What is Chama?
A chama is an informal group in Kenya, typically friends, family or colleagues, who pool money regularly to save, invest, or lend to each other on a rotating or agreed basis. Unlike a SACCO, a chama is usually not a formally regulated financial institution, though many register as a group or society.
A real Kenyan example
A group of ten women contribute KES 2,000 each every month; each month, a different member receives the full pooled amount to invest in her business or handle a major expense.
Why it matters
Chamas are a common source of both social accountability and informal capital for Kenyan entrepreneurs, especially at a stage or scale where a bank loan is not accessible or practical.
How Veira helps
Veira helps chama members who run their own shops keep their business income separate and recorded, which makes it easier to show real business performance if the chama or a future lender ever asks.