From Grief to Impact: The Story of Noeline Maru, a Changemaker in Nandi County

In the heart of Nandi County, where unemployment and illicit brews have affected countless lives, a powerful voice is rising Noeline Maru, a woman who has turned her pain into a purpose-driven mission to empower her community.

As a journalist and content creator, I (Kelvin Kibet) was moved by her story and felt compelled to share it here on my platform.

Losing Her Uncle to Illicit Alcohol in Kenya

In 2024, Noeline lost her uncle allegedly due to illicit alcohol consumption, a common issue in rural Kenya. His passing broke her heart, especially because she hadn’t yet reached a point in life where she could give back to him or her family. This tragic experience sparked her passion to fight the root causes of this problem: poverty, unemployment, and lack of economic opportunities.

The Struggles of Women in Chepterit, Nandi County

In Chepterit, many women rely on brewing illegal alcohol for survival. Noeline understands that these women are not criminals—they are survivors. Their actions stem from a lack of economic empowerment and zero access to alternative income sources.

Through her initiative, she seeks to provide sustainable solutions by offering entrepreneurship training and financial support.

How a HELB Loan Sparked Noeline’s Entrepreneurial Spirit

While in university, Noeline used part of her HELB loan to open a small retail shop named Noeline’s Malimali. Later, she handed the business to her mother. Sadly, the shop didn’t perform well due to a lack of business skills and mentorship.

This failure became a lesson—and later, a blueprint for community transformation.

“Women are capable. They just need the right training and support,” she says.

Youth in Crisis: Drugs and Unemployment in Nandi

Another key concern for Noeline is the state of the youth in her village. Many have fallen into drug abuse and alcoholism, not from a lack of ambition, but from hopelessness and joblessness.

This is why Noeline is stepping up—not to wait for government programs but to act now.

Tujitume CBO: Training and Capital Support in Nandi & Uasin Gishu

Through Tujitume Youth and Women Community-Based Organization (CBO), Noeline Maru is launching an empowerment program that aims to:

• Train 120 women and youth each month in practical entrepreneurship

• Offer startup capital to help launch small businesses

• Provide mentorship and follow-up support

• Break the cycles of poverty in Nandi and Uasin Gishu Counties

How You Can Join or Support

Are you a youth or women’s group based in Nandi or Uasin Gishu?
Are you ready to build a business and transform your life?

📞 Contact Noeline Maru at: 0725 165 153
📌 Location: Chepterit, Nandi County

Let’s rise together. Let’s empower one another. Let’s build a better future.

Final Thoughts by Kelvin Kibet

Stories like Noeline’s are rare and powerful. She is proof that local leadership, grassroots action, and personal initiative can drive real change. I encourage organizations, NGOs, and government agencies to support individuals like her.

Let’s invest in young Kenyan leaders who are already investing in their communities.