The First Lady of the Republic of Kenya Mama Rachel Ruto on Saturday accompanied The First Lady of the United States, Dr. Jill Biden, in a visit to the Women for Peace Group in Kibra, to gain firsthand experience of the table banking model.

Under Joyful Women’s table banking, women who often have limited access to credit from financial institutions borrow money they have pooled together. 

This enables them to start or expand their own businesses, invest in their children’s education and meet other household expenses.

The table banking model, spearheaded by Mama Rachel Ruto through the Women Economic Empowerment pillar of Mama Doing Good Organization, is operational in 39 out of Kenya’s 47 counties. 

The program has significantly impacted over 150,000 women who are organised into more than 11,000 groups, and boasts a monthly revolving fund of Ksh 2.5 billion. 

Digitization of the table banking model is underway, to accelerate growth and attract young people.

The First Ladies were accompanied by America Ambassador to Kenya Margaret Whitman and Hon. Rebecca Miano, the Cabinet Secretary, East African Community (EAC), Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), and Regional Development.