Living in a pastoralist community has its challenges, especially where only men are expected to be breadwinners of their families, however, Chuluqe Adan Jarso has changed the narrative and set the pace for other women in her area.

Chuluqe Adan, a 24-year-old mother of two girls living in Sericho town of Isiolo county. She is a hardworking mum who became the sole breadwinner of her family after her husband lost his job as a security guard. Suddenly there was no source of income like before and with the little savings they had with her husband, she saw a market niche and opened a butchery in the year 2020, which was the only source of income for the family at the time. However, in December, 2023, they were affected by the heavy floods in Sericho which led them to close down the butchery. They had to move to another area

because their house was among the ones affected and the price of livestock shoot up hence, she could not continue with the butchery business.

Chuluqe is a member of Lelo Self Help Group, a women group consisting of 17 members, which was formed under the GIRL-H program by MID-P in partnership with Mercy Corps. The group members do savings and lend out loans to members. After the floods, Chuluqe and her family members returned to their home and had to learn to adapt to the effects of floods like loosing their business. In August 2024, she informed the group of her dilemma and how they were living from hand to mouth and decided to borrow a loan of KES 10,000 to restart her butchery. The group, understanding her situation, loaned her the money. Her advantage was that she had all the equipment needed for the business.

“It was easier to start the business again because I already had everything that I needed to continue with the business, therefore I used the money to buy a goat at KES 6,000, talked to some of my former customers, friends and family who were ready to support me, honestly it was encouraging how people supported me on the first day which gave me heart to keep going.” Says Chuluqe.

Despite being dominated by pastoralist community, there are not many butcheries in Sericho Trading Centre, which made the demand for meat be high. Chuluqe was different from the rest of the butchery owners who sold only meat because she went an extra mile of selling fried intestines and soup made from the intestines which according to local culture helps with flu and is given to the sick person and there was a lot of demand for the soup. The business is going well for her and she gets KES 1,000

profit per day which was one of the reasons she decided to go back to the butchery business in the first place.

“I get at least KES 1,000 of profit daily and I ensure that I save for the group. I get to buy food for my family, and I even get to save a little since my children are very young and have not even been enrolled in school yet, so it is easier to do savings.” Says Chuluqe

On top of being inspired business-wise, Lelo group where Chuluqe is a member is enrolled under the Promoting Resilience Inclusivity and Meaningful Engagement (PRIME) Program, by MID-P in partnership with Mercy Corps, whereby the group is being trained on Sexual Reproductive Health following the MOH curriculum. Under the program, the groups are taught on different topics like nutrition, business skills, saving, HIV, hygiene, breastfeeding and caring for newborn among others.

“We are thankful for the support the group has offered my family because that is how you know you are part of a community, apart from the financial support, the topics that they are being taught in the group is really helpful because I can see how much impact it has on our lives, now my wife cannot cook just any food, she considers the nutritional value. I try to support as much as I can by working in the butchery when she is not around or engaged in a group activity.” Says Mohamed Jirmo, Chuluqe spouse.

The main challenge they have is fluctuation of livestock prices during change of seasons. During drought season, the livestock move far away and getting them on demand is difficult. However, Chuluqe has bought 2 sheep at KES 6,500 each and is currently rearing them for the future, in case they give birth and multiply, or she could sell them when times get tough to help herself. Generally, the groups are making a positive change in the lives of the members by offering financial support through loans and also knowledge through the safe space sessions.