Author Archives: MeAtcLOUD

KWFT has partnered with the Association of Microfinance Institutions (AMFI) and German Sparkassenstiftung Kenya (DSIK) to deliver vital financial literacy training to women who run small and micro enterprises. This initiative aims to equip business women with essential skills to grow their businesses sustainably. The first phase of the training program has successfully been completed in Kakamega and Vihiga.

The training is vested on the following:

Savings: Focused on building financial literacy by emphasizing the importance of financial planning, effective budgeting, and cultivating a strong savings culture.

Micro Business Training: To provide hands-on experience in decision-making, financial management, and strategic planning, all aimed at helping entrepreneurs sustainably grow their businesses.

Farmers Training: Offering insights into sustainable farming practices and market dynamics, empowering farmers to overcome challenges and thrive within the agricultural sector.

This training initiative is a significant step toward enhancing savings mobilization, enterprise financing, and smart agribusiness within KWFT. By equipping women with these crucial skills, KWFT, AMFI and DSIK are fostering a new generation of empowered entrepreneurs capable of driving economic growth in their communities.

As this program moves forward, the next phases of the training are scheduled to take place in Webuye, Bungoma, Kitale, Eldoret and Mombasa, ensuring more women entrepreneurs benefit from this invaluable opportunity.

On June 20, 2024, KWFT hosted a delegation from Central Africa Building Society (CABS), the 3rd largest bank in Zimbabwe, for a peer-to-peer learning visit. This visit was organized by SME Support Centre to facilitate knowledge sharing and to enable the CABS Management Team to learn from KWFT’s best and sustainable practices on the agenda of supporting Women owned and led SMEs.

The CABS Team was received by KWFT’s Ag Managing Director Kariuki Kitabu and the Senior Leadership Team who presented an insightful overview of KWFT’s Strategic Direction and business operations, highlighting how the Institution has positioned women as the cornerstone of change in Kenya. The presentation showcased KWFT’s tailored products and services specifically designed for women and their families, emphasizing commitment to gender-focused financial solutions.

KWFT shared insights anchored on the necessity for financial institutions to also incorporate holistic approach of encompassing policies that target the workplace and marketplace, ensuring an inclusive and holistic approach to gender inclusion. This is in alignment with KWFT’s mission and it underscores the Institution’s dedication to fostering an inclusive financial ecosystem.

The platform provided a valuable exchange session, allowing both teams to discuss strategies, share experiences, and explore collaborative opportunities. These interactions underscored the critical role of regional cooperation in achieving inclusive communities and advancing financial inclusion and empowerment initiatives.

On June 12, 2024, the Kenya Women Microfinance Bank (KWFT) hosted a delegation from Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI), the Tanzania Mortgage Refinancing Company (TMRC), the National Bank of Commerce – Tanzania, and FINCA Microfinance Bank – Tanzania. Also in attendance was MicroSave Consultancy.

The objective of the visit was to learn from KWFT’s success journey in housing microfinance and integration of gender, technology, green financing, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) principles into its financial products. This visit was key to HFHI’s and TMRC learnings, as they aim to revolutionize housing finance for low-income sectors in Tanzania.

The delegation was warmly welcomed by Kariuki Kitabu and senior leadership of KWFT. The visit began with an insightful presentation on how KWFT has successfully tackled housing challenges in Kenya. The presentation highlighted KWFT’s innovative approaches to integrating Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and Energy principles into their housing microfinance products, ensuring support for low-income households.

The team thereafter embarked on a field trip to Machakos to gain firsthand experience of KWFT’s impactful work where they interacted with beneficiaries of housing microfinance product from KWFT. The interactive sessions offered insights to implement effective and sustainable housing finance solutions.

KWFT’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in microfinance serves as an inspiring model for other institutions aiming to create meaningful change in their communities. KWFT remains dedicated to leading the way in innovative and inclusive microfinance practices.

On May 31, 2024, KWFT partnered with Kenya Red Cross to undertake a donation drive to support flood victims residing within Kaptagat, Kibarage and Bottomline Slums in Kangemi.

The activity was spearheaded by the Ag Managing Director Mr. Kariuki Kitabu and supported by various KWFT staff. The donations were received by the area chief, Mr. Daniel Njunie and Kenya Red Cross team led by head of Lower Eastern Region, Mr George Ndolo. KWFT strategic partners present at the event were Preetam Ayarekar representing Polytanks and Edgar Mulei representing Silafrica.

The donations included; 28 bales of maize flour, school bags, clothing, shoes, beddings, story books, toys, books, 1000 plates, 2000 bowls and 3000 pens. The donations also included 30 water tanks of 2500Litres, 50 polypots to store drinking water and 70 handwashing units to uphold hygiene standards at the households.

This initiative underscores KWFT’s dedication to the well-being of the environment and communities in which it operates, reaffirming its solidarity with Kenyans during times of need. KWFT expressed its deep gratitude to its partners for their generous contributions and to the KWFT team for their unwavering commitment to the activity.

Kenya Women Microfinance Bank (KWFT) was honored with Best Microfinance Bank award at the 14th edition of the Africa Bank 4.0 Awards on 30^th May 2024. The award ceremony was graced by KWFT’s Board Chair Jaine Mwai and KWFT MD Kariuki Kitabu, proudly receiving the award on behalf of the bank. This award recognizes the microfinance bank in Kenya that demonstrates excellence in providing financial services to the underserved demographic.

This recognition underscores KWFT’s unwavering commitment to empowering women and uplifting communities through tailored financial solutions and inclusive practices. KWFT remains dedicated to its mission of creating opportunities for the Kenyan community to thrive and succeed by consistently delivering exceptional service and fostering economic growth.