By Neema Mujesia,
Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) and local cooperatives have long been pillars of social and economic empowerment, helping members save, invest, and grow small businesses. Recently, however, many of these groups have faced challenges, both offline and online. Limited access to devices, poor network connectivity, and reliance on manual record-keeping have hampered growth, with some groups struggling to sustain themselves. Additionally, gender dynamics and loan repayment challenges have affected the smooth functioning of these associations.
Despite these hurdles, the EDACR approach, implemented in partnership with KICTANet and supported by the British High Commission, is providing a roadmap for resilient, digitally empowered communities. Our recent engagement in Samburu, Maralal, highlighted both the challenges and the potential for transformative change. “We have seen an increase in mobile fraud in our areas, but through this partnership we will gain the necessary digital skills,” said Thomas Leikaim, ICT Director Samburu County Government emphasizing the importance of equipping communities with practical knowledge.
Addressing the Challenges
Through targeted initiatives, VSLAs and cooperatives in Maralal are gaining commercial and SACCO management skills. Communities are being sensitized on digital adoption, proper accounting systems, and inclusive participation, particularly empowering women to actively contribute to their associations.
“We will enhance the good progress made and ensure participants gain the skills needed to become digital champions,” noted Fransis Koros, Executive Director Youth and Social Services, highlighting the focus on sustainable skill-building for local leaders.
Key challenges being addressed include:
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Network issues and limited access to devices
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Manual savings practices without proper receipts, which have caused some groups to fail
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Loan management difficulties, including members’ inability to repay loans
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Gender dynamics, with men sometimes dominating women’s associations
Despite these obstacles, the approach remains strong.
The EDACR Approach
1. Digital Employability & Skills
Youth and community members are equipped with the tools to compete in the local and global digital economy. The focus is on sustainable job placement in AgTech, IT Support, and Creative Industries.
2. The Cascade Model (CDC → CDE)
Community Digital Champions (CDCs) are trained to share knowledge within their communities. Top performers are accelerated into Community Digital Entrepreneurs (CDEs), creating a sustainable network of local tech-business leaders. “I welcome all of you to this engagement. The project will strengthen VSLAs and cooperatives, transforming them into one-stop hubs for digital, financial, and agribusiness services to improve livelihoods and community resilience,” said Mwendwa Kivuva from KICTANet.
Building Resilient Communities
By combining financial literacy, digital skills, and entrepreneurial support, EDACR strengthens VSLAs and cooperatives as integrated hubs for digital, financial, and agribusiness services. With support from the British High Commission, this initiative is helping communities improve livelihoods, foster resilience, and embrace opportunities in the digital economy.
With EDACR, KICTANet, and the British High Commission’s support, communities in Samburu are not just surviving, they are thriving in the digital era.