Self-Sustaining CHEC Villages

Mokubo Village, located in Kisii County, Kenya, is where Global Health Connections began its work. Launched in December 2020 as GHC’s first Community Health & Empowerment Club (CHEC), Mokubo helped shape the model we use today.

After surveying 144 households, the CHEC launched its 24-week health curriculum, graduating 125 members in July 2021 — nearly 80% of whom were women — impacting over 1,000 community members. Graduates then completed the 10-week Economic Empowerment curriculum and launched income-generating projects including Napier grass farming, soap and disinfectant production, millet cultivation, and beekeeping.

Today, Mokubo is fully self-governing and financially independent. Members manage savings, lead community decision-making, and run multiple income projects — including a fully self-sustaining 50-hive apiary that they now inspect, harvest, and sell independently without ongoing GHC support.

Mokubo stands as a powerful example of what community-led health and economic empowerment can achieve when local leadership takes the lead.

Biombe Village was our 2nd, and one of the biggest, villages to date, in Kisii County, Kenya. 230 members graduated from the Health Curriculum in July 2021, and 43 members are still active in the apiary. 

The Biombe CHEC has achieved a significant milestone by becoming our first fully sustainable and self-governing Club. Members now manage their operations independently, make informed decisions, and lead their initiatives. A notable accomplishment is their successful operation of a 50-hive apiary, which generates income while promoting environmental sustainability. This achievement not only bolsters the club's health and empowerment efforts but also strengthens economic growth and resilience in the community. The success of the apiary project highlights the club’s commitment to self-reliance and long-term sustainability

Tabaka Village, located in Kisii County, Kenya, was Global Health Connections’ 3rd Community Health & Empowerment Club (CHEC) and one of our smallest villages to date, beginning in January 2021.

Following household surveys, 62 members — 70% women — completed the 24-week health curriculum and went on to focus their economic efforts on beekeeping. 

What emerged became one of GHC’s strongest-performing apiaries.

Today, Tabaka operates a fully self-sustaining 20-hive apiary, independently managed by trained local leadership. The bees have thrived in this area, making the apiary a reliable source of income and a model for environmental and economic sustainability. Because of its success, Tabaka has also served as a training and hive-colonization site for other CHEC villages.

Now fully self-governing, Tabaka stands as a powerful example of how small communities — with the right tools and leadership — can build durable, income-generating systems that last.

Kiagware Village was our 4th village in Kisii County, Kenya. 61 members graduated in June 2022, and all are still involved in beekeeping.

Kiagware Village is thriving as its CHEC takes full control of its future, now entirely self-sufficient and community-led. Members confidently manage daily operations, make key decisions, and spearhead their projects. Their 50-hive apiary stands out as a remarkable success, generating sustainable income while enhancing environmental stewardship. This initiative not only powers the CHEC’s health and empowerment programs but also boosts economic resilience across the village. Kiagware’s journey reflects a deep commitment to self-reliance and lasting prosperity.

Itierio Village was our 6th Village in Kisii County, Kenya. It was one of our smallest villages to date, graduating 26 members in June of 2022. 

Itierio Village stands as a shining example of what dedication and community-driven effort can achieve. The Itierio CHEC has transitioned into a fully sustainable and self-governing entity. With guidance from GHC and the collective determination of its members, the club now independently manages its operations and decision-making. They've also successfully launched and run various income-generating projects, supporting both the club's initiatives and the broader economic well-being of the community. This achievement reflects the resilience and commitment of Itierio's members to improving health, empowerment, and financial stability.

Kegati Village, located in Kisii County, Kenya, was Global Health Connections’ first Adopt-a-Village and remains one of our strongest examples of long-term, community-led success.

After completing the 24-week health curriculum in 2022, 78 members — the majority women — graduated and moved into economic empowerment activities. Today, Kegati operates a booming 50-hive apiary, fully managed by local members who harvest, process, and sell honey independently. Recent harvests have yielded impressive returns, reinforcing both income and household nutrition.

Beyond beekeeping, Kegati has expanded into napier grass farming, supporting dairy production and generating additional income. The CHEC also runs a robust table banking and merry-go-round savings system, with group funds now exceeding KSh 100,000. Families regularly use loans to pay school fees, purchase livestock, and launch small businesses — with interest reinvested to grow the collective fund.

Guided by a strong Sustainable Governance Committee, Kegati is now fully self-governing and financially resilient. As GHC’s first Adopt-a-Village, it continues to set the standard — demonstrating what is possible when health education, economic opportunity, and local leadership come together.

Ititi Village, located in a semi-urban area of Kisii County, Kenya, became Global Health Connections’ 7th Community Health & Empowerment Club (CHEC) in November 2021.

After surveying 50 households, the CHEC launched its 24-week health curriculum and graduated 21 members in June 2022 — 80% of whom were women. All graduates continued into the Economic Empowerment curriculum, where the group collectively chose beekeeping as their primary income-generating project.

Members built a dedicated apiary within the village and received specialized training, including advanced instruction through Kenya’s National Beekeeping Institute. 

Today, the Ititi CHEC independently manages a fully self-sustaining 30 hive apiary — inspecting hives, harvesting honey, and selling products without ongoing GHC support.

Now self-governing and financially independent, Ititi demonstrates how focused training, collective effort, and local leadership can turn a small group into a sustainable economic force.

Olare Village was our 1st village in Homa Bay County, Kenya. 94 members graduated from the health curriculum in June 2022, and an impressive 81 members are still involved in an income-generating project.  

Olare Village is forging a path of independence and sustainability with its CHEC now fully self-sufficient and self-governing. Members confidently oversee their operations, make decisions, and lead initiatives with autonomy. A standout achievement is the growth of five diverse income-generating projects—Mat Making, Weaving, Broom Making, Soap/Disinfectant Production, Cereal Cultivation, and Pineapple Growing—each thriving and generating steady income. 

These ventures not only strengthen health and empowerment efforts but also build lasting economic stability and resilience in the community. Olare’s dedication to self-reliance and sustainable development continues to drive their success.

Kanyadhiang Village was our 2nd village in Homa Bay County, Kenya. 85 members graduated from the health curriculum in June 2022, and 73 members are still involved in an income-generating project.  

The Kanyadhiang CHEC, has recently taken a major step forward, becoming fully self-sustaining and self-governing. GHC handed over the reigns to this Club in July 2024. Members now manage their operations, make key decisions, and lead their projects with confidence. Their four thriving income-generating ventures—Weaving, Cereal Cultivation, Soap Making, and Dressmaking/Tailoring—are providing consistent income and driving economic progress. These achievements not only fuel the CHEC’s health and empowerment efforts but also strengthen the community’s resilience and economic stability. The club’s ongoing success and commitment to healthier practices demonstrate their dedication to self-reliance and long-term sustainability.