Nguvu: Stories of Strength and Resilience
A powerful glimpse into lived experiences of transformation and hope.
This video series follows the journeys of five remarkable individuals whose lives have been shaped by adversity - and who in turn are shaping their communities.
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James: Once disowned because of his disability, is now a mentor and role model for other young people.
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Irene: Finding refuge in Kenya, Irene discovered a sense of belonging and purpose through farming alongside her husband.
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Joseph: Living as a refugee, he has grown into a successful farmer and now guides and inspires fellow farmers.
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Naomi: Champions young women in agriculture, challenging stereotypes and creating opportunities.
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Selphine: A young mother defied gender barriers and build a thriving farming business.
Through Nguvu, we celebrate their strength, resilience, and the transformative power of hope and opportunity. Learn about their experiences by clicking through the links below.
James Esinyen
In Kakwanyang, Turkana County, James Esinyen, a participant with disability specializing in vegetable production, supplies to local groceries and local hotels. James empowers youth in agri enterprises through diversification into poultry value chains. He has reached youths that are marginalized and vulnerable by creating opportunities to reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism.
Learn about James' story
Naomi Eyeanae
In Napetet, Turkana County, Naomi Eyana is a poultry farmer and Director of Kimmel model farm, a farm specializing on improved kienyeji chicks’ production for host and refugee participants. A university graduate, Naomi, “Mama wa Kuku” as she is popularly known, is an inspiration to her community as she seeks to change the narrative within her community about poultry farming. Additionally, Naomi is an inspiration to young women who have gone through her mentorship, and her farm is the largest Farmer Service Center in Turkana County.
Learn about Naomi's story
Joseph Lokundu Charles
In Kalobeyei Settlement, Joseph Lokundu, a refugee from South Sudan joined Vijana in KilimoBizz program in 2023, and received training in poultry management and other skills, enabling him to mentor approximately 370 farmers in the Kalabeyei settlement. The WFP training and connections with partners like Kuza Biashara has enhanced his business, leadership abilities, and digital skills, allowing him to support his family and the wider community through his poultry business. Despite challenges like weather fluctuations, Joseph reinvests profits in his business and family, and demonstrates commitment to his operations.
Learn more about Joseph's story
Irene Nimbona
In Kakuma 3, Irene Nimbona, is a Vijanana Kilimobizz participant specializing in horticulture production mainly spinach, Okra and kales. She empowers other young women through VSLAs, training in horticulture production and supports young women to sell vegetables through groceries in Kakuma. Additionally, she links her smallholder producers to local markets such as Cradle Hotel.
Learn more about Irene's story
Selphine Akiru
In Katilu Irrigation Scheme, Selphine Akiru, a participant of the Vijana in Kilimobizz program specializes in maize seed production for contract farming by Kenya seed company and is an aggregator of green grams production for Home Grown School Meals Program. Furthermore, she empowers young women through financial inclusion through saving culture impact.
Learn more about Selphine's storyThe UN World Food Programme (WFP)
In partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, it embarked on a five-year program to strengthen food systems and promote increased value chain employment opportunities for young people in eight countries across Africa. This collaboration aims to strengthen local agrifood systems and make them more efficient, sustainable, and inclusive for young people, in particular young women.
