By Staff Reporter | Wajir Today | Monday, 26 January 2026
RACIDA has completed a four-day training programme aimed at strengthening community savings and lending systems in Mandera County.
The training was conducted through the Hanaano Programme in partnership with Concern Worldwide and the Mandera County Department of Trade.
It targeted newly identified Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) mentors who will support 25 community savings groups under the project’s year three cohort.
The initiative seeks to improve the management, accountability and sustainability of grassroots savings groups that serve pastoralist and agro-pastoralist households with limited access to formal financial services.
During the training, participants were taken through practical sessions on VSLA methodology, group governance, financial record-keeping, loan management and conflict resolution.
The workshop was opened by the Mandera County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Adan Dakane, who said the county government remains committed to supporting community-led economic initiatives.
Mr Dakane noted that savings and lending groups play a vital role in promoting household self-reliance, particularly among women and youth, and reaffirmed the county’s collaboration with development partners to advance inclusive and sustainable local economic development.
Project officials said the Hanaano Programme aims to strengthen household financial stability by encouraging structured savings, responsible lending and improved financial literacy.
They said improved financial resilience enables families to cope better with economic shocks, invest in livelihoods and maintain access to food, contributing to reduced vulnerability to hunger and child malnutrition in the county.
RACIDA Senior Livelihoods Officer Yasmin Hussein said the training was focused on strengthening the backbone of community savings systems by equipping mentors with the skills needed to guide and support savings groups effectively.
“By equipping VSLA mentors with the right skills and tools, we are ensuring that groups remain accountable, inclusive, and resilient. Strong VSLAs mean stronger households who are able to absorb shocks, invest in livelihoods, and secure food and nutrition for their families” she said
