More Than a Road: The RWF Methodology’s Impact on Enduata Village

In Enduata village, a closed shortcut could have divided the community. Instead, it sparked unity. Armed with pangas and jembes, villagers didn’t just clear a path—they carved out a new future.

This is the story of how the Right(s) Way Forward (RWF) methodology, a powerful community led approach helped transform barriers into bridges, and a road into a movement.

A Dream Meets a Dilemma

Nestled in the heart of Kajiado County, Enduata village is home to bold dreams and persistent challenges. When Empower and Serve Kenya acquired 10 acres to build Africa’s most sustainable Social Innovation Eco-Village, hope surged. But one critical question loomed: how would the community access the site? For years, villagers used a makeshift shortcut across the land. With fencing underway, that path was closing. The official road was blocked—by boulders, shrubs, and unresolved land disputes. What seemed like a setback became a catalyst for change.  

From Problems to Rights

Using the RWF methodology, villagers gathered in open barazas to voice their concerns: water scarcity, youth unemployment, poor roads, and the exclusion of women in decision-making. But this time, they didn’t frame these as “needs”—they named them as rights, protected under Kenya’s Constitution. One issue rose above the rest: the access road. Without it, every other aspiration—from water systems to schools—would remain out of reach.  

From Dialogue to Action

The community mobilized with urgency and purpose: • They Formed an inclusive 11-member committee—youth, women, elders, and faith leaders—to lead dialogue with their MCA. • They Mapped 26 local social groups to ensure no voice was left unheard. • They engaged landowners, and negotiated for access as they clear legal roadblocks. • On July 20th, 2024, men, women, and youth took up pangas, jembes, and axes to clear the road themselves. What could have been a conflict became a powerful act of solidarity and ownership.  

Beyond the Road: A Ripple Effect

Today, a new access road connects Enduata to the main Mashuru Road. But the impact goes far beyond infrastructure: • The community now has a legitimate platform to advocate for government support. • Youth and women have stepped into leadership roles. • The eco-village is no longer just EmpServe’s vision—it’s Enduata’s vision.

 

The RWF Methodology: A Catalyst for Agency

The Right(s) Way Forward didn’t just deliver a road—it delivered agency. It helped Enduata shift from dependency to ownership, from problems to rights, and from isolation to unity. In Enduata, a road is more than a path. It’s a movement. And it’s paving the way for Africa’s most sustainable Social Innovation Eco-Village. ________________________________________ Read more about this show of community here: Paving The Future-Community Unites to  Clear Road to-SIEVE    

Join the Movement

Want to support community-led development in Kenya? 1. Partner with us to scale the RWF methodology. Contact us on Partnerships@empserve.org   2. Donate to help build infrastructure and empower local leadership.   3. Share this story to inspire others.