Here is the latest from Nairobi, Kenya, where the Sujali Self Help Group (SSHG) are really moving on. It is a photo report from Mary Kiguru who co-ordinates the group and is doing a wonderful job. Regular readers will know that Jacinta bought a cow and pictures were provided recently. We recognize that Daisy is attracting all the attention (rumours that she wants her own television series are unfounded) but the achievements of the other women are also spectacular. They can be immensely proud of their achievements.
Report by Mary Kiguru, Co-ordinator of the SSHG
Click here for previous posts on the unfolding story of the SSHG and their use of microcredits to develop their businesses
Alice
Alice currently has 1200 chickens. She is expecting new chicks on August 11, 2014 to build the stock to 1800 chicken. Alice is currently unable to meet the demand for eggs. She is therefore collecting eggs from friends to ensure that she meets the demand. Alice demonstrates commitment to her own business.
Alice’s chickens and the new house for the new chicks
Susan’s boutique
Susan’s boutique
Susan’s stock has continued to grow to include beauty products and basins. She has one employee.
Jacinta’s greengrocery
Jacinta: Greengrocery
Jacinta in her grocery shop. She now has three businesses in one: the green grocery, the hotel (cafe) and selling milk.
Rispa’s organic chickens. Right photo in the far end is the on- going construction of the greenhouse.
Rispa: farmer
Rispa is a committed farmer. She has been supplying seedlings to other farmers. She has planned to set up a greenhouse to grow tomatoes, spinach and kale targeting the Christmas season. She just took an overdraft of KES5,000 to complete the greenhouse.
Eunice
Eunice: seamstress
Eunice in her tailoring shop. Eunice makes dresses for markets outside Nairobi and on demand. She supplies to such places as Eldoret and Kericho in Rift Valley. She therefore required a loan to meet the demand for her clothes. She has taken an overdraft twice to prepare clothes for the Christmas market.
To meet the demand, Eunice hires tailors from the area who are paid on piece work. This is more economical than having someone on full-time employment.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth: Hairdresser
Elizabeth is the newest member: she owns a salon and would like to borrow KES30,000 to increase beauty products in her shop. Elizabeth joined the group during the August 9, 2014 meeting. The group recommended her based on her commitment to her business. She will have the money after one month – Sept 6, 2014.