By Helen Njeri
The Masai Mara, one of Africa’s most significant wildlife reserves, is located in southwestern Kenya and covers 1,510 square kilometres (580 square miles). Bordering the Serengeti to the south, it is among the most spectacular safari destinations in the world.
Home to the iconic ‘Big Five’—lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, and buffalo—the Mara also hosts various other wildlife species and semi-arid vegetation. Its vast plains contain grasslands, acacia woodlands, riverine forests, thickets, and scrubland. The reserve’s semi-arid climate, broad valleys, and dramatic escarpments contribute to its breathtaking allure.
Yet beneath this natural splendour lies the daily struggle of local communities—women, men, and children—who grapple with the challenges of making a living and sustaining their livelihoods in this wild environment.
For the Maasai, cattle symbolize wealth and status, forming the backbone of their traditional economy. Families strive to amass large herds, which are sold or bartered in various exchanges. However, as modern demands for improved livelihoods grow, this age-old practice needs to be revised, necessitating alternative sources of income.
Over a decade ago, the Nkoilale community established the Nkoilale Community Development Organization (NCDO) to address these challenges. Located within the Mara Naboisho Conservancy—where “Naboisho” means “coming together” in the local dialect—the conservancy brought together more than 500 landowners when it was created.
NCDO, governed by a board comprising community representatives, government officials, and religious leaders, aims to address overgrazing and land mismanagement, which have degraded soil quality and strained the ecosystem. These efforts seek to alleviate the financial difficulties faced by traditional pastoralist communities while fostering sustainable development.
One of NCDO’s standout initiatives is the Naboisho Women Craft program, which empowers women through beadwork—a vital aspect of Maasai culture. Beadwork embodies tradition, beauty, strength, and social status. Each bead tells a story: fiery reds symbolize bravery, deep greens represent land and productivity, and black reflects the struggles endured. Traditionally, this craft is passed down from mothers to daughters, preserving a cultural legacy.
The programme, supported by the Great Plains Foundation, has transformed the lives of many women. Through the Naboisho Women’s Centre, women can access employment opportunities and training. Beneficiaries like Noonkokua Ntika have improved their livelihoods by selling beadwork. “Through this initiative, I’ve earned enough to buy food, pay school fees, purchase clothes, and cover medical expenses,” she shares.
Noonkokua also credits the Great Plains Foundation for providing training that enables her to tailor her beadwork to market needs rather than relying solely on traditional designs. This market-oriented approach has enhanced the appeal and profitability of the products.
The long-term goal is to establish a self-sustaining social enterprise that economically empowers women, benefiting their families and the wider community. Nelson ole Kirrokor, CEO of NCDO, highlights the dual challenges of limited income and market access. “Funding from the Great Plains Foundation ensures the Craft Centre has raw materials, and guests at Great Plains camps provide a significant market for the women’s products,” he explains.
As the sun sets over the seemingly endless Mara plains, the hopes of the Naboisho women rise with each sale of their beadwork. These masterpieces are not just ornaments but lifelines, shaping a brighter future for women, their families, and their communities.
Helen Njeri is a Media & Communications Strategist
