CS Oparanya Speaking during training for Shirikiana Sacco delegates-Photo|Courtesy
Government warns against fraudulent Saccos formed ahead of 2027 polls
The government has raised alarm over the rising number of Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (Saccos) being registered in the run‑up to the 2027 General Election, warning that many are being formed with the sole intention of defrauding unsuspecting Kenyans. Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs Development Wycliffe Oparanya said the ministry will tighten regulations…
President William Ruto leads the official unveiling of Shirikiana Sacco in Kakamega at Masinde Muliro University during the launch event attended by senior government officials and local leaders on Saturday, June 13, 2026-Photo|Courtesy
Ruto launches Shirikiana Sacco, hails cooperative model as key to economic transformation
President William Ruto has launched Shirikiana Sacco, a new cooperative financial institution designed to expand access to savings, affordable credit and investment opportunities, in what he termed a landmark initiative set to transform livelihoods across Western Kenya and beyond. The launch, held at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in Kakamega County, brought together…
President William Ruto leads the official unveiling of Shirikiana Sacco in Kakamega at Masinde Muliro University during the launch event attended by senior government officials and local leaders on Saturday, June 13, 2026-Photo|Courtesy
President Ruto commits KSh50 million to Shirikiana Sacco at launch
President William Ruto has committed KSh50 million to Shirikiana Sacco, pledging personal membership and investment in the newly launched cooperative at its unveiling at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in Kakamega County on Saturday, June 13, 2026. In his address, President Ruto said he had agreed with Cooperatives and MSMEs Development Cabinet Secretary…
Gideon Kipyakwai, Chief Executive Officer of CRB-Photo|File
Women entrepreneurs still locked out of credit despite growing role in local economy
Women‑owned enterprises continue to face significant barriers in accessing business financing despite their expanding role in Kenya’s economy, new data shows. Figures released by Metropol Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) reveal that female‑led businesses account for just 27 per cent of outstanding MSME credit value, compared to 73 per cent for male‑owned firms. This means that…
CS Wycliffe Oparanya. Photo/File
Why more women need to join the cooperative movement, CS Oparanya
Socio-cultural norms, lack of information, and male-dominated management in key sectors also limit participation. Martin Gichangi, an economist in Nairobi says women mostly shun Saccos in Kenya due to low disposable Incomes. By Mwiti Mukunga Fewer women join Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (Saccos) in Kenya compared to men which is detrimental to the overall…
President Ruto to grace the launch of Shirikiana SACCO in Kakamega
President William Ruto will preside over the official launch of Shirikiana SACCO at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) in Kakamega County on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The event, hosted by Cabinet Secretary for Co‑operatives and MSMEs Development, Wycliffe Oparanya, marks a significant milestone in advancing financial inclusion and strengthening the cooperative movement…
Cabinet Secretary, National Planning and Economic Planning, John Mbadi presenting the 2026/27 Budget in Parliament,-Photo|Courtesy
Mbadi: Hustler Fund disburses KSh 87bn, reaches 28 million accounts since launch
The National Treasury has announced that the Hustler Fund has disbursed Sh87 billion since its launch in 2022, reaching 28 million accounts and extending formal financial services to millions of Kenyans who previously had little or no access to credit. Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi revealed the figures while presenting the 2026/27 Budget Statement in…
Credit Bank Founding Director. Mrs Grace Nyachae-Photo|Courtesy
Credit Bank commits KSh1 billion to boost MSMEs, expand branch network
Credit Bank has committed KSh1 billion in 2026 to support micro, small and medium‑sized enterprises (MSMEs) through financing and transaction banking solutions, in a bid to spur business growth and job creation across Kenya. The lender said the funds will be directed to businesses across diverse sectors, providing access to trade finance, working capital, asset…
Nandi County joins Heifer International in rollout of dairy fodder project targeting 50,000 farmers
Tens of thousands of smallholder dairy farmers in Nandi County stand to benefit from improved feed access and higher milk yields following the launch of a major agriculture initiative backed by Heifer International. The County Government of Nandi has officially joined Heifer International in rolling out the Transforming Yield Through Feed and Fodder Access in…
TBK Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Willy Mutai. Photo/File
Tea Board bust myths on levy, says unsold stock crisis is a market season problem
Tea Board of Kenya (TBK) has issued a clarification addressing misinformation surrounding the newly introduced Tea Levy. TBK insists the levy is not responsible for unsold tea stocks in Mombasa, price fluctuations, or reduced global competitiveness. The board says no abnormal tea stockpile exists at the Mombasa auction. By Benedict Aoya The Tea Board of…
