The Anglican Church of Kenya Diocese of Malindi has introduced a comprehensive community development trust aimed at equipping church members with climate-smart financial knowledge and economic skills to combat global warming and alleviate poverty.
This initiative was unveiled with the establishment of the Malindi Community Development Trust (MCDT), joining several other ACK-led community trusts across Kenya under the Five Talents Kenya organization, focused on uplifting members’ lives.
Peter Mugendi, CEO of Five Talents Kenya, stated that they have already trained over 3,700 members in Taita Taveta and Kwale counties, with the Malindi diocese now targeting an additional 1,200 members for training and support over the next two years.
“We’ve trained members across three counties. These sessions help them overcome the challenges posed by climate change and foster peaceful community relations,” Mugendi stated.
Community members Ben Mwambegu from Kama Gahaleni Community Development Trust and Elizabeth Yaa from Mida Majaoni Development Trust expressed gratitude for the initiative, noting that it enables them to save and access loans, improving their quality of life and encouraging financial independence.
“I’ve been through the training, and I only wish it had come sooner. Now, I understand how to save for the future,” stated Mwambegu.
Elizabeth added that, “We are spreading this knowledge to other church members, and we’re now focusing on training the elderly.”
Anthony Kivuva, project coordinator for MCDT, revealed that the Malindi groups have already accumulated over Sh. 100,000 in savings, with members contributing between Sh. 50 and Sh. 200 each month.
“These trainings target members living in areas prone to human-wildlife conflicts, teaching them how to invest in ways that encourage peaceful coexistence,” Kivuva said.
Reverend Tom Dawa of the Malindi Diocese expressed that the program was much needed, and he is now hopeful that church members will benefit from a well-organized saving and investment platform.
“Our spiritual lives are essential, but economic empowerment is also crucial. This initiative is a step in the right direction, helping our members gain financial independence,” he stated.
Bishop Reuben Katite addressed concerns about the MCDT being a potential pyramid scheme by affirming that it is fully managed by its members, with oversight provided by guidelines from the ACK headquarters in Nairobi, led by Bishop Jackson Ole Sapit.
“We invited officials from both the national and county governments to emphasize that this is not a pyramid scheme. Instead, we are committed to empowering our members economically,” he explained.
