Homa Bay's Lwala Nyakongo village has become an unlikely hub of economic innovation as women lead a brick-making enterprise that defies traditional gender norms. What began as a seasonal income source between farming cycles has evolved into a structured business model where women control production, sales, and decision-making, while men handle physical labor. This shift has redefined community dynamics and provided financial independence for many households.
The village's brick-making process begins with soil mixed with water, shaped into molds, and sun-dried before being fired in clay kilns. While men perform the physically demanding tasks—stamping mud, hauling earth, and loading bricks—women oversee the entire operation. They negotiate prices, manage finances, and coordinate logistics, ensuring the enterprise's sustainability and profitability. This division of labor reflects a strategic balance between traditional roles and modern economic empowerment.
Phoebe Omolo, chairperson of the Onyonore Women's Group, exemplifies this leadership. Based in a modest office near the Lwala Nyakongo Seventh-day Adventist Church, she and her members handle all business transactions. When buyers arrive, men are excluded from negotiations, with women managing price discussions, brick counts, and financial exchanges. 'We are the ones who negotiate the price, count the bricks, and handle the money,' Omolo stated, emphasizing the group's control over the trade.
The women's dominance in the industry stems from a decade-long transformation. Ten years ago, men exclusively managed brick-making, from soil mixing to sales. However, a small group of women began engaging in the trade, recognizing its potential to address income gaps. 'Women saw a big gap in their lives. Most of those who engaged in the business had no source of income and were struggling to pay fees for their children,' Omolo explained, highlighting the economic necessity that drove the shift.
Farming remains the primary livelihood in the region, but erratic weather patterns have made it unreliable. Residents plant during March–April rains, but poor harvests often lead to food insecurity. This instability pushed women to seek alternative income sources, using their free time after planting seasons to engage in brick-making. As the trade proved profitable, more women joined, with most households now having at least one participant.
Maurine Ouma, a decade-long brick-maker, recounted the initial challenges. Women initially sought casual roles, such as fetching water and loading trucks, but gradually took on more responsibilities. 'There are some brave women who led the way when they started to make bricks. Others copied them and realized that they could also do the work,' she said. However, balancing domestic duties with brick-making proved exhausting, prompting the inclusion of men for energy-intensive tasks.
The business model requires specific resources: soil, firewood, and labor. Soil costing Sh1,000 yields 1,000 bricks, with additional costs for firewood and wages. Sales generate income, with each brick sold at Sh9. After expenses, profits are reinvested into the business or used for family needs. 'It takes up to one week to make 1,000 bricks,' Ouma noted, underscoring the labor-intensive nature of the trade.
For widows like Coleta Akoth Otieno, brick-making has been a lifeline. After losing her husband in 2017, she turned to the trade to support her family. 'I try to minimize hiring workers because it costs a lot to pay wages. I make the bricks myself after I get help from those who assist me in mixing the soil with water,' she said. Similarly, Christine Auma highlighted the financial discipline required: 'You have to keep a close eye on the numbers. If you're not careful with your calculations, you can easily make a loss instead of a profit.'
The enterprise has fostered community cohesion. Auma noted, 'Homes where women make bricks have fewer cases of conflict. I support my husband, who in turn cherishes me.' This mutual support contrasts with traditional gender dynamics, where women's economic contributions were often undervalued. The women's collective efforts have also reduced dependency on male-dominated sectors.
Despite their success, challenges persist. Water scarcity, exacerbated by the drying of the Kimira Oluch canal, forces the group to purchase water from vendors, increasing costs. Rainfall disrupts the drying process, damaging bricks and requiring rework. 'If it rains when the wet bricks are still in the open, the process will have to start again,' Omolo explained. The group uses polythene sheets to protect bricks, but strong winds often dislodge them.
Stereotypes about the quality of women-made bricks also pose a barrier. 'Customers say they cannot use bricks made by women on claims that they are weak,' Omolo said. The group is working to dispel these myths through consistent quality and community advocacy. 'We want to prove such people wrong,' she added, emphasizing their determination to challenge gendered assumptions.
The women's aspirations extend beyond brick-making. Christine Auma dreams of expanding her income streams, while Caroline George aims to build a permanent house and acquire a group lorry. 'We currently hire a lorry from Kendu Bay, and the drivers there charge a lot of money, making us get less profit. Having our own lorry will enable us to grow bigger,' she said. Winnie Akoth envisions a tuk-tuk to transport materials, citing the decline of traditional farming due to unreliable rains.
Enock Onyango, a male brick-maker, acknowledged the women's dominance. 'They are the ones who know the customers. Whoever tries to take over from them fails,' he said. This recognition highlights the women's strategic control over market relationships, a critical factor in the enterprise's success.
The women's journey reflects broader economic and social shifts in rural Kenya. By leveraging collective action and adapting to environmental challenges, they have created a sustainable livelihood. Their story underscores the potential of women-led initiatives to drive community development and challenge entrenched gender norms. As they continue to innovate, the women of Lwala Nyakongo are not just building bricks—they are constructing a new future.
Despite their achievements, some women still reside in mud houses, a testament to the ongoing struggle for economic stability. However, their resilience and vision remain unshaken. 'We are building the homes we dream of,' Omolo said, encapsulating the group's enduring hope and determination.
The Lwala Nyakongo brick-making enterprise serves as a model for rural economic empowerment. By redefining traditional roles and prioritizing collective action, the women have demonstrated the transformative power of entrepreneurship. Their story highlights the importance of addressing systemic barriers to women's economic participation, offering lessons for communities seeking sustainable development.