What began as a small soil conservation effort has grown into a powerful grassroots movement redefining Kipkomo’s future. Through the Kipkomo Rostagh SACCO, farmers, youth, and women are reclaiming their land and livelihoods, proving that even the most marginalized regions can thrive when given the right tools and support.
By Kelvin Sang, Eldoret
In the semi-arid heartlands of West Pokot County, change is quietly taking root. Once known for economic hardships and persistent shadow of cattle rustling, the locations of Senetwo, Pserum and Morpus in Kipkomo Sub County are rewriting their story— one of rekindled hope powered by circular economy and regreening the region.
At the center of this grassroots revolution is the Kipkomo Rostagh SACCO, a community-led savings and credit cooperative born out of “a soil and water conservation project” dubbed Farmer Research Network funded by Mcknight Foundation through University of Eldoret.
What began in 2014 as a humble effort to save the land from degradation has blossomed into a powerful force for economic empowerment, bringing together farmers, youth, women, and local leaders in pursuit of a more sustainable future.
“We started with environmental conservation, but what we have now is a living model of a circular economy,” says Professor Wilson Ng’etich, one of the founders of the initiative from the University of Eldoret.
A Story Rooted in the Soil
The journey began with a problem: rampant land degradation caused by unsustainable crop farming, overgrazing, and erratic weather patterns. The solution, at first, was to transform the mindset of the community from being victims of nature into stewards of change. Community members were trained in soil conservation, water harvesting, gully rehabilitation and sustainable land use.
But the community soon realized that saving the land wasn’t enough — they needed to save themselves from economic instability, too.
With just five pioneer members, the FRN movement has grown to over 1,100 households spread across Kipkomo Sub County.
Through this movement, the community realized the benefits of pulling resources and labor together. This realization gave birth to Kipkomo Rostagh SACCO through facilitation of University of Eldoret and West Pokot County Government, under funding from McKnight Foundation.
The SACCO was registered to help residents save money, access credit, and grow their income-generating activities.
Today, the SACCO targets to serve over 1,000 members operating under the FRN movement and is setting its sights on reaching 10,000. Its presence is being felt not just in bank books, but in the energy that now hums through Chepareria trading centre and its surrounding villages.
“What started as a conservation initiative has become a tool for sustainable development and financial inclusion,” Prof. Ng’etich proudly states.
A Future for the Youth
For years, many young people in Kipkomo faced few options: engage in informal jobs, migrate, or—far too often—get lured into cattle rustling. But now, SACCO membership is offering a safer, more productive alternative.
“With this SACCO, we have hope,” says George Mnang’at, a youth representative. “Young people like me, who run small farming businesses, now have a place to save and access loans to boost our hustle. It’s more than just money—it’s freedom.”
The SACCO offers a wide array of financial services: soft loans with friendly repayment terms, emergency loans, and tailored credit for agricultural inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. There’s even provision for funding farm machinery, a game-changer for communities where oxen have long been the default technology.
According to George, this financial access is helping youth transition from subsistence to profit-driven farming, and some are even branching out into agri-businesses and retail.
Women Finding Their Voice
For women in Kipkomo, the SACCO represents more than access to finance—it symbolizes dignity, equality, and empowerment.
“As women, we are proud to finally have our own SACCO,” says Jennifer Meskina, the Chairlady of the Takar FRN Group. “In the past, we were stuck with unreliable groups that mismanaged our savings or demanded collateral we didn’t have. This SACCO listens to us and supports our growth.”
Jennifer recalls many failed attempts to access credit from informal savings groups or unregulated lenders, where women often faced discrimination or exclusion. Today, SACCO loans are being used by women to expand small-scale businesses, invest in livestock, and educate their children.
Government and Academia in Lockstep
This transformation hasn’t happened in isolation. It’s the result of a powerful partnership between the University of Eldoret, which provides technical support and training, and the West Pokot County Government, which is actively supporting cooperative development.
“This SACCO is an ideal approach to uplifting our local communities,” said Mr. William Ntoina, the county’s Director of Investment and Cooperative Management. “We’re committed to supporting citizen-driven initiatives and are rolling out training in sustainable land use and financial literacy.”
One of the SACCO’s unique features is its link to conservation: membership is tied to participation in soil and water preservation, ensuring that economic growth doesn’t come at the expense of the environment. This philosophy is in harmony with the region’s natural potential—West Pokot is rich in fertile soils that produce crops like mangoes, maize, and legumes.
“We cannot separate our livelihoods from the land,” Ntoina emphasized. “This initiative ensures both are nurtured together.”
Building a New Identity
For many in Kipkomo, the SACCO is more than a financial institution. It is a symbol of self-reliance, community spirit, and a break from a past marginalization and economic instability.
“We need our youth to focus on positive, income-generating activities,” said Senior Chief Mathias Chespar. “Joining the SACCO is a step toward building a better future, not just for individuals, but for the entire community.”
The SACCO’s motto, “From Conservation to Prosperity,” captures the essence of its mission. It is an ongoing story—still unfolding—but one that offers hope, especially in a region where such hope has often been hard to come by.
