A women-led, locally driven, and legally registered Community-Based Organization building resilient, inclusive, and prosperous communities across Turkana County, Kenya.
Turkana Women Livestock & Enterprise Network (TWLEN) is a women-led, locally driven, and legally registered Community-Based Organization (CSO) based in Turkana County, Kenya. Established in March 2026, TWLEN was founded by members of successful Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) — including women, Indigenous women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) — who united to strengthen community resilience and create sustainable opportunities for marginalized populations.
We empower women, Indigenous communities, youth, persons with disabilities, and pastoralist households through inclusive, community-led development initiatives that improve livelihoods, strengthen climate resilience, and promote social and economic inclusion. Our work spans climate-smart livestock and agriculture, women's economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, environmental conservation, biodiversity protection, education, leadership development, human rights, disability inclusion, peacebuilding, and community resilience.
Guided by the principles of integrity, transparency, accountability, inclusion, gender equality, participation, innovation, and sustainability, TWLEN is committed to building resilient, prosperous, and inclusive communities where every person has the opportunity to thrive with dignity.
To empower women, Indigenous women, youth, persons with disabilities, and pastoralist communities through inclusive, community-led solutions that improve livelihoods and strengthen climate resilience.
Resilient, prosperous, and inclusive communities where every woman, Indigenous person, young person, person with a disability, and pastoralist household thrives with dignity.
Locally led. We work hand in hand with communities, government, civil society, research institutions, and the private sector to design practical, inclusive, and sustainable solutions.
TWLEN was established in March 2026 by committed local leaders drawn from successful Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) in Turkana County. The founding members — women, Indigenous women, youth, and persons with disabilities — had experienced the transformative impact of community savings, financial inclusion, and collective action.
Through their VSLAs, these community members strengthened household incomes, improved financial literacy, supported small businesses, and built resilience against drought, poverty, and economic exclusion. As the VSLAs grew in strength, members recognized the need for a formal, community-led organization that could mobilize resources, expand development initiatives, and advocate for the rights and wellbeing of marginalized communities.
Guided by this shared vision, they came together to establish TWLEN as a locally led and legally registered CBO — combining Indigenous knowledge with innovative approaches to strengthen resilience and improve livelihoods across Turkana County.
Although many community members had strengthened their livelihoods through VSLAs, savings groups alone could not fully address wider challenges — climate change, recurrent drought, poverty, unemployment, limited access to markets and finance, environmental degradation, gender inequality, and the exclusion of marginalized groups from development and decision-making.
At the heart of TWLEN is the belief that communities are best placed to identify their own priorities and lead the solutions to their challenges — ensuring women, Indigenous women, youth, persons with disabilities, and pastoralist households have equal opportunities to improve their livelihoods and contribute to sustainable development.
TWLEN was officially registered in March 2026 under the Department of Social Development, in accordance with the laws governing Community-Based Organizations in Kenya. As a registered CBO, we operate on a not-for-profit basis, governed by our Constitution, elected leadership, and established governance policies.
TWLEN is headquartered and operates in Turkana County — one of Kenya's largest arid and semi-arid (ASAL) counties. We support communities disproportionately affected by climate change, recurrent drought, poverty, food insecurity, and social exclusion.
As the organization grows, TWLEN seeks to expand its reach to additional underserved communities across Turkana County and, where resources allow, to other arid and semi-arid regions of Kenya.
Our programmes are designed to ensure that no one is left behind, empowering marginalized and underserved populations through inclusive, community-led development.
Economic empowerment, leadership, financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, education, and participation in decision-making.
Promoting Indigenous knowledge, protecting cultural heritage, advancing rights, and improving sustainable livelihoods.
Skills development, climate-smart entrepreneurship, employment, innovation, digital inclusion, and leadership.
Equal access to opportunities, inclusive participation, economic empowerment, accessibility, and leadership.
Climate-smart livestock, animal health, market access, drought resilience, and natural resource management.
Climate-smart agriculture, food security, water management, and sustainable farming practices.
Financial literacy, enterprise development, governance, and access to livelihood opportunities.
Support for families affected by poverty, food insecurity, and climate shocks through resilience-building.
Building institutional capacity, leadership, governance, and partnerships for locally led development.
Our values define who we are, how we work, and how we engage with the communities and partners we serve.
Communities drive their own development. We promote meaningful participation and local ownership at every stage.
Equal opportunities for all — regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, or social status.
The highest standards of honesty, professionalism, fairness, and ethical conduct in all we do.
We manage resources responsibly and communicate openly about our activities, finances, and results.
Empowering women and girls strengthens families, communities, and local economies.
We value Indigenous knowledge, cultural heritage, and traditional practices in building resilience.
Protecting the environment through sustainable production, conservation, and renewable energy.
We embrace innovation, evidence-based approaches, and continuous learning to maximize impact.
Lasting development is achieved through strong, collaborative partnerships.
We deliver high-quality programmes with measurable, sustainable, and transformative outcomes.
TWLEN is guided by a dedicated, community-rooted Board of Directors committed to integrity, transparency, and inclusive,led development.
Ben Okeyo Owuor
PatronSupports community engagement, programme oversight, and community-led development.
Akunoit Nanyangan
ChairladyProvides overall leadership and strategic direction, guiding TWLEN's vision and governance.
Susan Ngitira Ekal
Vice ChairladySupports the Chairlady in leadership and deputizes to ensure continuity and good governance.
Dominic Ngamor
Executive SecretaryOversees governance records, correspondence, compliance, and organizational documentation.
Susan Ngitia Echom
Assistant Vice SecretaryAssists with secretarial duties, record-keeping, and coordination of board activities.
Eturo Everline
TreasurerEnsures sound financial management, transparency, and responsible stewardship of resources.
Asekon Auren
Disability Inclusion OfficerAdvances accessibility, equal opportunity, and leadership for persons with disabilities.
Lucas Ekhal Akwanyang
PWD RepresentativeRepresents persons with disabilities, championing their voice, rights, and inclusion.
Anastancia Etabo
Board MemberContributes to governance, community representation, and inclusive decision-making.
Joyce Abongon
Board MemberSupports community engagement, programme oversight, and locally led development.