Evidence from Tanzania and Kenya
Although microfinance institutions (MFIs) are the most prominent providers of financial services to low-income people, their economic and social performance is subject to debate. How MFIs are governed is likely to affect their efficiency, outreach to the poor, sustainability, and impact on poverty alleviation. This study explores and examines the effects of the governing board on the social and financial performance of MFIs. The first phase of the study explores MFI board members’ awareness and perception of their roles and how this affected their participation in the board and their influence on it.