MFI Report

Ubiashara Kenya (UBK) was set up in 2008 as a Company providing experimental credit to low income women groups. The strategy involved providing tiny loans at an average of ksh 6,000 or $ 72 to women merry go around groups (Roscas) and gathering research data on the social economic impact of the credit to the families. The research findings would then be used to improve the features of the credit product and in assisting grassroots community groups improve their financial service delivery. At the centre of UBK’s methodology has been strong emphasis on Business Development Services (BDS). In addition to credit the women receive business skills training and marketing opportunity. This integrated intervention has resulted to efficient usage of the credit by the women resulting to improved family livelihood. As the businesses improve the women now require higher value loans and this has been the main challenge at UBK. Another notable challenge is developing an effective social impact tool and would integrate with the current MIS. Hide