Title:
THE ROLE OF INTERNAL SAVINGS AND LENDING COMMUNITIES (SILC)IN ENHANCINGHOUSEHOLD’S LIVELIHOODSIN IGEMBE NORTH SUB COUNTY, KENYA

Authors:
Florence Kaumi Kirimi and Lucy Karega Njeru and Joseph Meruaki Muthari, MDS,Kenya

Abstract:
Microfinance is one of the programs used for community social transformation in Kenya. Microfinance empowers people to work on their own thereby promoting poverty reduction. This study analysed the role of Internal Savings and Lending Communities (SILC) on enhancement of livelihood among households in Igembe North Sub County. A descriptive survey was used to collect data from 315 randomly selected SILC members and 30 SILC officials in the SubCounty. Content validity of the questionnaire and interview guide was ascertained by development experts while reliability coefficients were 0.83 ? and 0.72 ? respectively. Focus group discussions with 30 groups were conducted to solicit relevant information. The level of community participation in SILC Group activities was high with 99% participation and the level of household livelihood enhancement and improvement was evident with 97% agreeing that they had made a good improvement to their household livelihood due to their association with SILC activities. The improvement varied from farming through purchase of household assets to education and health in general. The government, development practitioners, policy makers and other actors should enhance improved livelihood and hence community transformation through SILC and other development programmes