In the picturesque village of Maweni, nestled within the Msambweni sub-county of Kwale County, Kenya, a quiet revolution is taking place. Here, young mothers are breaking barriers and championing change through their group, Uongozi Bora Community Group. At the forefront of this transformation stands Jackeline Msinya, a dedicated volunteer and member of the group who is passionate about supporting other young mothers in understanding their roles in community development. Her journey is a testament to the impact of budget training sessions administered by Mr. Nassib Saidi, a budget facilitator from the Muslim Women Advancement of Rights and Protection (MWARP) through the program funded by The Netherlands Embassy through UNDP.

Before Jackeline embarked on her journey as a community leader, life in Maweni was filled with challenges for the young mothers who formed the Uongozi Bora Community Group. Their livelihood activities primarily consisted of poultry farming and small businesses, but they faced numerous obstacles in accessing resources and services essential for their well-being.
Before Nassib received training from MWARP, Msambweni sub-county was grappling with myriad challenges. The youth and women in this region faced limited opportunities for economic empowerment, and their voices were often unheard in matters affecting their lives. The lack of awareness about their rights and the county budgeting process left them vulnerable to neglect and marginalization.

Jackeline, with a determined spirit, recalls the days when their voices went unheard, saying, “We were young mothers striving to make a living through our businesses and poultry farming. The lack of clean and piped water was a daily struggle, and we felt marginalized in decision-making processes that could change our lives.”

The turning point for Jackeline and her group came when they were introduced to Nassib Saidi, a budget facilitator with a mission to empower grassroots communities through budget training sessions. Nassib’s training aimed to equip them with the knowledge and tools to advocate for their rights and participate effectively in the budget-making process.

The budget training sessions that Jackeline and her fellow group members attended covered key topics such as the budget cycle, access to budget information, the Public Finance Management Act of 2012, and the importance of public participation in Kwale County’s budget-making processes

Jackeline’s passion for community development and her thirst for knowledge transformed her into a dedicated volunteer who would later become an advocate for positive change within her community. She became a living example of the impact of the budget training administered by Nassib.

“Understanding the budgeting process was like opening a door to a world of opportunities,” Jackeline expressed. “Nassib’s training helped us comprehend how budgets work and how we, as community members, can play a role in shaping the allocation of resources.”

The Uongozi Bora Community Group, guided by Jackeline and Nassib, set their sights on advocating for resource allocation for clean and piped water. It was a fundamental necessity for their poultry farming activities and the well-being of the entire community. Armed with knowledge and determination, they embarked on a journey to make their voices heard.

Jackeline reflected on the significance of their efforts, saying, “Access to clean water was not just about our poultry farming; it improved hygiene and sanitation for everyone in Maweni. It was a victory for the community.”

Their achievements did not stop there. The group, under Jackeline’s leadership, decided to actively participate in the Msambweni sub-county budget forums. This decision allowed them to influence the development process directly, ensuring that their voices were heard in matters concerning their village.

Jackeline emphasized the importance of their involvement, stating, “We no longer wanted to be bystanders. We wanted a seat at the table where decisions about our community’s future were made.”

Their engagement in budget forums led to a significant increase in community-driven projects and initiatives in Maweni. The village witnessed improvements in infrastructure, healthcare services, and educational opportunities for their children.

Jackeline’s story of personal growth and community empowerment has inspired not only her fellow group members but also neighbouring communities. Her commitment to supporting young mothers in understanding their roles in community development has sparked a positive ripple effect.

Looking ahead, Jackline and the Uongozi Bora Community Group have ambitious plans. They aim to expand their advocacy efforts to encompass a wider range of issues affecting their community, such as healthcare access and women’s economic empowerment.

Jackeline concluded, “Our journey is ongoing, and we are determined to create a better future for our community. With the knowledge we have gained and the support of Nassib and MWARP, we are confident that we can make lasting changes and inspire others to do the same.”

Jackeline Msinya’s story is a testament to the potential for transformation when individuals like her are equipped with knowledge and a passion for community development. Her journey from a struggling young mother to a community leader showcases the incredible impact that budget training and dedication can have on grassroots communities. Through her efforts, Jackeline is paving the way for a brighter future in Maweni and beyond.