A Letter from Salome Kimathi

The day began with the morning sun shining so bright sending a warm across the hills. It carried the promise of a warm beautiful day. And it turned out to be an enjoyable and interesting day. It was the 28th day of January 2006. The Muchui Women Group, a local women group in Kenya had visitors from Canada. I had been interviewed and selected to work for the group. It was my first day at work. (Photo: Salome travels by bicycle.)

At 10:00 a.m. local time the group from Canada arrived at the Muchui Business Centre. It was a day planned for shamba visits. Before we left for the rounds, we first went to the nursery where the ladies of the group have brought their Macadamia seedlings. Later we were subdivided into groups to begin the rounds. Luckily I was in a group that consisted of young people. Our group went to about eight homes where our visitors asked questions, chatted with the women and took photographs. It took us up to 3:00 p.m. local time. We proceeded for lunch at the Muchui Women Group Chairperson’s home.

The following day was the best. First we did the shamba rounds of the homes that were not covered the previous day. In the afternoon all the sixty-two women gathered at the Chairlady’s home for the ceremony. After lunch there was songs and dances by the women. Our visitors handed over seeds for planting which they had donated. It was a moving gesture. The women were so excited and happy that some cried. It was a move that will forever remain in the hearts of the sixty-two women and their families. This is because of rain failure that led to total crop failure most of the women had no seed for planting in their shambas the coming season. Our visitors brought a light at the end of a dark tunnel. They also brought some seeds from Canada which included carrots, spinach, tomatoes etc. They exerted their kindness by a pledge to purchase two bags of maize for all the women and to buy water for the women who can’t afford to buy. Their kindness and continued support have given hope to the hopeless. It will be remembered by the women, their families and the community at large for decades.

Thanks and God bless you all.

Salome Kimathi