The Inspiring Journey of Bidii CSLA to Financial Independence Empowered by Unity

On the bustling Nairobi-Mombasa roadside, a group of determined women greets passersby with warm smiles and energetic waves. Their car wash business is more than just an enterprise; it is a beacon of resilience, unity, and hope. These women form the Bidii Community Savings and Loans Association (CSLA), an informal savings and lending group known as a table banking.

But their story is far deeper than economics, it is a testament to courage, solidarity, and the transformative power of empowerment. The group comprises mothers caring for children with special needs, including cerebral palsy, who have turned their shared struggles into opportunities for economic empowerment.

Their journey began with individual hustles like hawking coffee and mandazi. Earnings were meager, often accompanied by harassment and exploitation. Late nights, inadequate childcare, and insufficient income were constant challenges. Everything changed during an occupational therapy session where 30 women, united by their children's disabilities, conceived the idea of a support group. Bidii merry-go-round group was born, where members could save as little as Ksh. 50 and lend to each other at low interest rates for emergencies like food, therapy, and medicine.

With support from the Danish Refugee Council’s, Supporting Displacement-Affected Communities in Kenya with Entrepreneurship Development (SDACKED) project, funded by the Swedish government, Bidii CSLA evolved from a simple merry-go-round to a formally registered savings and lending association. Through training in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, leadership, and conflict management, they gained essential skills. The project also connected them to mentorship, coaching, financial linkages with KCB Bank, and psychosocial support.

The Revolving Fund, a 0% interest fund from DRC held at KCB Bank, matched their Ksh. 79,000 savings with an additional Ksh. 85,000, enabling them to start a car wash and water kiosk. These businesses now generate an average of Ksh. 6,000 daily, providing employment and financial stability for the women. They repay their loan at Ksh. 9,250 per month, and continue to grow their savings.

“There was a time when caring for my two children with cerebral palsy felt so overwhelming that I contemplated ending my life,” confides Levina Musungu, the group's Chairperson.

In true CSLA spirit, the group also maintains a social fund, where Ksh. 20 per meeting is set aside to support members during emergencies. At the end of the year, surplus funds are directed toward assisting less privileged mothers in the community. Their efforts have also inspired and mentored another group, Tumaini, comprised of mothers facing similar challenges.

“Thanks to DRC’s SDACKED project, we are now financially independent. Our children can afford meals and therapy fees, and we are empowered to stand independently,” affirms Alexina Ayuma, the group’s Secretary.

Bidii CSLA’s vision continues to grow. They plan to expand their car wash site by adding beauty therapy services like pedicures and manicures, enhancing their income streams. Additionally, they aim to sponsor two members to pursue Beauty Therapy training.

"We are turning our challenges into opportunities and our hopes into action," says Lavina Musungu, the group's Chairperson. "By investing in our future, we are investing in the well-being of our children and the entire community."