CONSULTANCY PROVISION OF A PLATFORM TO DIGITIZE SAVINGS GROUP LEDGERS

1. BACKGROUND

DanChurchAid Kenya (DCA) has been implementing Financial Inclusion interventions in Kakuma refugee camp and Kalobeyei Settlement, targeting the marginalized groups in the host and refugee community. The main aim of the interventions is to support and empower the local communities economically by creating opportunities to access affordable financial services and products. This is achieved through financial education and promotion of community-based saving groups commonly known as Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) which are effective in reaching the unbanked populations. Digital financial inclusion, which involves use of digital financial services and its components, is key in enhancing financial inclusion and increasing efficiency in the operations of informal financial service providers such as VSLAs.

It is against this background that DCA Kenya is looking for a service provider to provide a digital platform (existing) to host digital ledgers for savings group in Kakuma refugee camp and Kalobeyei settlement in Turkana County. This will be done on a pilot scale and only Eight (8) Savings Groups with 197 members which will be digitized for a pilot with the possibility of on-boarding more groups after a successful trial.

PURPOSE OF THE SERVICE

The main purpose of this assignment is to provide a digital platform that will be used by VSLAs to keep all group records and transactions, which include but not limited to group savings, loans, and social fund.

PLATFORM FUNCTIONALITIES

· Interface: Savings group digital ledgers accessible via Web, USSD, and mobile phone-based applications that allows for group and member access.

· Data extraction: The platform to provide means of extracting/exporting data to other programs such as excel.

· Data security: Provide mechanism to ensure data security and prevention against unauthorized access and use of group and personal data.

· Data back up: The platform should provide data back-up capability in case of loss.

· Access: The platform should provide both online and offline data entry for the groups.

· Communication: The platform should provide means of communicating with group members for varied transactions as well as group meetings.

TIMELINES

The saving groups will be digitalized in the month of October 2021 and we expect the groups to continue using the digital platform for twelve (12) months.

DELIVERABLES

· A functional and easy to use digital ledger platform for savings groups.

· Eight (8) savings groups with 197 members effectively using the platform.

· Virtually, orient DCA staff on use of the platform.

· Reliable and timely user support throughout the subscription period.

· User manual for the platform

Required competecies

The service provider/firm shall have the following competencies

· An existing platform for digitizing saving groups ledgers, preferably developed using VSL Training guide by VSL Associates.

· Prior experience in digitizing savings group ledgers preferably in refugee context.

2. Assessment management and values

For this assignment, service providers are expected to familiarise themselves with and adhere to the DCA Code of conduct for service providers (ethical principles & standards). Please refer any questions or emerging issues to the DCA Head of Programmes: patrick.kenya@dca.dk

Payments and costs

· The service provider will be paid an annual subscription fee for each savings group/individual using the digital platform.

· Withholding income tax payable to the Government of Kenya (GoK) shall be deducted from the service provider’s fees during payment.

· The service provider will sign a contract prior to commencement of this assignment, which will detail additional terms and conditions of service, and deliverables.

3. Submission Guidelines

All expressions of interest should include:

· Technical Proposal highlighting among other necessary information: brief profile of the service provider, previous experience in this kind of assignment, understanding of the TOR, quality assurance, technical support, etc.

· Financial Proposal: The financial proposal should provide cost estimates for services of digitalization of eight (8) savings groups annually.

Contact persons:

Patrick Kibuku – Head of Programmes: Email – patrick.kenya@dca.dk