A story of resilience, passion, and empowerment unravels in the verdant expanse of Kenya’s agricultural landscape. Its hero? Mrs. Munyi. For over three decades, she committed her service working with the Ministry of Agriculture at the Kajiado South Subcounty office.
Mrs. Munyi is a tremendous force of energy, characterized by her courage and boldness, yet marked by a gentle spirit. She tirelessly shatters stereotypes, wielding the champion banner for the frequently undervalued discipline of home economics. Her unwavering commitment and innovative approach has transformed countless households, leading to a wave of change that resonates far beyond the borders of Kuku ward in Kajiado South Sub County.
Background: Defying the Norm
Armed with a Diploma in general agriculture, Mrs. Munyi embarked on a career fueled by passion and dedication. Nevertheless, her inborn, profound interest in home economics significantly influenced her future pursuits. Despite prevailing gender norms and societal expectations, she dared to defy convention, determined to carve a path that celebrated the vital role of women in agriculture.
The road to success was not without its obstacles. Mrs Munyi faced skepticism and resistance in the male-dominated field at every turn. Yet, undeterred, she forged ahead, tirelessly advocating for the recognition and validation of home economics as a cornerstone of agricultural development. Despite limited resources and funding constraints, her resolve never wavered. Instead, it propelled her forward, transforming her department into a bastion of innovation and excellence.
The Wezesha Partnership
The turning point in Mrs. Munyi’s journey came with her serendipitous collaboration with Wezesha Agri—an economic empowered program designed by Safaricom Foundation and Africa Instore Solutions with support from GIZ EnDev program. Wezesha program is committed to empowering women and youth through good agricultural training and agribusiness support.
As the agricultural officer in charge of Kuku ward, Mrs. Munyi saw firsthand the transformative potential of Wezesha’s initiatives. She tirelessly mobilized the community for training sessions that focused on smart sustainable farming, green energy and home economics. The impact of the trainings was phenomenal with over 1,100 beneficiaries adopting various skills and uplifting their households and communities in general.
Mrs. Munyi’s mission is a deep-seated commitment to empowering women. Through Wezesha program, she imparts invaluable knowledge on kitchen gardens, nutrition, food preservation, and energy conservation. Her passion for equipping women with practical skills and resources resonates in every word she speaks. “It is the most fulfilling thing I have ever done,” she shares, her eyes alight with purpose.
The ripple effects of Mrs Munyi’s work extend far beyond the boundaries of Kuku ward. Across the region, women have embraced her teachings, transforming their homes and communities. Kitchen gardens now flourish with various green leafy vegetables and other drought resistant food crops sufficient to feed households whilst conserving limited natural resources such as water in the arid lands of Kajiado County. Nutrition levels have improved, and food insecurity has dwindled as women harness the power of home economics to feed their families
Looking ahead, Mrs. Munyi envisions a world where every woman is armed with the knowledge of home economics. She believes every small space can become a productive kitchen garden to feed families.
In her words, “You don’t need extensive lands to feed your family. Any small space can be utilized to grow vegetables and herbs.”
Conclusion
In the tapestry of Kenya’s agricultural landscape, Mrs Munyi’s story shines as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Through her tireless efforts and unwavering dedication, she has redefined the role of women in agriculture, proving that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible. As we celebrate her legacy, let us also celebrate the countless women like Mrs. Munyi who are transforming lives and shaping the future of agriculture.
To all strong, independent women passionate about empowering other women and positively impacting their communities and beyond, let’s continue supporting and advocating for women’s empowerment in agriculture.