When women earn, families stand stronger: Seraphine Nesasuen’s story

For Seraphine Nesasuen from Samburu County, the Gum Arabic business has become more than just a source of income, it has become a pathway to survival, stability, and hope for her family.

Born in 1994 and a mother of six children, Seraphine has spent the last three years working in the Gum Arabic value chain. She has been able to support her household during difficult economic times by collecting and selling Gum Arabic.

“Sometimes we do not have money, but this business has helped us a lot,” she shared during an interview at the Acacia EPZ Prepayment launch event at Archer’s Post.

The income she earns helps her buy food and meet daily household needs. Most importantly, it has enabled her to support her children’s education. Her eldest child is currently in Grade 9, while her youngest is six years old.

For many women in arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL) communities, access to reliable income opportunities can significantly change household stability. Seraphine believes that when women are financially empowered, families become stronger and more secure.

“If a woman has money in the family, the home becomes stronger,” she explained.

She says women in her community have increasingly begun appreciating the value of the business and are encouraging others to join. What may once have been viewed as a difficult or unfamiliar trade is now becoming recognised as an important economic opportunity for women and households.

The introduction of the prepayment programme has brought new optimism to collectors and agents within the community. Through the SUED Programme, which is funded by funded by UK aid from the UK government and implemented by FSD Kenya, access to prepayments is helping address long-standing financial challenges that often limit how much business women and collectors could do. With improved access to working capital, Seraphine believes she will now be better able to support her family’s education, healthcare and food needs, and meet other household responsibilities while continuing to increase her involvement in the business. She sees the Gum Arabic trade not only as a source of income, but also as a way for women to build independence, support their children, and strengthen their households.

Seraphine’s message to other women and young people is simple: “Join the business and work hard.”

As programmes supporting local value chains continue to expand across ASAL counties, stories like Seraphine’s highlight the important role women play in driving economic inclusion and resilience at community level.