Building Capacity. Expanding Dignity. Powering Sustainability.
At Ethel Foundation, we believe that dignified ageing requires more than goodwill — it requires strong, well-designed systems that generate consistent income and reduce vulnerability.
Over the past three months, we have implemented two strategic investments under our Livelihood Support Program aimed at strengthening our poultry enterprise and increasing its capacity to support more older persons.
These investments are part of our long-term commitment to building financially sustainable, community-rooted social protection models.
1. Renovation and Expansion of the Chicken House
Our poultry unit is a core income-generating activity under the Inua Wazee program. To increase production and improve operational efficiency, we undertook a comprehensive renovation and expansion of the chicken house.
The upgrade included:
- Structural strengthening of the foundation
- Installation of durable roofing and timber supports
- Galvanized wire mesh for enhanced safety and ventilation
- Modern feeding systems (tube feeders and bell drinkers)
- Brooders, heaters, and thermometers for effective flock management
- 500kg feed storage bins to improve bulk purchasing and reduce waste
- Skilled labour and transport to ensure quality and durability
This expansion allows us to:
- Accommodate more birds
- Improve biosecurity standards
- Reduce mortality rates
- Increase production consistency
- Strengthen income flows that support older persons’ livelihoods
Infrastructure improvements directly translate into economic stability for the beneficiaries we serve.
2. Solar Installation for Energy Sustainability
Reliable energy is critical for poultry production — especially for brooding, lighting, and temperature regulation.
To reduce operational costs and protect against power interruptions, we installed a solar power system covering:
- Solar components
- Full system installation
- Supporting electrical appliances
This transition to clean energy ensures uninterrupted operations while lowering long-term recurring expenses. It strengthens both environmental responsibility and financial sustainability.
Beyond Construction: Building Institutional Capacity
These investments are not isolated upgrades. They are deliberate steps within a broader strategy to:
- Strengthen livelihood infrastructure
- Reduce recurring operational costs
- Improve income consistency
- Expand outreach to more older persons
- Build a sustainable welfare model that reduces dependency
At Ethel Foundation, we are designing systems that endure — systems that combine compassion with sound operational planning.
The expanded chicken house and installed solar system represent more than physical structures. They are foundations for scalable impact.
Acknowledgment and Partnership
We are grateful to the Kenya Community Development Foundation for their support in making this possible.
We continue to welcome partners, buyers, and supporters who believe that older persons deserve economic empowerment, structured opportunity, and dignified livelihoods.
Together, we are proving that sustainable social protection is achievable — when built on strong systems.
Ethel Foundation — Advancing Dignified Ageing Through Sustainable Livelihoods.
