Anne Keino, a dedicated community champion hailing from Nerkwa, Elgeyo Marakwet, has taken a firm stand against the rising number of teen pregnancies in her area. She attributes this concerning trend to the illicit liquor trade that plagues her community.

According to Anne, the children of women involved in operating these drinking dens are particularly vulnerable to predatory individuals who frequent their homes. These dens not only foster an environment conducive to excessive drinking but also encourage younger individuals to engage in reckless and unprotected sexual activities.

Equipped with newfound knowledge and skills acquired through training programs facilitated by CREAW (Centre for Rights Education and Awareness) and FAWE (Forum for African Women Educationalists) under the Imarisha Msichana initiative, Anne returned to her community with a renewed sense of purpose to effect positive change. Teaming up with other like-minded women, she embarked on a mission to assist those who were caught up in the web of running these drinking dens.

Anne acknowledges that most of these women are compelled to engage in brewing and selling illicit alcohol due to the pressing grip of poverty. Recognizing this underlying issue, she introduced a savings system where these women contributed Ksh 100 per day. With the funds amassed, they approached the Kenya Forest Service in search of suitable land for tree planting.

Their collective efforts enabled them to purchase and plant an impressive 45,000 trees. These particular tree species have a relatively short maturity period, allowing the women to anticipate an expedited return on their investment. Their plan is to sell the trees to generate income for the purpose of educating and nourishing their children.

The impact of these initiatives spearheaded by Anne has been remarkable. Not only have the number of women operating drinking dens significantly decreased, but there has also been a notable positive shift in parental involvement with their children.

Inspired by her own experiences, Anne urges women in her community to join self-help groups as a means to empower themselves. By doing so, they can explore alternative business ventures that do not compromise the well-being of their children.

Anne Keino’s unwavering dedication and transformative actions serve as an inspiring example, demonstrating the power of grassroots efforts to effect meaningful change within communities. Her commitment to empowering women and addressing the root causes of societal challenges shines a beacon of hope on the path toward a brighter future for Nerkwa and its residents.