You can also access the presentations here and here.

In this webinar, Swisscontact was joined by representatives of Juhudi Kilimo to discuss their microleasing model and on-going project in Kenya.

The project aims to increase access to the underserved by ensuring the acquisition of affordable productive assets by small holder farmers and SMEs; and ensuring the outreach, profitability, and sustainability of local microleasing service providers.

The Swisscontact microleasing model was developed in Kenya in partnership with Juhudi Kilimo, the Microleasing Company of K-Rep Group. The model has since been adapted with Pride Microfinance in Uganda and a feasibility study is underway in the current phase for a roll out in Tanzania. The model consists of three elements: the lease or pre-finance of assets, insurance of both the lessee and the asset, and training of the lessee in the use and maintenance of the asset in order to achieve optimal results. Training is a key element, as correct use, together with maintenance and care of the leased assets, are important factors for the risk management of the lessor, successful repayment, and for income improvement and diversification.

Farmers benefited with over 25,507 assorted asset leases (dairy cows, goats, irrigation equipment, poultry and related equipment, water pumps and generators, posho mills, farm inputs, donkey carts, power saws) valued at 13.42 million (in Kenya Shillings) as of the end of December 2013.

In 2013, 10,907 new farmers/rural producers began using assets leased with a total value of CHF 6,005,882.

Contributors included:

Benjamin Kimosop, Chief Operations Officer, Juhudi Kilimo Limited

Benjamin has worked with Juhudi since inception and was promoted to oversee the operations at Juhudi and previously managed the Rift Valley region as the Regional Manager. He was an Area Manager with SISDO, a larger Kenyan microfinance institution and brings a lot of experience in operations and management. He is a graduate of the Cooperative University College and holds several Professional Certificates. He as a degree in Business Administration at the Kenya Methodist University and is pursuing his MBA from the United States International University in Nairobi.

Shadrack Mutunga, Chief Finance Officer, Juhudi Kilimo Limited

Shadrack joined Juhudi in 2012 and brings a wealth of experience in microfinance and banking from large deposit taking microfinance institutions in Kenya. He also supported a start-up microfinance institution in Burundi as the interim Managing Director. Shadrack has a Bachelor degree in Accounting and Finance, a Kenyan CPA and an MBA with a concentration in Finance and is completing his PhD in entrepreneurship from the Kenya Methodist University.

John Njoroge, Country Director Kenya and Financial Services Manager East Africa, Swisscontact

John has worked for Swisscontact since 2006. He holds a B.A, an MBA, and currently finalizing a Master's Degree in Development Studies. He has substantial working experience in development work specializing in areas such as rural development, sustainable microfinance, as well as capacity building of local based financial organizations, community based organization and women groups. Key skills include project planning, implementation and management, research, proposal and reports writing as well as training and facilitation.