Catherine Wanjala
Catherine Wanjala is a research consultant based in Nairobi. She worked as a research assistant in the Kenya Financial Diaries project, where she conducted first-hand research with households in rural Western Kenya. She’s played an important role in the analysis of data from the main Diaries project as well as the update, especially on the topics of gender, savings groups, and the economic role of illicit brewing. Catherine also conducts research on financial inclusion and innovation both independently and with BFA (Bankable Frontier Associates). She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology from the University of Nairobi.
Articles by Catherine Wanjala:
July 2nd, 2021
Surviving 2020: Lessons on Resilience from Kenya’s COVID diaries
Julie Zollmann
Insights from these interviews suggest a number of ideas for intervention to support recovery and rebuilding.
They were making only about Ksh 4,000 per month (about $40) the last time we saw them in 2015.
August 5th, 2020
When hustling fails: The impact of coronavirus mitigation efforts on ordinary people’s livelihoods
Julie Zollmann
Unlike many Kenyans, Esther in rural Makueni is not yet too worried about the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on her livelihood.
Barriers to coronavirus prevention behaviour change in Kenya
When we spoke with Benson in April, he was feeling optimistic about getting through the COVID-19 crisis unscathed. He worked in a factory that manufactured paper products, and toilet tissue was in high demand. He was sure he would keep his job. In June, like many of our respondents, his outlook was gloomier.
Desperate for income, many Diaries respondents have gone back to work, but find it nearly impossible to earn a living.
Coronavirus disruptions are giving some Kenyan woman a reprieve from domestic burdens and giving couples a chance to change their marriages
Kenyans’ reflections on security in the time of Covid-19
April 14th, 2020
Shamba bora (fertile farmland), Shamba la mawe (rocky farmland)
Julie Zollmann
Urban and rural areas are coping to the coronavirus disruptions in different ways
Kenyan families are trying to cope with perpetual strain
Not only are Kenyans losing their incomes right now, they are also facing increased costs
How coronavirus adaptations are straining Kenyans’ most robust financial coping mechanisms
April 7th, 2020
Corona case studies: “If I had food, I would close the shop”
Julie Zollmann
Millicent, 44, and Amos, 45, live in Eldoret with their 17-year-old daughter. Amos has been working as a matatu driver and bus conductor for many years. Millicent ran a small restaurant during the Diaries, but is now selling plastic wares from a small Mali Mali shop and knitting sweaters, which she sells mostly at back-to-school time.
