Bringing Order to the Numbers and Strengthening Leadership and Governance at Miot Women Entrepreneurs’ SACCO
Who says Business Development Services (BDS) don’t work? For the Affirmative Action Initiative under FSDU’s Micro and Small Enterprise Recovery Fund, here is one simple story by FRIENDS Consult, the BDS provider firm.
Fixing the Fuzzy. Financial records tell the story of any institution and at Miot, that story needed clarity. Working closely with the accountant and management, we introduced basic tools: a Fixed Asset Register, a Master Loan Book, and improved reporting systems. At first, it was overwhelming.
“There is so much to capture… but now I understand why it matters,” the accountant admitted during one session. Slowly, accuracy improved, reports became more reliable, and decisions became more informed. And with that, confidence in the institution grew. Miot SACCO expressed deep gratitude to FSDU for linking them with FRIENDS Consult for capacity building.
Clarifying the destination and road. Behind every strong institution is strong governance. We worked with the Board and management to develop policies/ procedures manuals, improve governance, guide implementation of refined processes and focus Miot SACCO on the future, from risk management to human resources and operational procedures. Board discussions began to shift from routine to substance. “We are now thinking more strategically, not just reacting to issues,” one Board member reflects. For the first time, the SACCO leadership sat together to reflect deeply: Who are we? Where do we want to go? How do we get there? A shared vision emerged and took hold. “Now we have a clear path. Before, we were just moving,” a management team member notes.
Not just training; a journey of transformation. Skill development done was not just about training. It was about walking the journey with the SACCO; coaching, guiding, correcting, encouraging, turning knowledge into practice, building confidence. “You didn’t just train us; you worked with us,” one staff member maintains.
Fast-forward. What a difference after a year’s work with Miot SACCO! Scores of enterprise groups formally registered and members of the SACCO. Confident staff working better. Informed Board asking the right questions. Credit management systems refined. A strategic direction in place.
Reflection. This experience reaffirmed something important: when financial support is combined with hands-on technical guidance, rural financial institutions transform. A rebirth happens. “We are not where we were before… and we are not stopping here,” one of the SACCO’s leaders says with a smile.
Atim Sarah Latim, Senior Projects Officer.
Dr. Keren Obara, Projects Officer, Marketing and Innovation.