Kenya Cane, a brand under Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL), has donated a 10,000-litre water tank to Kibumbu Caregivers, a women-led self-help group in Chuka, Meru County. The donation aims to support the group’s fish farming project, which serves as a sustainable source of income for caregivers raising children orphaned by HIV/AIDS.
The initiative also includes water pipes and buckets to ensure a reliable water supply, crucial for maintaining fish ponds and increasing harvests. The contribution is part of Kenya Cane’s broader commitment to community empowerment and economic sustainability.
Kibumbu Caregivers is made up of over 30 women who came together after losing their children to HIV/AIDS, leaving them responsible for raising their grandchildren. Facing economic hardship, they turned to fish farming and modern agricultural techniques to provide food and income for their families.
According to Caroline Karimi, Chairlady of Kibumbu Caregivers, the donation will significantly improve their operations.
“We came together with one purpose: to support the less fortunate in our community, particularly children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. This donation will go a long way in improving our water storage, allowing us to harvest rainwater, sustain our fish farming, and generate income for the families we support,” said Karimi.
The fish farming project is an essential economic activity for the group, helping them earn a steady income while ensuring food security. The water tank will enhance their ability to store and use water efficiently, particularly during dry seasons.
Speaking on the donation, Davis Changalwa, Brand Manager for Kenya Cane, reiterated the brand’s commitment to uplifting communities.
“At Kenya Cane, we believe in celebrating everyday wins, and that includes uplifting the communities that support us. Inspired by Diageo’s purpose of celebrating life every day, everywhere, we are honored to contribute to the incredible work being done by the Kibumbu Caregivers,” he said.
The donation aligns with Kenya Breweries Limited’s ongoing corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, which focus on supporting small businesses, promoting economic empowerment, and driving sustainable development.
Kenya Breweries Limited has been actively involved in various CSR projects across Kenya. In December 2024, KBL’s Senator Keg brand invested KSh 1 million in a water project in Siaya County, converting a borehole into a fully-fledged water harvesting and distribution center. The project now supplies clean water to over 6,000 residents.
This latest initiative in Meru County reflects a growing trend of private-sector involvement in community development, particularly in areas where access to basic resources such as water remains a challenge.
Fish farming has emerged as a viable source of income for many communities in Kenya, providing employment and improving food security. According to the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), aquaculture production in Kenya has been growing steadily, with the government encouraging small-scale farmers to invest in fish farming.
For the Kibumbu Caregivers, fish farming not only provides a sustainable income but also serves as a community-building activity, offering a sense of purpose and stability. With proper infrastructure, such projects have the potential to transform rural economies and reduce poverty levels.
Despite their successes, self-help groups like Kibumbu Caregivers face numerous challenges, including:
- Limited access to capital – Many community-based projects struggle to secure funding for expansion.
- Water shortages – Reliable water sources are crucial for agricultural and fish farming activities.
- Market access – Small-scale farmers often find it difficult to reach larger markets for their products.
- Training and capacity building – Technical knowledge is essential for maximizing productivity in farming.
Corporate partnerships, such as Kenya Cane’s support, provide much-needed resources to help address these challenges. However, long-term sustainability requires continued investment from both the private and public sectors.
CSR initiatives in Kenya are evolving beyond one-time donations to more strategic, long-term partnerships that empower communities economically. Companies are increasingly aligning their CSR activities with national development goals, ensuring that interventions have a lasting impact.
With Kenya Breweries Limited actively investing in community-driven projects, other corporate entities may follow suit, recognizing that business success is tied to the well-being of the societies they operate in.
