I have helped steer microfinance in Kenya

When PAULINE NDIRANGU who is in her late 30s joined Faulu Kenya 15 years ago, the term microfinance was alien to many. Today, thanks to her efforts, Kenyans understand the term more and many have started successful small and medium enterprises. She spoke to NJOKI CHEGE

For many people, the term microfinance is relatively understood, although not fully. Fifteen years ago when I joined Faulu Kenya as a senior accountant, that term and its meaning were unknown. In fact, I had a hard time explaining to people around me what microfinance was all about.

Back then, when someone wrote that word on a document, he or she was prompted to do a spell check as the word was not accepted as an English word. Today, I’m glad that I can look back and see considerable progress in the microfinance industry.

One of my greatest achievements with Faulu Kenya was that I took the challenge to start Faulu Tanzania and it was a good experience. In 2005, I was appointed the CEO of Faulu Advisory Services. Having worked in the microfinance industry for more than a decade, I felt I was at the helm of my career and it was time for transition, and so I started my own company — B-More Consulting. I was pursuing the Advanced Management Programme (AMP) at Strathmore Business School, which offers this course together with IESE Business School of Barcelona, Spain. The programme equipped me with personal and professional abilities that have helped me improve my social, organisational and leadership skills in the world of business.

High quality

With B-More Consulting, I provide high quality management services to the micro, small and medium enterprise industry, for both local and international clients. Such services include giving extensive information on microfinance, licensing support, micro-insurance, fundraising and training. So far, most of our clients are happy with our services, and we are glad that we are exceeding their expectations.

Nevertheless, having my own business has come with its challenges. It’s been three years but I’m glad the pros have outweighed the cons. For instance, because as a businesswoman I work flexible hours, this has given me the time to follow other passions and interests I didn’t have time for before.

My normal day starts at 8am with a 30-minute brisk walk on the treadmill in the gym, followed with a long leisurely breakfast as I check my emails and the day’s appointments. Interestingly, no single day is the same as the next.

I also serve on the executive board of the Associations of Microfinance Professionals of Kenya (AMPK), which is a professional body that seeks to promote microfinance to higher levels of excellence and high integrity among the members and the wider microfinance sector. We are open to collaborations, partnerships and networking opportunities with key players in the industry.

Lectures

It is an honour for me to be in a position where I can influence the direction of microfinance in this country and worldwide. Through my position, I hope to make microfinance a career one can be proud of.

I also work with Rafiki DTM (K) as a non-executive director. Rafiki is a nationwide deposit-taking microfinance organisation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Chase Bank. We are planning to launch its operations in the Kenyan market this year.

Once in a while, I give lectures on contemporary issues affecting small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Recently, for instance, I gave one such lecture to OWIT (Organisation of Women in International Trade), of which I am a member. OWIT and KAWBO (Kenya Association of Women Business Owners) have given me the opportunity to interact and network with businesswomen.

Earlier this year, I completed a 12-week self-renewal programme with the Alabastron Network Trust, which helps women renew their minds through increased self-awareness, self-esteem and self-confidence in order to live significantly. I appreciated the experience so much that I volunteered to be a guide in the programme for another 12 weeks.

I have also found another passion in real estate. I love the thrill of finding, letting or selling fine-looking property, be it commercial or residential. I also enjoy decorating and organising the rooms to make them eye-catching and attractive.

As I look into the future, I’m filled with hope and optimism for my business and family life. A new and exciting chapter is starting off as we speak, so I feel truly blessed and thank God for everything.