N/A, direct to Pawame

There is no Lending Partner for this loan. It is part of the Direct to Social Enterprise program. For more details on DSE, please click here. For more details on the borrower, please refer to their loan profile.

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Update as of Dec 2023

Over the past year, Kiva has been actively involved with Pawame, a group of lenders, and Ignite Solar in overseeing Pawame's acquisition by Ignite. This process has now been successfully completed. Prior to the acquisition, Pawame faced significant challenges in maintaining solvency and generating sufficient revenue to pay staff and service its loans, including the Kiva loan.

The acquisition by Ignite, a mission-oriented organization, brings new hope for the continued distribution of affordable solar products in the rural communities previously served by Pawame. There is also an expectation that staff will be retained under this new arrangement. However, it is currently anticipated that Ignite may not be in a position to fully repay Pawame’s outstanding debt. As a result, Kiva is moving to default this loan. Should Ignite make any repayments to Kiva in the future, these funds will be forwarded to the lenders.

The loan provided to Pawame played a crucial role in helping the company navigate the challenges posed by COVID-19. It enabled Pawame to supply solar electricity to rural and peri-urban Kenyan families, supported by approximately 250 commission-based sales agents operating from 15 distribution centers across 14 counties. Additionally, the funding facilitated the implementation of a new employee health insurance program and ensured the payment of salaries.

The impact of this financial support has been significant, despite the challenges in repayment. It underscores the vital role of such loans in making a difference in the lives of borrowers globally, offering opportunities for betterment and development.

Update as of April 2021

Kiva and Pawame have agreed to end their partnership after Pawame fully paid back their USD50k loan. Pawame successfully raised USD2mm as part of their Series B in 2018.

Pawame has repaid its outstanding balance to Kiva in full, and these funds have been distributed to lenders. We thank Pawame for their collaboration and wish them success in their future endeavors.

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Pawame reinitiated relationship with LSE in 2021 due to COVID-19 related liquidity issues.