About us

What is Shikilia?

Shikilia provides emergency cash transfers to low-income Kenyan communities that have been the hardest hit by COVID-19. Measures to control the spread of COVID-19 inadvertently destroy informal labour markets and trap low-income communities into extreme poverty. With no way of earning income and few savings to fall back on, these households suffer an attack on their health, wellbeing, and dignity. Shikilia sends mobile money installments to low-income Kenyans to replace lost income due to COVID-19 and prevent a widespread humanitarian crisis.

Who is Shikilia?

We are a coalition of private sector and NGOs: entrepreneurs, operators, designers and researchers, working together to meet this immediate need within our communities.

How does it work?

Using data on a range of indicators we are able to target those with the highest need, and send cash to their mobile phones using a near-universal mobile money system in Kenya.
Shikilia identifies the most economically vulnerable Kenyan communities by analysing geospatial, demographic, and telecommunications data. We then leverage Kenya’s robust mobile money infrastructure to send money directly to identified individuals.

FAQ

Have questions? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions.

Organizing Team

Want to support?

You can donate directly here or contact us to find out more about the initiative.