Amina’s Vision: How YISA Transformed a Kilifi Entrepreneur
“Through the trainings in business management and the Vision Journey Map, I learned to set goals for my life and plan the steps to reach them; now I see clearly where I want to go.” > — Amina Katana
In the quiet village of Mgandini, Kilifi County, Amina Katana’s story stands as a powerful testament to resilience. Her journey into adulthood took an unexpected turn when she left school early to raise her first child as a single mother. Returning to her family home with limited options, she faced the harsh reality of irregular income and daily financial strain.
The burden of survival intensified following the passing of her father. Determined to forge a path forward, Amina’s mother introduced her to fish mongering, a trade deeply woven into the fabric of their coastal community. While this small business allowed Amina to contribute to the household, her growth was stifled by a lack of investment capital, leaving her family trapped in a cycle of subsistence living.
A Strategic Partnership for Growth
A defining shift occurred when the Youth in Sustainable Aquaculture (YISA) programme reached her village. Through the Echo Network Africa Foundation (ENAF), Amina and the Amkeni Widows Group received intensive training in Business Development Services (BDS), where they mastered record-keeping, profit calculation, and market competition. For Amina, this was not just a lesson; it was the blueprint for a professional enterprise.
This impact extends far beyond the financial ledger. Amina participated in the Gender Action Learning System (GALS) training, a community-led methodology championed by the programme to promote inclusive economic participation. Through the Vision Journey Map tool, Amina was challenged to look past daily survival and visualize a secure, prosperous future for her children.
Scaling for Success
Empowerment became completely tangible when Amina’s group accessed a KES 200,000 Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) facilitated by ENAF. With a personal loan of KES 20,000, Amina immediately scaled her operations. Previously restricted by limited capital to selling only 5 to 10 kilograms of fish daily, she now handles between 15 and 20 kilograms, fundamentally transforming her household income.
Today, Amina is a mother of two, and her thriving enterprise serves as the primary livelihood for her household, ensuring her children have consistent access to nutritious food and education.
“I am very grateful for this interest-free loan that helped grow my fish business,” Amina reflects. “Without this support, it would have been very difficult to increase my capital.”
Building a Permanent Legacy
Amina’s journey is no longer a search for daily survival, but a march toward a lasting legacy. Guided by her Vision Journey Map, she is saving to purchase her own land and build a permanent, safe home for her family. Her success serves as a shining beacon for her community, proving that when equipped with targeted financial inclusion and business literacy, mothers can turn small opportunities into lasting independence.
About YISA
The Youth in Sustainable Aquaculture (YISA) programme is a strategic collaboration between the Mastercard Foundation and a consortium led by Farm Africa. As a vital partner in this consortium, Echo Network Africa Foundation (ENAF) focuses on dismantling the structural barriers that hold young women back from dignified, sustainable livelihoods.