Last Mile Vendor-Ltingai Village Success Story

In the heart of Ltingai Village in Oldonyiro subcounty, a remarkable transformation has taken root, thanks to the collaborative efforts of a dedicated Last Mile Vendor (LMV) and the generous support of the Global Food Crises project.

Meet Naitisiae Lesamaja a resilient entrepreneur, a beacon of hope in her community, and a member of the Nasawa SILC group, who has experienced firsthand the positive impact of working with the Global Food Crises project. Her journey with the GFC project began through the Nasawa group, where she heard about the project’s mission to uplift vendors in ASAL areas.

“Before the GFC project extended its support, life as a vendor was a constant struggle with few customers, which crippled my efforts to offer a comprehensive range of essential items under one roof. The community’s access to nutritious foods was restricted, and my business faced numerous hurdles.”Naitisea Lesamaja

Then, the grant arrived—a beacon of hope. With 100,000 Kenyan Shillings in hand, her world transformed. She diversified her stock, making her shop a hub for nutritious products. This sudden change led to a surge in customers who now saw her store as a reliable source of nutritious foods. The grant not only expanded her stock but also enabled her to replenish more frequently to meet the growing demand.

“The grant not only increased my stock but also enabled me to restock more frequently to meet the growing demand. With each replenishment, I felt a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that I was contributing to improving the access to nutritious foods in my community, especially for the vulnerable and marginalized. In addition to giving us grants GFC project has gone further to link us with Last Mile Distributors to ensure steady supply of quality goods improving reliability of my stock.”

Lesamaja is also a beneficiary of the Nasawa SILC group, which is also a Nawiri funded project. “Through the Nasawa SILC group, I’ve learned the importance of financial discipline and savings. this knowledge has empowered me to manage my business more effectively and provided me with the opportunity to access loans to further boost my enterprise”

 

Naitisea, LMV, from Ltingai Village in her shop

Working with her has a profound impact on driving demand and improving access to nutrient-rich foods. By investing in LMVs, the Global Food Crises project empowers them to become pivotal players in their communities. LMVs like her offer a one-stop destination for essential items, making nutritious foods easily accessible.

Her story is a testament to the transformative power of collaboration between LMVs and Global Food Crises project. Together, they create a ripple effect, improving the lives of the vulnerable and marginalized by enhancing access to the nutritious foods they need. In the heart of adversity, this LMV’s journey serves as an inspiring example of resilience and community empowerment. Together, they are sowing the seeds of a brighter, healthier future for their community