Building Wealth Together, the story of Al-Naim Women Self-Help Group from Isiolo County

In the heart of Isiolo County, where winds sweep across the rugged landscape, a small but mighty group of women has been quietly transforming their lives and the lives of those around them.  

Al-Naim Women Self-Help Group, composed of 23 members from Bulapesa Ward, Isiolo North, was born out of a moment of frustration and a desire for change in 2017. The women, long marginalized by poor leadership and political neglect, had gone to a local administration office seeking food aid, only to leave empty-handed.  

That moment of dashed hope sparked an idea in the mind of Halima Doyo, the 45-year-old group’s chairlady, which would change everything: “Why not come together, pool their resources, and empower ourselves?” 

Halima, who had long felt the sting of exclusion, saw in this group not just a chance for financial independence but a way to restore the dignity of women in her community. She suggested to the other women that they could break the cycle of dependency and marginalization by helping each other. The idea was simple but powerful: if they could unite, they could lift each other up and create a future where their voices were heard. And so, this thought gave birth to “Al-Naim” Women Self-Help Group, whose name, meaning “God’s Grace” in the Arabic dialect, symbolizes the hope and unity the women sought to create. 

Together, the Isiolo women began meeting every Sunday at the chairlady’s residence in Bulapesa. They discussed the issues affecting them, shared news and opportunities, encouraged and empowered each other, and, perhaps most importantly, saved money together. Operating under the principles of Sharia Law, they took small, interest-free loans from their savings to support one another. The group’s model was built on solidarity and trust, cycling every year with the savings distributed back to the members. This system provided the women with a sense of financial independence and security they had never known before. 

The group’s journey took a significant turn when they became a member of Isiolo Community Development Trust (ICDT) on October 4, 2022. The county-wide umbrella Local Development Organization (LDO) provided crucial training on financial management and bookkeeping, helping Al-Naim Women Self-Help Group refine their practices and ensure transparent, accountable savings and lending. Through ICDT’s support, the group also gained access to a facilitator specializing in Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA), further strengthening their financial activities and ensuring that each member understood how to manage and grow their funds. ICDT’s support proved to be a game-changer.  

Fast forward to 2024, and the fruits of their labour have become clear. After one full year of saving and lending, Al-Naim Women Self-Help Group was ready for their share-out—a moment eagerly anticipated by each member.  

As the moment arrived, the air was thick with anticipation. Al-Naim Women Self-Help Group distributed KES 1.5 million among its members, and it was more than just a financial transaction—it was a symbol of their hard work, trust, and collective strength. Five members, who had saved diligently, received the highest share—KES 40,000 each. The lowest amount, KES 10,000, was also a valuable sum for a member who had little to start with. For some members, this share-out was a chance to invest in their futures. One woman used her share to buy three goats, marking the beginning of her journey into livestock farming—a dream she had long held. She also used some of the money to pay for her children’s school fees, securing their future education. Another member restocked her small shop, breathing new life into her cosmetic business. A third woman pooled her funds with others and completed two rental rooms in Isiolo Town, creating a steady stream of income for her family. 

Chairlady Halima could not have been prouder of how far they had come. “The support from ICDT has been invaluable,” she said. “The LDO has given us tools and knowledge to manage our finances and dreams. We are not just surviving anymore—we are thriving and setting goals for the future.” 

With KES 1.5 million now in the hands of its members, the group is not resting on its laurels. Their next goal is to venture into livestock farming, particularly goat farming. They plan to buy 100 goats; a move that will help ensure sustainable income for members and give them the independence that they have always dreamed of.  “We are determined to grow our businesses, improve our livelihoods, and create opportunities for the next generation,” Halima added. 

ICDT, which unites and empowers 134 member women’s groups across Isiolo County, takes pride in seeing Al-Naim Women Self-Help Group flourish. Through training, empowerment, and a commitment to collective action, the group has proven that when women come together, they can overcome even the most challenging circumstances.