Based in Nairobi, Kenya, Jamii Bora is a microfinance institution -- one of the largest and fastest growing in the country -- that started out specifically as a way to deal with urban housing.
"Started as a club of fifty beggars in 1999, Jamii Bora Trust is the largest microfinance institute in Kenya and has more than 170,000 members. Its mission: to assist members to get out of poverty," writes the Acumen Fund on the organization. "Jamii Bora Trust works in slums throughout Kenya, providing access to critical services such as affordable housing and education and offering a support network to enable economic self-empowerment."
Fusing technology, innovation and community, Jamii Bora repaid Acumen on its investment by 2007.
Contact Information
Jamii Bora website
Jamii Bora on Facebook
Jamii Bora on Twitter
Urban Housing Banks
Jamii Bora is a Microfinance Institution Based in Nairobi, Kenya
Trend Themes
1. Microfinance Institutions - The use of microfinance institutions to assist members in poverty is a disruptive innovation opportunity in the finance industry.
2. Affordable Housing Solutions - Developing and implementing innovative and affordable housing solutions in urban areas is a disruptive innovation opportunity in the real estate industry.
3. Community-based Approaches - Employing community-based approaches to address urban poverty is a disruptive innovation opportunity in the nonprofit sector.
Industry Implications
1. Finance - The finance industry can leverage microfinance institutions to facilitate poverty alleviation and community empowerment in urban areas.
2. Real Estate - The real estate industry can capitalize on innovative and affordable housing solutions to address the urban housing crisis.
3. Nonprofit - The nonprofit sector can employ community-based approaches to achieve sustainable development goals and alleviate urban poverty.