Program Background
The Good Shepherd Program in Komarock was established in 2023 in response to the growing problem of alcoholism among men, which posed a serious threat to the stability of families as the primary unit of society. To address this challenge, Chemi Chemi ya Wanaume was formed as a Self-Help Group (SHG) for men in Komarock. By the end of 2024, the group had grown to 53 members and engaged in activities such as savings, poultry keeping, and catering services.
Following this success, additional SHGs with different thematic focuses were initiated:
Chemi Chemi ya Mazingira (2024): Focused on environmental sustainability, the SHG comprises 138 members. Its activities include tree planting, water harvesting, environmental clean-ups, and sunflower farming. The group also plays an active role in community advocacy, promoting sustainable environmental practices, access to quality healthcare, clean energy, and improved community infrastructure. In 2024, in partnership with the Kenya Forest Service, Equity Bank, and Maendeleo ya Wanawake, the group planted over 12,000 tree seedlings at Komarock Shrine.
Chemichemi Stars (2024): A children’s SHG consisting of 16 members . The group plays an important role in child mentorship and supports access to basic education for children from disadvantaged households. Through this initiative, the program has collaborated with the national government, particularly the office of the County Women Representative, the office of the Governor, and the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), to secure bursaries for children from needy families.
Key Achievements
- Strong partnership with Government agencies led to improvement of community services.
- Reduction in high alcohol consumption and subsequent assumption of family responsibilities among men in Koma area
- Improved environmental consciousness and sustainable practices among local communities
- Improved economic livelihood of program participants through poultry, and sunflower farming.
- Improved access to education by children from low-income families.