Essay African Studies Anthropology Business & Management Economics
University of St Andrews, Leadership & Research Laidlaw Scholars

Chamas – more than just financial tools: Reframing Kenyan savings groups as institutions rich in grassroots knowledge and tacit learning opportunities

Go to the profile of Niall Houlihan
Niall Houlihan
Student, University of St Andrews
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Go to the profile of Niall Houlihan
Niall Houlihan
Student, University of St Andrews

2025 scholar with a primary interest in microfinance within informal economies. My research aims to understand whether the inclusion of a "peer-support" element in a microfinance programme (where those funded by the programme regularly meet up to form a community) can notably boost the success of microenterprises and improve payback rates on loans.

My research has a primary focus on informal economies in Nairobi, Kenya, but I aim to broaden this out to other parts of the world in the future.

I'm interested in connecting with anyone, especially those with a focus on development economics, microfinance, informal economies and institutional knowledge building/sharing practices. 

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