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Over 100 women from Mazeras accuse Kenya Women Microfinance Bank of withholding savings

By Farhiya Hussein | Sunday, June 23, 2024

The chairperson of the Manguto women's group, Gladys Patrick, said that since last year, the bank has failed to issue any loans.

More than 100 women from Mazeras in Kilifi County have accused Kenya Women Microfinance Bank of unlawfully withholding their savings.

The women, who have expressed their frustration and disappointment, have demanded the immediate release of their funds by the bank’s Mazeras branch manager, Sammy Kimani.

The women allege that the microfinance institution has refused to grant them access to their savings, despite their decision to cease using the bank’s services. They have called on bank manager Kimani to facilitate the return of their money to enable them to meet their daily needs and financial obligations.

The chairperson of the Manguto women's group, Gladys Patrick, said that since last year, the bank has failed to issue any loans.

The chairperson of the Manguto women's group, Gladys Patrick during a press briefing. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

"When we inquired about the delays, they informed us that their loan disbursement system was experiencing technical issues. Later, they visited us and claimed that loans would resume, and we were required to reapply and deposit money into the bank," she explained.

A section of the women from Mazeras raised concerns about the Kenya Women Microfinance Bank unlawfully withholding their savings. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

Gladys Patrick further stated that they no longer desire the loans and are only interested in retrieving their savings. "We need our remaining funds to start businesses. I have been with Kenya Women for over 10 years and have invested more than Sh100,000. Why can't they deduct the small amount I owe and return the rest?" she questioned.

The women suspect that Kenya Women Microfinance Bank is struggling financially and fear it might collapse, taking their savings with it.

Another concerned resident, Albert Mwarua, mentioned that despite writing to the bank to inquire about his wife's savings, they received no response from the management.

"I wanted them to inform me about my wife's savings and give us the remaining funds due to the tough economic situation, but they refused to provide any answers," Mwarua stated.

Albert Mwarua who complained his wife has not received feedback about her savings at the Kenya Women Microfinance Bank Mazeras Branch. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

In response, Mazeras branch manager Sammy Kimani advised the members to address their complaints directly with the office rather than through the media. "If members have any complaints regarding the loans, they should come to the office to present their grievances instead of approaching the media," said Kimani.

He said that members are aware of the rules and conditions for taking loans and should adhere to them to resolve any issues amicably.

Kimani insisted that the bank is committed to addressing the concerns of its clients and urged them to follow the proper channels for resolution.