Post by Mike Calvert, York St John University (with photos and some of the commentary from Mary Kiguru of the Sujali Self Help Group)
See previous posts about the SSHG and their experiences with microfinance
The Sujali Self Help Group (SSHG) has been so successful that it was decided to double the investment in this micro-finance initiative. Further lenders have come forward. From November 2014, just 18 months since it was set up, there will be KES300,000 in the pot (just over £2000) which began as KES66,000 in June 2013.
The latest success story is that of Rispa who initially borrowed a small sum to build her greenhouse.
This has been completed and she is now planting crops that do not need a greenhouse such as paprika. There is talk of her preparing products for export!
The group is to meet again on November 24 when I visit Nairobi. It will be a good opportunity for the group to reflect on what they have learnt. They recently agreed that the borrowing period will be extended to one year and that the group will borrow different sums of money based on their income generated and payments throughout the year. Each of the women will submit their accounts before borrowing more money so that the figure can be decided upon by the group. As previously mentioned, the group and Mary, as co-ordinator, are on a steep learning curve and, as well as improving their own business management skills, may well hire an accountant in the future with the surplus that the lending generates.
So far, there is no news of Daisy who must be about to give birth at any time. Readers of this blog will be the first to know and photos will follow in early December.