in launching two businesses: a retail shop selling clothes and mineral water, and a wholesale shop specializing in essential food items. The decision to establish the retail shop was driven by efficiency, allowing members to purchase goods in bulk and reduce frequent trips to wholesalers while ensuring the consistent availability of essential items. Building on this, the group strategically invested in a wholesale business already operated by one of their members, who sources goods from across the border, enabling them to benefit from an existing supply chain rather than starting from scratch.

Inside their modest shop, neatly arranged shelves of food items and colourful clothing reflect a journey built on unity and determination. Members attend to customers, restock goods, and carefully record transactions, each action demonstrating the confidence and skills they have gained. The retail shop, which serves as the group’s mainstay, is managed by the Chairperson, Makah Robow, together with the Vice Chairperson, who oversee the daily operations of the business. While they handle day-to-day management, they remain accountable to the treasurer and a team of board members who provide oversight on financial records and decision-making, ensuring transparency and accountability within the group. The group does not employ external staff or salaried members, as the management responsibilities are handled internally by the leadership, reinforcing ownership and commitment.

To ensure sustainability, the group follows a structured financial model; 50 percent of profits are reinvested into the business, while the remaining 50 percent is retained as savings in the Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB). This disciplined approach has enabled them not only to sustain their enterprises but also to continue building their financial strength. Today, the group has KES 298,000 in savings, reflecting their consistency and long-term vision.

“Before this project, it was difficult to meet even basic needs. Today, we run two businesses, supporting our families, and planning for the future,” says Barwaka Hassan, the group Treasurer. “The project has transformed not just my life, but the lives of all members,” she adds.
What began as a small initiative quickly attracted attention across the community, growing the members from 15 to 35. As the members’ ambitions expanded, they transitioned into a fully registered Community-Based Organization (CBO), enabling them to pursue partnerships and broaden their vision.

Looking ahead, the women have set clear and ambitious goals. They continue to save in KCB with the vision of expanding the businesses into opportunities where each member can eventually run her own enterprise. They also aspire to purchase land, acquiring an asset that will secure their collective future and strengthen their independence.
Today, Washamsi CBO is deeply rooted in the community, fighting societal ills such as gender-based violence. They also provide mentorship to the youth and women. Their work extends beyond business, focusing on uplifting vulnerable groups and creating pathways for others to succeed.

Reflecting on this journey, the group’s Chairperson, Makah Robow, expressed her gratitude: “We are incredibly grateful for the support from the Danish Refugee Council and the Swedish government. They gave us the tools and the map to reach this level of independence. Today, we are not just a group, but a movement that is uplifting the entire community.”

What started as a group of women searching for stability has grown into a network of confident entrepreneurs and community leaders. Today, the women of Washamsi CBO are not only supporting their families but are also acquiring assets, expanding opportunities, and shaping the future of Mandera.