MICRO-LOANS FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

Ten MANDO community women are using micro-loans to start and build businesses. In this effort, MANDO teamed up with C I CAN, a U.S.-based educational sponsor, to launch the Warriors’ Credit Initiative (WCI) in April, 2013. MANDO links participants to consultants and trainers, engaging their women's support group around tough issues such as balancing time between family responsibilities with energy needed to launch a business – no small task after fetching water, cooking food, looking after livestock, etc. Dedicated volunteers identify gaps and enlist help with building necessary skills.

Women are interviewed for their business goals and, if selected, receive training in savings, loans and money management. The women come together every two weeks to record earnings and provide support to one another. The group remains together until the end of the loan cycle. Loan rates are 5% annually. The near-term goal is to give access to credit, training and the means to improve quality of life. The long-term goal is to alleviate poverty and other socio-economic and cultural challenges Maasai women face.

The 10,000 KES (USD 120) each receives is used to set up or improve stalls where they sell things in the market, buy goods to sell or buy beads to create beadwork designs that Maasai's are famous for. Most recipients divide their loan between beadwork and another business. Income is used primarily for their children's education or for such things as a tarp to cover a manyatta (hut) so it won't leak when it rains.

Their households number between five and 10. Typical of recipients is Sawoi Ene Leipa. When Sawoi's husband died eight years ago, she became sole provider for her five children. With her loan, she is able to buy goods in bulk that she sells at the local market. Lower prices for the vegetables and nuts she retaails have increased her margin so that she can cover costs for two children in primary school.

MANDO is looking forward to award funding to several more women businesses this coming year in poultry and livestock rearing and farming.