Winners Bakery Project

Bringing Sustainable Business to the Community of Mwihoko Ward

The Challenge

In a remote part of Kenya called Mwihoko Ward, Kiambu County, marginalized populations face numerous challenges of income insecurity, living with and caring for HIV/AIDS victims, domestic abuse and extensive unemployment. There have been efforts to help the residents of Kiambu county become self-sufficient and economically independent by means of microfinance loans and programs.

However, large scale unemployment of marginalized women and youth remains a major handicap in Kenya. Sustainable, self-run small businesses are needed to provide these groups employment and skills for economic security and dignity, especially since women often form the backbone of their society.

**The Innovation**

Establishing a bakery as a means of employment, nourishment, and skills advancement. A Master Baker will train an initial group of women in the trade. A few will have full-time employment baking goods as well as train the next cohort. The others from the inaugural class will be funded to establish their own businesses in the industry creating a chain effect. Market surveys have shown that various institutions (universities, secondary schools, residential facilities and hostels) have great demand for these baked goods. Therefore, the products made in the bakery will be sold to various village markets, schools and vendors providing a sustainable feedback loop. Finally, raw ingredients will be sourced from local farmers securing their continual operations.

Long Term Impact

This bakery will provide continuous training for Kiambu County’s most marginalized groups, namely women and youth to expand their knowledge and trade skills. The facility will have the structural ability to hold practical labs in association with the local Kiriri Women’s College and three secondary schools extending the reach of just a single Bakery.

This Bakery will also be providing the local consumer market with a steady supply of freshly baked goods and the funds received will be reinvested in training programs and employment opportunities. This project will also reach the rural agricultural farmers and give them a tangible local client for their crop. Over time, the bakery will be self-sustaining and contribute to employment and skill development for the underprivileged community.

This pilot project will be a template and generate inspiration for similar businesses to serve the residents of Kiambu County, Kenya.