Partnership strengthens stakeholder linkages for Sustainable Growth
Start of Kinondo bank's construction in 2015
KMFRI
Ongoing construction of Kinondo Bank
KMFRI
Measuring the building during construction
KMFRI
Partnerships with KMFRI and other relevant county departments have enabled the proposal development by the association to be review regularly and more effectively in order to submit a clear and non-ambiguous proposal to the World Bank and other funders. Handholding by partner agencies such as KMFRI, WWF, National Bank, Base Titanium, etc. has been essential in enhancing the knowledge on tendering, procurement of construction material, furniture and equipment.
Recognition that the project is addressing the need of the entire community.
Presence and participation of stakeholders from various sectors is providing effective technical knowledge and know how, as well as opening career opportunities for the youth.
Participation of community members in the activities of various stakeholders is creating job opportunities.
Appropriate timing for engagement of the local communities is crucial for success – the day, place and time of engagement must be agreeable to all otherwise the partnership will be skewed and might appear to be imposed.
Respecting and appreciating community culture and traditions is critical for smooth implementation of project activities e.g. ceasing to work during prayer time, or rescheduling to attend meetings (Known as Baraza) hosted by area Chief or Government representatives.
Culture of saving part of the income earned from daily activities is possible through discipline and good planning.
Antagonizing the community against fellow partner agencies should be avoided at all time.
All partner agencies working with the communities must stick to their roles and responsibilities at all time.
Sustainability of the community project is the most crucial aspect that will ensure the project doesn’t collapse once the champions exit or move on. New members must therefore be recruited constantly and trained on the ideals of the project through an internship programme.
Committee members were trained on book-keeping, basic audit process, budget planning and selection of tenders for constructions. Using partners such as the National Bank of Kenya (NBK) to train new committee members and regularly provide refresher courses for existing members has been essential to enable the Bank to grow more independently, save cost, and retain modern banking operations. Youth, especially local students, were involved to assist in drafting proposal writing and record keeping, applying what they learn at school.
The Association members were trained on writing and submitting applications for World Bank funding through HMP, which is critical for future funding or to obtain development loans. They also learned to develop their Strategic Plan 2018-2022. This strategic planning has enabled the Association to have clear focus of where they want to go. Although., there is need to start developing a new Strategic Plan for the next cycle, where partners including Base Titanium, relevant County Government department and NGOs operating in the area can be mobilised to assist in the process.
Capacity building and infrastructure support has been provided by partners.
The need to have a local bank nearby in order to reduce the cost of travelling long distance for banking.
Opportunity is being created for local students and youth to appreciate banking as a profession and to consider it as a career in the future.
Obtaining loans no longer require a laborious process with long distance travel to a major town such as Kwale or Mombasa.
The County Government can now channel funds more effectively and fast to the local Community Cased Organizations via KKCSA.
Training of Trainers - Use locally built capacity to train others and replicate projects in the neighbouring communities.
When trainers emerge from among the community following effective capacity building campaigns, they are appreciated locally and emulated easily.
Knowledge learnt in various aspects of financial management and banking opens up new career possibilities for the young, which were previously obscure such as book keeping, of foreign such as Information Communication Technology (ICT).
Locally nurtured capacity through training of trainers is more effective because the lessons can also be conducted in the local language.
Mobilizing Community Members through Local Leaders
Mama Zainabu, Committee member
KMFRI
KKCA Committee Chairman, Mr. Mwabudzo with the recently recruited members list
KMFRI
Kinondo community recognised the need and importance of coalescing around a common vision in order to attain self reliance and improve their livelihood. They realised that while it is important to retain a strong leadership in the top management of the Bank, it is necessary to rotate members of the Committee regularly to enable members to introduce new ideas. The opportunity is available for any capable individual to join the leadership committee. This is done democratically by holding regular elections. In order for the bank to thrive, Committee members are encouraged to create awareness and to encourage local people and those from the wider Msambweni Ward to join KKCSA to save and obtain loans and related services.
Community share common values in culture, faith and tradition, and they are also affected by similar challenges.
Goodwill from the community living in Msambweni Ward and its neighbourhood.
Community engagement and empowerment.
Bank covers multiple needs for all categories of the local people.
Limited inclusion and involvement of political sentiments.
Knowledge of the local languages, culture and tradition is crucial for implementing processes.
Delay in approval processes is caused by limited number of experts from relevant departments in the County and National government.
Inclusion of the community project in the annual County Integrated Development Plans (CIPD) contributes substantially in ensuring project sustainability.
