In a peaceful compound in Kabete, Kiambu County, the sound of laughter and lively conversations fills the air as more than two dozen women gather for their biweekly Gatobu Women Group meeting.
What began nearly two decades ago as a simple savings initiative—with each member contributing just 50 shillings—has blossomed into a powerful engine of empowerment, investment, and sisterhood.
Unlike many formal organizations, the Gatobu Women’s Group operates without a fixed office.
Instead, they meet in rotation every two weeks at the home of a different member, fostering intimacy and inclusion.
Based in the Ruku area of Kabete Sub-county, the group thrives on strong community ties and word-of-mouth networks, choosing connection over social media presence.
The group was founded by current chairperson Kezia Muiru, who envisioned uniting women in the community while fostering meaningful social bonds.
What started as a social platform quickly evolved into a resilient economic support system.
Members pooled their modest savings weekly, laying the foundation for lasting financial and emotional support.
Today, the group comprises about 20 women with impressive achievements. They collectively own land registered in the group’s name, complete with title deeds.
In addition, they have acquired tents, chairs, cups, and plates used to generate income by renting to non-members.
These assets are donated free to members during events like weddings or funerals, underscoring the group’s deep commitment to mutual aid.
Joining the Gatobu Women Group requires a shared commitment to saving and investing, trustworthiness, and aligned financial goals.
These principles ensure harmony and effective collaboration among members.
“This is where I come when I need help,” says Catherine Muiruri, the group’s treasurer. She manages the fund that finances land purchases, farming equipment, and emergency loans. “We started unsure of what we were building, just trying to make ends meet,” she recalls.
Now, the group offers low-interest loans and financial literacy guidance in a supportive, judgment-free environment.
Through these loans, Catherine has bought land and supported her children’s higher education, some attending university, others already graduated and investing back into farming.
“I’m no longer waiting on others to help me. If there’s an emergency, I just borrow from the group with ease.”
For Catherine, the group’s success extends beyond financial gains.
“We now look like women with wealth,” she laughs, “but that wealth is because we worked together.”
Zipporah Karanja, another dedicated member who joined in 2005, uncertain about her financial future, now confidently discusses budgeting, expanding her farming enterprise, and purchasing cows and machinery.
“The group taught me how to manage money. I’ve grown, my kids are finishing school, and I’ve made lifelong friends,” she shares.
Regular training sessions add to their strength, with Kezia ensuring continuous learning.
“This is not just saving; it’s education,” Zipporah says.
Secretary Veronica Njau oversees the rental assets and emphasizes the spirit of solidarity. “We support each other during weddings, funerals, and other events,” she explains.
“When someone is in need, the Chama shows up.”
She highlights that borrowing within the group is safer and more affordable than alternative sources.
“No shylocks or high bank interest. Our rates are fair, and trust is everything here.”
Chairperson Kezia Muiru reflects on their journey: “We started with 50 shillings a week. Now we have land, our children are grown, and we have savings and vision. That’s what committed community efforts achieve.”
The group’s resilience comes from rotating leadership, transparent operations, and regularly reviewing its rules to avoid conflict.
The Gatobu Women Group addresses common challenges women face in Kabete—financial insecurity, limited access to credit, and social isolation—by creating a supportive savings and loans community.
Members like Catherine and Zipporah have become financially independent, investing in property and their children’s futures.
While the group faces challenges like late repayments and member dropouts, their foundation of trust, clear rules, and ongoing capacity building keep them strong.
Cautious about formal registration to preserve independence, they remain deeply connected through their shared values.
This grassroots model exemplifies the profound impact local women’s savings groups can have, especially where formal financial services exclude many.
“This is more than just savings,” Kezia concludes, “It’s a sisterhood that lifts us all.”
In Kabete, the Gatobu Women Group shows that when women unite with purpose, they build futures that uplift themselves and their community.
Their inspiring journey offers a blueprint for similar groups across Kenya and beyond—proof that local solutions can spark lasting change.
This story was published with support from the Solutions Journalism Network, through the Global Female Trainers’ Fund
