Livelihoods Development/Economic Empowerment

We seek to empower poor urban and rural communities in Kenya. Through continuous learning and improvement of our models, we have recorded profound success in enriching the lives of the most vulnerable in our communities.

The Village Savings and Loaning Associations (VSLA) model aims at improving the socio-economic capacity of communities; instill a culture of savings and increase community access to credit and embark on income generating activities to diversify and sustain their livelihoods. USK is currently implementing the VSLA project in Nairobi County, specifically Dandora, Ngomongo, Kiambiu, Kibera, Mathare, Kasarani and Makadara areas. These groups are largely vulnerable, poor and marginalized and suffer systemic discrimination, with inadequate or lack of any access to financial services hence credit. As a value addition to our Association model that seeks to transform the lives of children and youth living and working in the streets, we introduce the VSLA project for reformed youths to enhance capacities to manage their earning besides access to finances to improve their lives.

There is evidence that the VSLA concept has not only positively changed money handling mechanisms at the family, especially the entrenchment of a saving culture, but has increased income security and opened new ways of reducing poverty at the household and general community. USK is currently supporting 32 VSLA.