Lwala:In the village of Lwala Nyakongo, groups of women are turning soil into a source of income by making and selling bricks. These bricks symbolize not only financial independence but also the ability to provide food and educational opportunities for their families.
According to Kenya News Agency, Moreen Achieng Ouma, one of the women involved, explained that the decision to take up brickmaking was driven by the realization that men dominated the trade, often keeping the majority of the profits. The women decided to form their own group to ensure the income was used to support their families. This venture has allowed them to pay for school fees and even send some children to universities and colleges.
Brickmaking requires a meticulous process. The women first identify suitable soil, which is then dug up and transported to their worksite. They purchase soil costing between Sh1,000 and Sh2,000, which can yield approximately 1,500 bricks. Each brick is sold for about nine shillings. The process also involves mixing the soil with water and burning the bricks with firewood, both of which require additional expenses and labor.
The business faces challenges, particularly with weather conditions. Rain can disrupt production by damaging drying bricks and making firewood difficult to use. The women need polythene sheets to protect the bricks, but these are often too costly. During the rainy season, the women switch to farming, resuming brickmaking when the weather improves.
Winny Akoth, who joined the group due to low agricultural returns, notes that while farming is essential during the wet months, brickmaking provides better financial returns. Despite the physical challenges and costs, the business has been crucial for feeding their families.
The women have plans to expand their business by purchasing a vehicle for transporting bricks to customers, which would enhance their service and provide another income stream. Currently, customers need to arrange their own transportation, which the women hope to streamline.
The role of women in this business extends beyond production to include customer engagement. They actively seek buyers, a critical task that supports sales and keeps the business thriving. Enock Onyango, a fellow brickmaker, acknowledges that the absence of these women affects sales, highlighting their indispensable role in the trade.
For many in Lwala, brickmaking offers an alternative to formal employment, providing a means to build homes, educate children, and sustain families. The collaboration between men and women in this venture underscores its importance as a shared economic endeavor. Despite challenges, each brick crafted represents a step toward sustaining their livelihoods and achieving economic stability.
