For years, poverty, lack of education, and early marriages have defined the lives of pastoralist women. However, this is changing thanks to a collective effort by Maasai women to boost their economic status while preserving important cultural traditions.
The Twala Women Group from Laikipia County, formed in 2007, consists of six subgroups engaged in various income-generating activities. They established the Twala Tenebo Cultural Centre at Il Polei trading centre, which attracts thousands of tourists who stay in solar-powered cottages and enjoy baboon walks. The centre accommodates about 20 guests across manyattas, three-bedroom houses, and camping facilities. According to Rosemary Nenei, the hospitality manager, the centre also serves as a platform to educate visitors about Maasai culture and sell beaded crafts for additional income.
The group expanded its ventures after receiving 40 acres from Il Polei and Monoshei ranches. They now produce honey, grow food in kitchen gardens, and export aloe vera products to the UK. Nenei emphasizes their focus on conservation, stating, “We conserve the good parts of our culture and environment and benefit from them.” The group distributes dividends to members twice a year, using proceeds to support families, combat harmful cultural practices like female genital mutilation and early marriage, and assist elderly women without income. These efforts have reduced dependence on husbands and empowered members through eco-tourism and financial literacy training.
Angela Naini, secretary of the Nashipai Nashotua Women’s Group, highlights their production of liquid soap and engagement in table banking, where profits are saved and loaned to members at an interest rate of 10%. Agnes Mamai from Melau Women’s Group shares that they maintain 40 beehives and a poultry project with 100 chickens, selling honey at Sh1,000 per kilogram but still seeking better markets for eggs. The group contributes weekly to savings, merry-go-rounds, and loan schemes, with members repaying loans with a small interest to support the collective.
