- Bachelors of Surveying, University of Nairobi, 2012
- Economic Project: Recycling waste, water to improve economic conditions and the environment
- Ng”oche Village
- Mentor: Catherine Kaimenyi
Ken’s project focused on waste collection pits but over time he initiated several other projects such as bee keeping, poultry keeping, borehole drilling and tree planting. Over twenty waste collection pits were dug and were used as compost pits to enrich the soil for farming as well as improving home hygiene. Five bee hives were established in the beginning and the number has risen to twenty two over a span of two years. The honey harvest yield approximately 20 liters of honey per month which generates a total income of approximately Kshs. 16,670 per month (Kshs. 250 per 300ml of honey). Twenty chickens were kept at the start of this project that produced approximately 5 dozen of eggs per month. This project didn’t do well and so the chickens and eggs were sold and the money raised was added to members’ contribution and part of PATHWAYS funding to initiate the digging of 3 boreholes to serve over 150 people in the village. Over 3000 trees were planted in 2009 and have currently grown into a beautiful village forest; we expect to harvest the timber in the future. From 2008 to 2012, the average monthly income of the group increased from approximately Kshs. 2,000 to Kshs. 17,000. The additional money was used to procure more bee-hives and to construct an apiary. The community group has invested an average of 60% of their income back into the project.
Kennedy is one of six children in his family. He lost his father in 1996 when he was eight. His mother has done her best to provide fees for Kennedy and his siblings through her income as a peasant farmer, but when unable, has had to rely on additional funds that could be raised from sponsors and local harambees. Kennedy is studying architecture, design and development and his PATHWAYS project is to recycle waste for profit.
“I have a strong willingness…. driven by hope and desire to be an active participant in developing the socio-economic welfare of members of my society…”
Ken is working as an assistant Quantity Surveyor at Tandem and Stark Ltd. ” I highly appreciate the support of Pathways towards my university education and successful realization of my community project. I attribute my leadership skills and economic progress of my community to Pathways mission in Kenya.”
