Three encounters in Kenya
What impact does our work have on the ground? And what remains once projects are completed?
Gregor Schmid, veterinarian and board member of VSF-Suisse, explored these questions during a trip to Kenya last spring. In this article, he shares his personal impressions and three encounters that particularly moved him.
“Does your work achieve anything? And will anything remain once you’re gone?”
As a board member of VSF-Suisse, I often hear these questions. They are legitimate.
At the beginning of May, I travelled to Kenya’s Isiolo region, about 300 kilometres north of Nairobi. The contrasts were stark: drought, poverty and insecurity on one side – and hope, pride and a sense of new beginnings on the other. Three particular encounters showed me what long-term development work can achieve.
Medina (38): When animal feed ensures survival
Medina Mohamed is 38 years old, mother of four children and part of a cooperative that produces animal feed. The VSF-Suisse project, which strengthened animal health services and created income opportunities, was completed in 2023. Today, the cooperative operates independently and successfully.
“In the past, we could move on with our animals when the grass was gone,” says Medina. “Today, droughts last longer and occur more frequently. We have lost entire herds.”
Together with other women, she learned how to sow grass, store it and sell it as feed, similar to haymaking in Switzerland. This means that the animals have enough to eat even in the dry season, and the families have an additional source of income.
Medina is the cooperative’s treasurer.
“I am proud of what we have achieved. People respect me.”
Regina (57): How knowledge creates new security
In Isiolo, I meet Regina Wanjira. After her husband died, she was robbed, even her few animals were stolen. She was left with nothing.
Regina took part in a poultry project run by VSF-Suisse and received thorough training in chicken farming and animal health. Today, she runs a successful chicken farm and has become a sought-after contact in her community.
She proudly shows me an old, carefully folded vaccination schedule.
“I stick to what I learned,” she says. “Anyone who has questions about chickens comes to me.”
I was particularly touched when she told me about her youngest son:
“He just graduated from university. I could never have imagined that before.”
Christina (37): Adapting to climate change
On the last day, we visit Christina Lokapet, 37, mother and dromedary owner. In this region, VSF-Suisse is supporting the switch from cattle to dromedaries: animals that cope better with extreme drought and produce milk even under difficult conditions.
A dromedary costs around 400 Swiss francs, a significant investment. VSF-Suisse imparts knowledge, provides healthy animals and supports new milk value chains.
“The collection points are working,” says Christina. “And now we’re building a new one – on our own initiative.”
What remains
This trip has given me a clear answer: development work is effective, when it empowers people to take responsibility and follow their own path.
Our work creates health, safety and opportunities for people, animals and their environment.
And it continues to have an impact long after a project has officially ended.
Gregor Schmid
Veterinarian and Board Member of VSF-Suisse