Amka Youth group was registered in 2011, in Kenya under the Ministry of Youth, Gender and Social services. The group’s purpose is to improve the living standards of its members, social and economic stability and create employment opportunities for its members. The group is involved in cereals production (wheat, maize and beans), marketing and value addition. Amka group milling business is located in Nakuru Town West Sub county, Kapkures ward; 7 kilometres from Nakuru town. The group comprises of 12 members; 5 females and 7 male.
Challenge
Amka Youth Group ventured into maize farming in 2018 in Njoro Sub County after hiring the 10 Acre piece of land but lacked a good market price after harvesting 200 bags of maize and also the long duration (whole season of over 8 months) it takes to mature for harvesting. This led to venture into wheat farming in the subsequent years. In 2020, the group received a grant under the Vijabiz Project and purchased cereal milling machines. The opening of the milling business coincided with the onset of Covid 19 pandemic which led to school closures, introduction of curfews and lockdown hence affecting transportation of raw materials from farmers and reduced sales due to few shop opening hours. This greatly hampered the growth of the business which was very nascent at this point. The group struggled with the business expenditures. The group could not maintain their 2 employees at the shop.
Action
Amka Youth Group applied and won a USADF grant through USTADI after a rigorous vetting and pitching. The grant enabled the group pay for pending of bills (rent, electricity) and salaries and also purchased raw materials.
Results
Amka Milling shop is currently realizing profits from the increased sales revenue from total sales of KES. 460,000 in 2020 before USADF funds to the current KES. 615,545 in 2021 which is a 30% increase within year one of USADF funding tranche 1 received in June 2021. The group plans to use Tranche 2 funds to apply for Kenya Bureau of Standards certification which will will enable the group penetrate formal market with their branded maize flour.