Shylock economy: Broke and hungry Kenyans left at the mercy of backstreet lenders

Harsh economic times, the high cost of living, and the denial of credit by banks to households and businesses have forced many Kenyans into backstreet borrowing that is now pushing them to the edge.

Many are resorting to shylocks to meet quick financial needs, often ending up forfeiting assets. Victims of these unregulated digital lenders tell of battling depression, with some cases ending in suicide.

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Harsh economic times, the high cost of living, and the denial of credit by banks to households and businesses have forced many Kenyans into backstreet borrowing that is now pushing them to the edge.

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