Socioeconomic Impact Assessment of Caritas Nairobi Self Help Programme: Ruiru Fund Self Help Group Programme

Established in 1995 by 30 members of the Catholic Women Association (CWA) in Ruiru Parish, Kiambu County, the group has evolved into a leading entity within the Caritas Nairobi network, currently entitled to over 20,000 members and savings exceeding KSH 1 Billion. This assessment aimed to evaluate the socioeconomic transformation facilitated by the Ruiru Fund Self-Help Group Programme within the framework of the Caritas Nairobi Self-Help Programme. The researcher will particularly investigate the group’s growth trajectory including the challenges along the ragged progressive paths, its leadership and governance management, its impact on members’ livelihoods, community development initiatives, and its role in fostering financial inclusion and empowerment in Ruiru, Kenya and beyond. The study targeted 11,027 accessible members of the Programme. The study adopted descriptive survey and predictive correlation research designs, collecting data from respondents with practical experience with the socioeconomic impact assessment of the Ruiru Fund Self-Help Group Programme. The study used a structured questionnaire administered online through Google Forms to collect the required primary data. The study established a positive significant influence of the Group’s growth trajectory, the challenges along the ragged progressive paths, its leadership and governance management on Socioeconomic Impact of Ruiru Fund Self Help Group Programme. Through surveys, the investigator aims to provide insights into the mechanisms through which self-help groups can contribute to socioeconomic development at the grassroots level, offering lessons and recommendations for similar programs elsewhere in other Caritas Kenya jurisdictions and beyond.