In order to achieve our vision and mission, we have defined the following programme objectives which are based on the four Key strategic choices for the period 2007 – 2010.
1. Research and Events committee
- To develop and strengthen systems for information collection, analysis and dissemination through databases, periodical newsletters, print and electronic media.
Outputs
- Undertake research in the sector to inform on product innovation in the sector
- Undertake a baseline research and build a database on the state of Micro Finance industry in Kenya.
- Document and disseminate best practices in the Micro Finance sector
- Continued provision of relevant Microfinance Information.
2. Advocacy and lobbying committee
- To enhance collective action by the MFI’s and other stakeholders for a conducive policy and regulatory environment through lobbying of the published Microfinance Bill 2006
Outputs
- Lobby for the enactment of the published Micro Finance Bill
- To promote relevant and practical regulations for the Micro Finance sector
- To create awareness about the new legislation.
3. Membership and Regulation committee
To operationalize a performance monitoring system for MFI’s that will set standards and increase professionalism in the industry. Also promote the adoption of the industry performance standards.
Outputs
Ensuring High Standards
- To institute high standards of practice in the Micro Finance Sector
- Develop a Code of Ethics
- Develop performance standards
- Ensuring compliance
Membership
To make AMFI attractive to current and potential members, partners, investors and the general public.
- Aggressive recruitment of new members to ensure a large percent of the sector subscribes to self-regulation and high standards.
- To develop a new eligibility criteria and ensure compliance
- To hold relevant forums to promote the image of Members
In realizing these programme objectives, the following key strategies will be employed.
- Provide forums whereby members and other stakeholders can exchange ideas, experience and information on microfinance and plan for collective action.
- Actively involve members in the identification, design and implementation of AMFI activities.
- Enhance collaboration, linkages and partnerships between members and other development actors and stakeholders, both locally and internationally.
- Diversify the Associations sources of funding by partnering with different donors for various activities.
- Make use of media (print, electronic, radio and TV) in the dissemination of information and especially in educating the public on the advantages of the published MF Bill.
4. Sustainability
AMFI is a member institution. This has two key implications in terms of aiming for financial sustainability.
- Sustainability of the network largely depends on the sustainability of the MFI’s for which it exits. However, the large majority of AMFI’s members are not yet financially sustainable themselves, and therefore their contribution capacity is limited. The financial sustainability of AMFI can only grow gradually, in line with the gradual development of its members.
- Many of AMFI’s activities and services are of a public goods nature. This implies that although for some services fees may be charged, others will have to be delivered for free.
However, AMFI will strive to diversify her funding base, so as to enable it strengthen the capacity of MFI’s to deliver appropriate sustainable microfinance services to the economically active low income earners through coordination and organization of lateral learning workshops, thematic debates, exchange visits and linkage with other organizations.
Outputs
- Building on our own financial and human resources
- Build a strong organizational structure with proper policies
- Building on local funding from partners and stakeholders in Kenya
- Encourage a group of donors to contribute a small amount of money each in support of AMFI’s capacity building in the Micro Finance Sector over the next three years
