Over 220 women traders from cross-border villages in Turkana West and Loima Sub-Counties have received a Sh4 million grant aimed at boosting their businesses and promoting peace along the Kenya-Uganda and Kenya-South Sudan borders.
The grant, facilitated by Lotus Kenya Action for Development Organization (Lokado) and funded by the German Ministry of Development (BMZ) through a Welt Hunger Hilfe (WHH) led program, seeks to economically empower women while incorporating peacebuilding into their trade activities.
Each beneficiary will receive Sh18,000 to strengthen their businesses and foster peaceful interactions in these historically conflict-prone regions.
Speaking at the cheque handover ceremony during the Moru Atanayece Festival 2024 in Letea, Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai praised the initiative for addressing both economic growth and conflict resolution. “These grants go beyond business; they empower women to become peacebuilders in communities affected by cross-border tensions,” the Governor said.
Lokado’s Executive Director, Augustine Kai Lope, and Robert Ewoton from WHH presented a symbolic cheque to the Governor, marking the official release of the funds. Ewoton emphasized the unique approach of combining economic empowerment with sustainable peace promotion. “This program integrates business and peacebuilding, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation among border communities,” Ewoton said.
The initiative also extends to cross-border communities in Uganda, and both Kai Lope and Ewoton expressed confidence in its success due to its inclusive and participatory nature. Prior to the disbursement, beneficiaries received business skills training to ensure effective use of the funds.
Concepta Longorio, a trader from Lokiriama, expressed her excitement, noting that many recipients are already engaged in business and part of village-level savings and loan associations (VSLAs). Pamela Ekomwa from Urum in Loima praised Lokado for incorporating peacebuilding into business initiatives by ensuring discussions around peace were central to VSLA meetings. She added that the women were eager to engage their counterparts across the borders to adopt similar approaches.
“The training focused on key aspects of business growth and management, preparing us to use these funds effectively. The grant will help expand our businesses and improve our livelihoods,” said Ekai.
This grant aligns with Lokado’s broader mission to diversify livelihoods. One month ago, Lokado provided cash grants to 100 reformed warriors to help reduce dependency on livestock, which has been a common source of cross-border conflict due to resource competition. With this new grant, the total number of beneficiaries now reaches 323, including both women and men from the cross-border sub-counties of Loima, Lokiriama, and Turkana West.
Augustine Kai explained that the beneficiaries will be monitored over the next six months to assess the impact of the grants. “We have put measures in place to further support those who demonstrate effective use of the funds. Our plan is to create a platform for those individuals to qualify for additional support to expand their businesses and contribute to the region’s economic transformation,” he said.
The timing of the grant distribution at the Moru Atanayece Festival also highlighted its peacebuilding focus. Festival participants resolved to establish cross-border market days, creating opportunities for traders from neighboring communities to interact, trade, and build trust. This initiative is expected to create a critical mass of empowered women traders who will capitalize on these joint market days and champion peace in the region.
