The project

Joyce now cooks with biogas, a 100% renewable and carbon-neutral energy source. This affordable new energy source is produced from animal waste, like manure, fermented in a biodigester. Switching from firewood to biogas cooking has improved her life; she and her children no longer need to gather firewood. "I used to go to bed late and wake up at 4 am to start a fire for breakfast," she said. The switch to biogas significantly enhanced the health of this 49-year-old mother of four; before switching, she suffered from airway complications and had to cough a lot due to the smoke in her kitchen.

In addition to providing a practical solution for daily energy needs, it also helps combat deforestation, reducing reliance on wood for fuel. It has liberated Joyce and other residents of Simotwet village in Bomet from spending a day and a half each week gathering firewood, carrying loads of up to 60 kilograms from the Mau Summit forest over long distances.

A women-led initiative has introduced biogas to the village of Simotwet, saving lives and money. For women who cannot afford it, Fortune Credit offers low-interest loans.

What social return could your investment generate? 

Your investment in Fortune Credit directly supports three key areas: increasing food production for farmers, making transportation more sustainable through electric boda bodas for youth, and promoting climate-neutral cooking with biogas for households. This results in lower CO2 emissions and stronger economic opportunities for Kenya's small entrepreneurs and rural communities.

Farmers:

• This loan directly supports 198 farmers, of whom 65% are women.
• Financial access allows farmers to gradually invest in their farms, improving their quality of life.

Youth:

• The loan finances the production of 30 electric motors for Kenyan youth, intended for use as boda boda taxis.
• Using electric motors contributes to lower greenhouse gas emissions, which is important in the fight against climate change.

Households:

• Through the Clean Cooking Program, about 90 families gain access to biogas digesters, enabling them to cook with biogas.
• Biogas is a healthier alternative for cooking and reduces the need to cut wood for firewood, which counteracts deforestation.

What financial return could your investment generate? 

• Annual interest rate of 8%
• The maturity of the loan is 24 months
• There will be a repayment of your investment every 6 months
• With an investment of 1,000 euros, your expected repayment would be 1,100 euros
• Please consider that although you invest in EUR, the loan is in USD, so there is a risk of exchange rate fluctuations between dollars and euros. For more information, please visit our currency page

The story of Fortune Credit

Fortune Credit Limited, established in 2014, is on a mission to catalyze economic empowerment among Kenya's rural population. Their range of savings, credit, and insurance services currently supports over 15,000 clients across 10 counties, with a loan portfolio of USD 3 million. Their commitment lies in investing in strenghtening those at the bottom of the pyramid in society to alleviate poverty.

The solutions Fortune Credit offers, are designed to accelerate access to innovative financial products and services. As a social enterprise, they are focused on sustaining livelihoods, empowering individuals to thrive, and fostering positive change for a brighter future. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by MSMEs in navigating traditional financing and rigid models, Fortune Credit seeks to address market gaps and develop semi-formal industries. Their ultimate goal is to be a steadfast advocate for the social-economic and ecological prosperity of the people of Africa.

Fortune Credit in numbers

• Founded in 2014
• 45 employees
• 15,000 clients 
• 65% female borrowers
• Loan portfolio of USD 3 million