A hundred metres away from the special plant are seven women who, like the flourishing plant, are seeking to beat the odds to change their lives for the better. This is Nkiseu village, Wamba ward, in Samburu East, and women are sorting out gum arabic, a product obtained from acacia trees, which grow in plenty in arid and semi-arid lands. The seven women are gathering outside Nkiseu General Shop, owned by Julius Lekolii and his wife Carolyn, which doubles up as a collection centre for gum in the area. “Less than 10 women initially bought the idea, but we have now grown to up to 70 who collect and bring gum here,” she says. She buys the gum from the women and sells it to Acacia EPZ at a profit.

Source: The Star July 09, 2021 02:00 UTC