Submitted to: Village Economic Empowerment (VEE)
Submitted by: Abraham Muchoka
Date: 21/06/2025

Project Areas Covered:

1. Dairy Goat
2. Table Banking
3. Organic Farming
4. Merry-Go-Round
5. Road (Proposal)
6. Poultry (Proposal)
7. Beekeeping
8. Land Fencing (Proposal)
9. Herbal Garden (Proposal)
10. Nursery Establishment (Proposal)

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Annual Overview

This report highlights the progress and proposals of key projects implemented by VEE groups in Marimanti, Tharaka Nithi County, from June 2024 to June 2025. The initiatives aim to build sustainable livelihoods, improve nutrition, and empower vulnerable communities.

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1. Dairy Goat Project

VEE introduced a dairy goat initiative to support vulnerable households in arid and semi-arid regions. Goats were chosen due to their resilience and lower maintenance needs compared to cows. The objectives include addressing malnutrition, increasing household income, and promoting sustainable livestock farming.

Key Outcomes:

• 90 dairy goats distributed
• Over 400 households impacted

Challenges:

• 22 goat deaths reported
• Drought and limited veterinary services

Member Requests:

• Breed Improvement: Introduce a more productive goat breed.
• Value Addition & Marketing:
  • Training on milk production
  • Establishment of milk collection centers
  • Branding and packaging of goat milk products
  • Support for silage and haymaking

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2. Herbal Garden (Proposal)

Members propose establishing a community herbal garden to:

• Preserve indigenous medicinal plant knowledge
• Offer natural remedies for common ailments
• Generate income via herbal teas and ointments
• Train locals in sustainable herbal cultivation

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3. Fish Rearing (Proposal)

With growing interest in fish farming, members request support to set up 1–2 fish ponds to diversify income and nutrition sources.

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4. Latrine Facility (Urgent)

The current sanitation facilities are inadequate. Members request urgent support for latrine construction to improve hygiene and dignity.

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5. Nursery Establishment (Proposal)

A seedling nursery at the site would:

• Provide continuous seedling supply
• Generate income from seedling sales
• Serve members and neighboring farmers

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6. VEE Land Fencing (Proposal)

Members request fencing of the VEE farm to prevent crop destruction by neighboring livestock and to enhance security.

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7. Demonstration Plot

While the demo plot is thriving, water runoff during rains is causing soil erosion. Members request terracing support to curb erosion and protect crops.

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8. Mango Tree Grafting

Planned for August 2025, this exercise aims to accelerate fruit production and enhance the quality of mango trees on the farm.

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9. Banana Suckers

The group plans to plant 40 banana suckers to green the compound and generate income.

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10. Organic Farming

Despite challenges, organic farming is thriving through teamwork and VEE support. Members request seed support to expand production:

• Kale
• Spinach
• Tomatoes
• Melons

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11. Poultry Rearing (Proposal)

Started with 20 chickens, this project faced issues like disease, feeding costs, and lack of housing. Members request VEE’s support to sustain and scale the initiative.

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12. Small Business Support

Several members operate small businesses and seek financial empowerment from VEE to boost their ventures.

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13. Table Banking

Table banking continues to improve financial independence and loan management.

Financial Status:

• VEE capital: Ksh 75,000
• Member contributions: Ksh 362,140
• Interest earned: Ksh 200,000
• Loans issued: Ksh 360,000
• Loan recovery rate: 97%

Achievements:

• 15 members started businesses
• Members are paying school fees using loans
• 8 emergency medical cases supported

Challenge:

• Need for improved financial literacy

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14. Merry-Go-Round

The model continues to foster unity and financial discipline. Members recommend expansion and consistent participation.

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15. Road Construction (Proposal)

Members propose building a group-access road. Bush clearing will be handled affordably by VEE group members.

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16. Beekeeping

Currently, there are:

• 8 modern beehives
• 3 traditional beehives

Members request:

• Catch boxes to attract bees
• Ongoing training and support
• Formation of a 20-member beekeeping committee

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17. Housing for the Disabled (Proposal)

The group representing persons with disabilities is struggling with housing. They own land but lack proper settlement. VEE is requested to support them with shelter construction.

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Conclusion

The Marimanti VEE Project continues to uplift communities in Tharaka through strategic interventions in agriculture, livestock, and financial empowerment. With increasing demands and challenges, the project requires ongoing support, improved planning, technical guidance, and active participation to achieve its goals.

Future plans focus on sustainability, self-reliance, and enhanced livelihoods. Monthly visits and participatory approaches have improved trust and strengthened community cohesion.

Report prepared and submitted by:
Abraham Muchoka
Marimanti VEE Project Administrator

Join us in this heartwarming video as we spend a beautiful day with the children of Karangatha during a special Letter Writing Activity! The kids came together to write heartfelt letters to their sponsors — expressing gratitude, sharing stories, and showing their vibrant personalities. For those who couldn’t write on their own, our volunteers were happy to lend a hand, ensuring every child’s voice was heard. It wasn’t all letters, though! After the writing, the children enjoyed fun games, laughter, and a delicious meal shared with joy and excitement. This video captures the smiles, the connections, and the community spirit that made the day unforgettable. Handwritten letters, warm hearts, and playful moments — this is what Karangatha is all about. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to support our mission and stay updated with more stories from the field. #Karangatha #LetterWriting #SponsorLetters #VeeKenya #CommunityEmpowerment #KidsActivities #Gratitude #FieldVisit #KenyaStories #SupportEducation

A Glimpse into Our Annual Letter-Writing Journey

This past fortnight, our team at Village Economic Empowerment (VEE Kenya) has embarked on one of the most meaningful journeys of the year — our Annual Letter-Writing Activity. Across the vibrant communities of Ilbisil, Lorngosua, Naibala, Osiligi, and Kinale, the voices of over 400 children found expression, not just in words, but in stories of resilience, hope, and dreams waiting to be realized.

This initiative offers children a rare but precious opportunity — to connect with their sponsors in a personal, heartfelt way. Some wrote their own letters with pride, while others, too young to do so, were gently guided by our compassionate volunteers. For many, this is more than a writing exercise; it is a moment to be seen, heard, and remembered.

At Kinale, 116 out of 150 children participated. The remaining 34, mostly in boarding schools or temporarily away, will be followed up individually. Our team member, Kamau, is diligently ensuring that each child completes their letter. Once written, each child receives five exercise books, a simple yet profound incentive that means the world to families with very little. Every lett

er is accompanied by a photo to be shared with 

their sponsor — a face behind the story.

Tomorrow, we look forward to concluding this journey in Karangatha, where we will meet more children, listen to more stories, and share more moments of joy.

But behind these smiles lies a deeper truth.

While former President Mwai Kibaki’s declaration of free primary education marked a noble milestone, the reality remains far more complex. Most public schools receive minimal or no government funding, forcing the financial burden onto families who are already struggling. This burden often becomes unb

earable.

As a result, many children drop out, start school late, or never enroll at all. In countless households, young boys are sent to work. Young girls, often without guidance or opportunity, become mothers far too soon. What should have been a classroom becomes a construction site. A playground, a delivery room.

And yet — in the midst of this struggle — sp

onsorship brings light.

We see children of single mothers, once caught in cycles of e

arly pregnancy and poverty, now holding books instead of burdens. We see futures being rewritten by the simple, profound act of giving a child a chance to learn.

These letters are more than updates — they are testimonies. They speak of battles fought, of dignity restored, of hope awakened.

To every sponsor who reads these words: thank you. You are not just funding education; you are restoring childhoods, empowering mothers, and building a new generation of leaders. And to every child who sat to write this week: your voice matters, your dreams are valid, and your future is worth fighting for.

Together, we are not merely exchanging letters.
We are writing a new story for Kenya.

Village Economic Empowerment (VEE Kenya) is a transformative initiative of Association of Vineyard Churches (AVC) Kenya, dedicated to fostering sustainable development and self-reliance among marginalized communities. Established in August 2012, VEE Kenya has consistently empowered youth, women, and local communities through training, capacity-building, and economic empowerment initiatives.

As an affiliate of VEE Kenya, Change Business Kenya serves as the entrepreneurship and enterprise development arm of the organization. It is the driving force behind innovative business solutions that promote financial independence and sustainable livelihoods among the communities we serve. Through Change Business Kenya, we provide targeted business training, mentorship, access to markets, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Our Mission and Vision

At VEE Kenya, our mission is to eradicate poverty, improve literacy, and provide better healthcare solutions by empowering individuals and communities with essential skills, knowledge, and resources. Our vision is to foster resilient, self-reliant communities capable of driving their own economic growth.

Geographical Reach

Our work spans across Kenya and extends to neighboring countries, including Uganda, Rwanda, and Malawi, targeting regions where poverty, illiteracy, and inadequate healthcare are significant challenges. We achieve this through strategic partnerships, capacity-building initiatives, and community-driven projects.

Core Focus Areas

1. Economic Empowerment (Led by Change Business Kenya):
   • Business Training and Mentorship: We equip aspiring entrepreneurs and SMEs with essential business skills.
   • Access to Finance: Facilitating access to capital and financial literacy for business growth.
   • Market Linkages: Connecting local businesses with sustainable market opportunities.
2. Education & Literacy:
   • Providing scholarships and educational support for underserved youth.
   • Offering adult literacy programs to bridge knowledge gaps.
3. Healthcare & Well-being:
   • Implementing community health programs to enhance access to quality healthcare.
   • Promoting hygiene, nutrition, and disease prevention initiatives.

Our Impact

Through our efforts, VEE Kenya has transformed countless lives, enabling individuals and communities to escape the cycle of poverty. Notable achievements include:

• Training over 500 smallholder farmers in modern agribusiness techniques under the Kinale Community Farm project, leading to increased yields and income.
• Supporting the establishment of over 300 small businesses through Change Business Kenya.
• Enhancing access to education and healthcare services for vulnerable communities.

With Change Business Kenya as our entrepreneurship hub, VEE Kenya remains committed to sustainable development, empowering communities, and creating a brighter future for all.