PATHWAYS Leadership for Progress

Dennis Margirii was brought up by a single mother, who sadly passed away in 2006 making him responsible for his siblings.  Paying school fees was always a challenge for him, yet he managed to complete his high school education. The lack of rainfall in Dennis’s village has had a devastating effect on the soil and farm production.  A major contributor to this problem is deforestation activities.  Dennis plans to address this issue by starting a village tree nursery to conserve two local water catchment areas. His group of 15 members already has 3000 seedlings in place and is expecting a profit.  Dennis will be studying Economics and Statistics at the University of Nairobi.  Dennis says, “My lifetime goal is to help the less fortunate community members.”

2010 Update

▪Registered community group.
▪Raised money (3000KSH/$40.50) to make tree nursery beds.
▪Prepared and planted 3000 seedlings.
▪Prepared nursery bed for 2010-2011.

Plans for 2010-2011
▪Begin a savings and loan project.
▪Raise a 45000KSH ($608) capital base.

2011 Update
▪Further sensitized community on the merits of using solar energy.
▪Introduced solar energy applications.
▪Trained the group members on the installation and operation of solar appliances.
▪ Provided solar panels and batteries to the locals to sell for income generation.
▪Dug out a 25M by 15M pond to raise fish for income generation.
▪Stocked pond with approximately 400 fingerlings.

Plans for 2011-2012
▪Increase the range of solar equipment and accessories supplied.
▪Open an electronics store.
▪Expand fisheries project.