grassroots-pelican

2010

ECO_PESA

This program was launched as a backed currency model with 75 Businesses taking part in three informal settlements near Kongowea, Mombasa. The currency was backed by donor funds and accomplished some amazing community service and environmental goals in partnership with Green World Campaign while increasing local trade for a year period.

On average profits increased in 20%

20 tonnes of trash collected 1000's of trees were planted

2012 and 2013

BANGLA-PESA

Bangladesh is an informal settlement of approximatly 20 000 inhabitants located outside Mombasa Kenya. This was the first place where a program that was not fully dependent on donor funds was launched. After having had a dramatic start, with people being arrested under charges of forgery, this project currently holds 87,200 (ksh equivalent) vouchers in circulation and a network of 218 businesses.

2014

GATINA_PESA

Gatina-Pesa in Kawangware Nairobi, was the first to launch and first to replicate the Bangla-Pesa model

With an amazing march through the slum, starting from Congo and ending at Gatina Primary School,the entire community mobilized around their own voucher. Hon. Simba Arati, the area Minister of Parliament, officially cut the ribbon and launched the program. Currently the network is made up of 258 businesses and a strong wholesale shop that backs the system.

2015

3 MORE COMMUNITY CURRENCIES JOINED THE NETWORK !

Kangemi-Pesa

Lindi-Pesa

Ng'ombeni-Pesa

2015

SARAFU-CREDIT

All of the 5 networks joined under a common umbrella called Sarafu-Credit. This allows members to exchange excess vouchers for Kenyan Shillings.

Some other exciting things happened this year:

5 supermarket that act as collateral and network hubs were created
We began testing on platforms to go digital
The initial stages to develop 2 country-wide cooperates (SACCOs) began

90% of users are very satisfied with Sarafu Credit and want to keep using it

2017

OUR FIRST RURAL PROGRAM

This year we setup our first rural program in Miyani in partnership with Green World Campaign and we have also pulled all our best practices together into a Certificate Course to be able to help the movement spread faster!