Author Archives: MeAtcLOUD

On 25^th and 26^th September the Association of Microfinance Institutions of Kenya (AMFI-K) hosted FINCON 2024 themed ‘Enhancing Financial Inclusion – Bridging Economic Opportunities and Outcomes’. This brought together key players in the microfinance sector for a vibrant discussion on advancing financial inclusion and addressing the economic disparities in Kenya. The event, held at the Central Bank of Kenya Institute of Monetary Studies, saw the participation of local and international stakeholders, including financial service providers, investors, government regulator and development partners.

AMFI-K Chairman, Oscar Murigi presided over the conference. In attendance were AMFI-K CEO, Caroline Karanja and AMFI-K Board among them being KWFT Ag. Managing Director Kariuki Kitabu. Other esteemed guests were Ronald Inyangala, a representative from the National Treasury and Economic Planning, Amb. Gunnar Andreas Royal Norwegian Embassy in Nairobi. Other partners present included Kenya Development Corporation (KDC), Water.org, AGF, FSD Kenya and KMRC.

At the core of the discussions was how financial services can directly impact the most vulnerable communities, enabling access to credit, savings, insurance and other essential financial products. With the challenges faced by those at the bottom of the pyramid in mind, the conference addressed the role of innovation and digital platforms in creating opportunities for these individuals, while also emphasizing the importance of financial literacy programs. These programs aim to equip marginalized communities with the knowledge and skills to fully engage in both traditional and digital financial ecosystems.

Mr. Kariuki Kitabu, was a keynote speaker. In his address he highlighted KWFT’s innovative framework and its grassroots-level approach to microfinance, emphasizing how KWFT’s tailored financial services have uplifted the economic well-being of women, families, and entrepreneurs across Kenya. His speech also showcased KWFT’s continuous efforts to ensure that the most underserved communities have access to life-changing financial products.

The conference concluded with an inspiring address by Hon. Susan Mang’eni, Principal Secretary of the State Department of MSMEs, who reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting microfinance institutions as an essential vehicle for raising livelihoods at the grassroots. She acknowledged the crucial role that microfinance plays in empowering MSMEs, which in turn contributes to the country’s overall economic growth.

The key takeaway from the event was the necessity of combining innovation with targeted inclusion strategies to create a financial ecosystem that can withstand future challenges while promoting economic resilience for Kenya’s most vulnerable citizens.

On September 23, 2024, KWFT hosted the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Ghana, alongside key stakeholders from the Bank of Ghana, ARB Apex Ghana, GHAMFIN, Credit Unions Association, and Ghana Savings and Loans Association. The visit was part of a benchmarking program organized by the African Confederation of Cooperative Savings and Credit Association (ACCOSCA), which aims to strengthen microfinance institutions across Africa through learn-and-share exchange programs. The delegation was received by KWFT’s Ag Managing Director, Kariuki Kitabu and senior leadership management.

This delegation’s visit was driven by the government’s efforts to reduce economic vulnerability and income inequality in Ghana as outlined in their National Financial Inclusion and Development Strategy (NFIDS). Through the development of a Microfinance Policy, Ghana seeks to streamline microfinance operations and address the barriers preventing underserved populations from accessing financial services.

The visit provided an opportunity for the Ghanaian team to receive an insightful presentation on Kenya’s microfinance landscape. Key areas covered included the impact of government policies on KWFT’s service delivery, regulatory compliance with financial reporting standards, and customer service and consumer protection initiatives. The presentation also highlighted KWFT’s innovative products and services as well as the institution’s strong relationship with the Association of Microfinance Institutions in Kenya (AMFI), showcasing how these collaborations contribute to KWFT’s success.

This knowledge-sharing visit underscores the critical importance of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) which highlights the need for cooperation between governments and private sectors to drive sustainable development. Through initiatives like these institutions can share knowledge, align on best practices and strengthen financial systems to promote financial inclusion and also support the broader goal of reducing income inequality. These collaborations reflect how institutions can collectively address challenges, enhance governance and deliver impactful solutions to underserved communities across Africa.

In celebration of International Deaf Awareness Week, KWFT partnered with Free a Girl’s World Network in an empowering event held in Rongo. This is one of the 19 branches that KWFT serves in Eastern Nyanza. Free a Girl’s World Network is an NGO that promotes the well-being and empowerment of girls, young women, and gender-diverse individuals with disabilities in Kenya. The event, aimed to spotlight the challenges faced by the deaf community and advocate for their inclusion in every aspect of society

The event themed ‘Building Communities Inclusive for All’ was hosted at Kuja Primary and Secondary School for the Deaf in Rongo starting on September 16th and is set to run to 19th 2024 with various activities lined up. Joining the chief guest Migori County deputy Commissioner Mr. George Matundura were other institutions such as Kenya Institute of Special Education, Migori County Coordinator of The National Council for Persons with Disabilities, Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Light for the World and various trainers in the medical and legal professions. KWFT was represented by a team from Rongo led by the Regional Manager Eastern Nyanza, Charles Odingo.

KWFT participated in the event to demonstrate its unwavering support for the cause. Speaking at the event Charles Odingo reaffirmed KWFT’s commitment to advancing financial inclusion and economic empowerment to communities.

The stakeholders participated in a tree-planting activity, where they planted 200 out of the 4,300 trees donated by KFS as part of their commitment to environmental conservation.

With a presence in 45 counties across Kenya, KWFT continues to extend its reach to support women and girls from all walks of life, reinforcing the belief that every individual, regardless of ability, deserves equal opportunities.

From 9th to 11th September, KWFT, in partnership with the Association of Microfinance Institutions (AMFI) and German Sparkassenstiftung Kenya (DSIK), held a successful agribusiness training session in Kitale Town to train KWFT customers from Kitale East and Kitale Branch who are engaged in crop and livestock farming.

The focus of the training was to equip these farmers with sustainable farming practices to help improve their farm productivity and resilience. Key topics covered included crop rotation which enhances soil quality, effective pest control to safeguard crops from disease and damage ensuring better yields and the importance of animal and climate adaptation insurance as a key tool to mitigate the effects of sickness, theft, and climate change, which often lead to loss of livestock or crop failure.

The trainees were also encouraged to invest in land and farming equipment to increase productivity and proper storage techniques were taught to extend the shelf life of produce, reducing post-harvest losses. Membership in co-operatives was highlighted as a strategy to enhance farmers’ access to knowledge and financial services, further supporting their agricultural ventures.

KWFT customers expressed appreciation for the insights gained, acknowledging its potential impact in improving their farming practices and securing long-term success in their agribusiness endeavors.

KWFT remains committed to promote sustainable agriculture across Kenya by equipping its customers with financial services, skills and knowledge to thrive in an increasingly challenging agricultural landscape.

On 5^th-7^th September KWFT in partnership with the Association of Microfinance Institutions (AMFI) and German Sparkassenstiftung Kenya (DSIK), recently delivered a savings-centered financial literacy training to women entrepreneurs in Webuye. This training, aimed at KWFT customers, is part of an ongoing initiative to equip small and micro business owners with essential financial management skills, helping them grow their businesses sustainably.

For KWFT customers, this training plays a pivotal role in enhancing their financial literacy, empowering them to make informed decisions about their businesses. The training addressed common financial pitfalls such as failure to plan, impulse buying, lack of proper record-keeping, failure to budget, and neglecting to save for future use—all of which can hinder business growth and lead to financial instability.

The training also encompassed the importance of budgeting as a tool to manage and prioritize business needs and the importance of cultivating a savings culture to protect their businesses during unforeseen financial challenges. Effective financial planning, as emphasized in the training, ensures the long-term sustainability and expansion of their enterprises.

The training reinforces KWFT’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs with practical tools to overcome financial challenges, increasing their confidence in taking on financial services to support business growth and expansion. By supporting them with continuous knowledge and skills, KWFT is fostering the growth of resilient businesses that can thrive in changing economic conditions.