The cooperative movements are poised to witness the first ever SACCO Expo, a landmark event designed to catalyze growth, innovation, and collaboration within the Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) ecosystem.
Scheduled for January 29-30, 2026, at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi, this two-day exposition represents a strategic opportunity for stakeholders to align with emerging trends in financial inclusion, digital transformation, and sustainable finance.
Hosted by the Sarit Expo Centre, a leading venue renowned for facilitating high-impact business gatherings, the expo is positioned at the onset of the fiscal year to maximize marketing initiatives and credit expansion efforts.
With free entry for attendees, it democratises access to critical industry insights, fostering an inclusive environment for SACCO leaders, financial institutions, government regulators, and ancillary service providers.
The primary objectives of the SACCOs Expo underscore its role as a catalyst for sector resilience and competitiveness. The event is themed around “Discover. Connect. Save. Grow,” encapsulating a multifaceted approach to empowering cooperatives amid economic projections of 5-6 percent GDP growth in Kenya for 2026.
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By convening diverse stakeholders, the expo aims to facilitate knowledge exchange on regulatory compliance, technological integration, and risk management strategies. This aligns with the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (2025-2028), emphasizing enhanced governance and member-centric innovations.
For SACCO executives, it offers a forum to explore solutions for mitigating challenges such as declining foreign aid dependency and rising cybersecurity threats, while capitalizing on opportunities in green financing and AI-driven analytics.
Targeted at a broad spectrum of participants, the expo caters to SACCOs managing over Ksh1.1 trillion in assets, alongside banks, insurance firms, cooperatives, government agencies, auditors, and fintech enterprises.
This stakeholder diversity ensures a holistic representation of the value chain, from deposit-taking institutions to non-deposit-taking entities.
Exhibitors will showcase an array of financial products and solutions, including mobile-first lending platforms, predictive credit scoring tools, and ESG-compliant investment options. Government representatives from bodies like the Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA) are anticipated to provide updates on policy frameworks, reinforcing the expo’s alignment with national economic agendas such as the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
Key features of the expo include interactive exhibitions, networking sessions, and educational workshops tailored to address pressing industry needs.
Exhibitors can secure dedicated spaces to demonstrate innovative services, such as blockchain-enabled transaction transparency and data-driven member engagement tools.
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Networking opportunities will enable strategic alliances, potentially leading to co-developed products like bundled insurance with SACCO loans or fintech integrations for seamless mobile banking.
While a detailed agenda is forthcoming, preliminary indications suggest panel discussions on topics like digital divide mitigation, talent retention in cooperatives, and sustainable lending practices.
These sessions will likely feature thought leaders from prominent SACCOs, regulatory experts, and international partners, offering actionable insights into navigating economic volatility and enhancing operational efficiency.
For stakeholders, the business case for participation is compelling. Exhibitors gain unparalleled visibility among decision-makers, positioning their brands at the forefront of year-start initiatives when SACCOs typically ramp up member acquisition and loan disbursements. This timing is strategic, as SACCOs reported a 12.85 percent growth in gross loans in 2025, signaling robust demand for innovative financial tools.
Attendees, including SACCO board members and managers, can access resources for improving financial literacy programs, diversifying revenue streams, and adopting AI for fraud detection—critical for reducing non-performing loans.
Moreover, the expo serves as a conduit for investment attraction, with potential partnerships unlocking funding from impact investors focused on green initiatives aligned with the Kenya Green Finance Taxonomy.
Logistics and registration are streamlined to encourage broad participation. The venue, located on Pio Gama Pinto Road in Westlands, Nairobi, offers state-of-the-art facilities including expansive exhibition halls and conference spaces.
Entry is complimentary, removing barriers for smaller SACCOs and individual members. Virtual elements may be incorporated for remote access, ensuring inclusivity for rural-based stakeholders.
The inaugural SACCOs Expo 2026 positions itself as an indispensable platform for advancing Kenya’s cooperative sector. By fostering connections that drive savings, growth, and innovation, it empowers stakeholders to navigate 2026’s opportunities with agility and foresight.
As the cooperative economy evolves toward greater sustainability and digital maturity, this event stands as a beacon for collaborative progress, urging all relevant parties to engage actively.
Participation not only yields immediate business benefits but also contributes to long-term sector stability and inclusive prosperity. Stakeholders are encouraged to mark their calendars and secure involvement to capitalize on this transformative occasion.
By David Kipkorir
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