Fueling the Economy - Kenya

With interpersonal communication, the Mawego seniors were able to strike a deal for a donation of one barrel of kerosene, enabling them to start a small business venture. Community action taken by seniors & the Mawego Mission soon revealed a viable business, making life easier for the ageing members of their community.

Ageing, Population, Economic Development

Mawego is 5 hours from the capital city & a great distance from any large populated centre. Consequently, the people of Mawego have to walk many miles for water & in particular the precious kerosene used for heat, light & cooking. Some of the community's resourceful seniors were able to secure a donated barrel of kerosene & began selling it locally for a profit. The profits were used to purchase more kerosene until eventually money was made available with a 'development' grant & a commercial size tank was sunk into the ground. Eventually, "the great day arrived when a kerosene tanker drove across the W 11 desert & filled the new tank". The ageing community members were responsible for managing all aspects of the business & those seniors who actively worked on the project drew a modest wage. With the larger tank, it was then possible to sell the kerosene at normal retail prices to younger customers & profits were used as grants toward other new work ideas. This business venture found elderly community members greatly relieved not to have to walk such long distances.