Group of elderly women shake off dependence tag to boost own income

When the disbursements of money for the elderly started coming late too often — and also because it was not enough to meet their basic needs — a group of elderly women from Murang’a County resolved not to just sit back and lament. Instead, they elected to venture into weaving as a way of generating income to meet their basic needs.

Due to their advanced age — most of them are well past 70 — the women were not able to undertake menial jobs and so, basketry has served them well as an alternative source of livelihood.

Though the majority of them benefit from the cash transfer programme through which they receive Sh2,000 monthly, they say the money is barely enough to cater for their needs. Delays in disbursement of the funds has also been a major challenge and at times the women have in the past had to rely on well-wishers for food donations and, when these were not forthcoming, some ended up sleeping hungry.

It has been three years now since they put their heads together in their quest to find ways in which they could escape old-age poverty.

Margaret Wanjiku, one of the women, said in the beginning, they used their Sh2,000 stipends to buy raw materials with they kick started the venture. At the time, they could only manage small quantities of raw materials, because they were expensive and not locally available.

Despite starting out small, they kept at it, making baskets (ciondos) in different sizes, shapes and colours and targeting the cultural events and women customers who prefer using the environment-friendly bags for shopping.

Basic needs

“How long it takes to make a basket depends on the size; the small ones can be done in a few days but the bigger ones can take even weeks,” she said. In a month, an average member is able to make at least two baskets, selling them for between Sh2,000 and Sh5,000 apiece.

“The money I get helps me to cater for my basic needs and I don’t have to rely on other people for donations,” she said.

Though the market for their products is not so good, they get enough clients to make orders.

Jane Njoki, another member, has been weaving bigger baskets and only manages one piece a month. Such a basket fetches a higher price of up to Sh7,000, an amount she says is enough for her needs because she lives alone.

“If I get a client every month, I am assured of constant income for my daily upkeep and other needs which might arise,” she said.

In rural areas, the average incomes range at about Sh3,000 and those earning less than this are considered to live below the poverty line. With one basket, Njoki, makes enough to make her live well beyond the poverty line. She, however, believes that if they get a bigger market for their baskets, they can make more and further improve their livelihood.