Judy Bahati with members of the Destined For Greatness Youth Group in Kayole, February 2024.

JENGA BIZNA MTAANI PROGRAM – Empowering Micro and Small Enterprises in Kenya: Judy’s Journey

Jenga Bizna Mtaani Program by Jonathan Jackson Foundation JJF is designed to foster the growth and development of Micro and Small Enterprises in Kenya. This program provides an integrated business environment, enabling young entrepreneurs to make significant socio-economic contributions through job creation and income improvement.

In 2023, JJF supported the Destined for Greatness youth group (D4G) from Humama, Komarock, in Kayole. This group, comprising 15 members, was founded in September 2016 with a vision to uplift each other by initiating a garbage collection program. However, due to unforeseen challenges, they had to halt this initiative.

In July 2023, D4G received two food vending Smokie trolleys under the Jenga Bizna Mtaani program. This intervention created four new employment opportunities and significantly improved their income.

Judy Bahati with members of the Destined For Greatness Youth Group during the Capital Goods Donations event in Kayole, July 2023.

Judy Bahati, the group’s chairlady, is among those who have benefited and serves as a shining example of the transformative power of the Jenga Bizna Mtaani program. Previously, she was running an MPESA shop and a grocery kiosk, both of which she had closed due to financial challenges. Now, thanks to the Smokie trolley, Judy has reopened these businesses. Judy plans to buy her own Smokie trolley and employ another person, aiming to create multiple income sources.

Judy vending food from her Smokie Trolley to a client in Kayole, February 2023.

The program has changed my life, I don’t have to worry how i will provide better for my family.

Judy Bahati

The impact extends beyond Judy. Other members of D4G have also seen improvements in their lives. Faith Wangari, a single mother, can now adequately care for her child. Nicholas Muthami, who had resorted to selling illegal items, now has a legitimate source of income. Collectively, the group has saved enough to purchase two additional Smokie trolleys. They plan to further diversify their income sources by starting a car wash business and hiring out tents and chairs for events.

Judy at her Grocery Kiosk, adjacent to her M-Pesa Shop, February 2023.

While the Jenga Bizna Mtaani program has made a significant impact, there are still many groups that need support. Our database shows that 77% of groups are yet to receive any funding.

Reach us via info@jonathanjacksonfoundation and find out how you can support the Jenga Bizna Mtaani program.

It is said that if you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day; but if you teach a man to fish, he will feed himself for a lifetime. My goal is to give you a fishing rod and teach you how to fish so you can put food on your table.

Jonathan Jackson, Founder and Chairman

Or you can donate to the Foundation:

VIA MPESA

PAY BILL NO – 904879

ACCOUNT NUMBER – JENGA JIRANI

Your donation can help us reach more people and transform more lives. Every contribution makes a difference. Let’s work together to create sustainable businesses.

#Jengabiznamtaani #sustainability #SDG’s #nonprofit

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