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Maiki, 39, lives in Shimoni, a semi-urban gem along the Kwale County coastline. It is more than just a tourist haven—it's where the ocean's rhythm meets vibrant community life.
Here, the salty, humid air mingles with the mouthwatering aroma of deep-fried fish; Tafi, Pono, Pweza, Pembo, Kaa, and Kamba-mawe, to name a few. One taste and the memory lingers long after you've left.
Having once helped her younger brother run a fish business, she knew the ropes but longed more. She yearned to carve out something truly her own.
She saw her chance when Eco-credit was introduced to the Shimoni Beach Management Unit (BMU), where she is an active member. With this newfound opportunity, Maiki embarked on her dream.
When Maiki joined, she borrowed her first loan of Ksh 5,000 and started her own grocery store. It began as a small venture, which has grown with her borrowing up to Ksh 20,000; she sells fresh produce that serves the vibrant community around her.
"How has owning a business changed your life?" I ask curiously
"Every morning, I wake up with my day planned out. The business gave me purpose and restored hope. As a woman, I no longer wait for anyone to come to my rescue—I stand on my own and do what needs to be done." she says.
"And what are you most proud of?"
"I can pay school fees for my children; I moved them to a local private school because my business is doing well. I'm so grateful for this project. I think I should name my shop eco Something!" she laughs.
In Kenya, stories like Maiki's reflect a broader challenge: 38.6% of individuals live in poverty, and female-headed households face higher rates (38.8%) compared to male-headed ones (32.7%). Limited access to formal financial services restricts their ability to expand their livelihoods.
Eco-credit groups like VSLAs and SILCs are community-managed and offer a lifeline, empowering women to save, access credit, and build social capital. Unique, the eco-credit project blends access to financial credit as an incentive for environmental conservation.
These groups have a 90% survival rate thanks to self-management, low or no interest rates, and terms tailored to members' needs. Currently, there are 30 eco-credit groups with 831 direct beneficiaries. The average loan issued per member is Ksh 25,000, and the total group savings amount is Ksh 4,379,840.
Maiki is also a community-based trainer (CBT). Her role is to help track the group's financial records, such as loan repayments, savings, meeting attendance, etc. The Eco-credit project isn't just about financial independence—it's about building resilient communities and uplifting women like Maiki who dare to dream big.
The eco-credit project was launched in 2021. It is funded by Blue Ventures, NORAD, and the Livelihood Impact Fund and implemented by COMRED.
The eco-credit project was featured in the Star. Read it HERE. If you love YouTube, watch about it HERE.
