Kiva conducts regular, ongoing monitoring of all Lending Partners but only posts status updates here in response to relevant, major changes at the partner.

Partner description:
The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to helping protect Kenya’s wildlife through community engagement and sustainable development. Lewa works with the government to protect threatened and endangered species, such as black rhinos, white rhinos and African elephants, from habitat loss and poaching. 

To address the factors that lead to wildlife loss, the Lewa created the Lewa Women’s Micro-Credit Program for local communities. This program aims to train women in entrepreneurship, increase micro-business opportunities and facilitate gender equity. One of Lewa’s fundamental objectives is to address the socio-economic challenges in neighboring communities to decrease the pressure on wildlife habitats.

A unique lending approach:
Lewa’s partnership with local communities has numerous positive impacts. First, their entrepreneurship opportunities empower women and secure rural livelihoods. Next, the community development initiatives, such as improved infrastructure and healthcare services, create greater resistance to poverty trends and climatic shocks. Finally, these community improvements protect Kenya’s wildlife from habitat loss and poaching.

Loans funded on Kiva will help grow the microcredit program and expand access to more women in rural areas.