Dorcas Barmen’s journey
A business of her own takes shape – Dorcas Barmen’s journey
In the village of Merigi in Cheboin lives Dorcas Barmen, 29 years old and a mother of three. As a member of Mema Widows Self-Help Group, she has turned a microloan into the foundation of a growing business and strengthened her confidence in her own ability to build a more secure future for her family.
Like many other families in Cheboin, Dorcas had long struggled to make the household’s income stretch far enough. Providing for her children was a constant challenge, and the opportunities to build something more long-term felt limited.
A turning point with Hand in Hand
When Dorcas joined Hand in Hand, she received training in saving, business development, and financial planning, along with access to financing. This gave her not only practical tools for running a business, but also renewed confidence in her own ability to change her situation.
In August 2025, she took a loan of 10,000 Kenyan shillings from Hand in Hand’s Enterprise Incubation Fund and started a poultry business. 7,000 shillings went toward 70 day-old chicks and 3,000 shillings toward feed. It was her first step toward a source of income of her own.
Four months later, in December 2025, Dorcas sold 32 of the chickens for 9,600 shillings. After veterinary care and vaccination costs, she made her first profit of 4,400 shillings. It was a modest sum, but also clear confirmation that the venture was working.
From first profit to next step
Rather than selling off the entire flock, Dorcas chose to keep some of the birds for future egg production. She has since ordered another 150 chicks and estimates revenues of around 45,000 Kenyan shillings once they are ready for sale.
Over time, she plans to invest in an incubator to build a more self-sufficient operation. Together with other members of the local organisation, she is also learning to produce her own feed to reduce production costs further.
An example of long-term change
Dorcas Barmen’s progress shows how training and access to financing can deliver tangible results for the individual entrepreneur while also contributing to greater security for the whole family.
Thanks to Bergman & Beving’s long-term commitment, Hand in Hand’s work in Cheboin continues to give more women like Dorcas the tools to build their own livelihoods and greater financial security.