Chama shining light on families' futures

Members of Mwangaza Self-help Group from Tharaka Nithi County. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

1) What is Mwangaza, and why the name?

We coined the name Mwangaza Self-help Group from the Swahili word that means ‘brightness’. Our group objective is to empower members socially and economically. Whenever we had social functions in our local area, a few of us would always insist on us forming a group so that we could grow together financially; that is how our group was born.

2) When did you form the group and where are you based?

We formed and registered the group with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Services in 2011. We are a group of 30 families (husbands and wives). We come are based at Kirumi Sub-location in Tharaka Nithi County.

3) How often do you hold your meetings and where? Do you make any financial contributions?

We meet every second Saturday of the month at our group secretary’s home. Each month, each member contributes Sh3,900 for investments, Sh2,000 for merry-go-round (revolving fund) where two members get Sh30,000 each; and Sh100 for the sinking fund. The sinking fund is to cushion our savings by way of internal insurance. In total, we each contribute Sh6,000. When a member is hospitalised, we visit him or her and each family contributes Sh200.

4) Any loans for members?

Yes, we give loans to members; up to a maximum of Sh60,000 repayable in six months or less. The interest rate is 10 per cent per month. Only members are entitled to these loans.

5) You seem to be very generous in your contributions. Do you have any investment and/or benefits so far?

We have invested in land. We have purchased 9.5 acres of land near  our county headquarters. Our group has immensely benefited members by way of access to affordable credit, investment in land in a prime area and financial empowerment through group savings. It has also enhanced social cohesion through the monthly meetings.

6) Have you faced any challenges?

We do not have any challenges and do not pray for any. The main reason is that members are disciplined. We strictly follow our by-laws; any lateness for the meeting draws a fine of Sh50, and being absent without an apology attracts a fine of Sh200. An apology must be presented in written form.

7) What next for your group?

We intend to boost our investments in land and boost our savings. Also, in our last meeting, members agreed to invest in establishing a quality salon, kinyozi and Mpesa services in our fast-growing local market.

8) Last words...

As a group, it is possible to grow from humble beginnings to become a vibrant and successful institution as long as the group has a vision and is disciplined. Our target is to turn the group into an investment cooperative to allow us more opportunity for growth.