The Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Co-operatives and MSMEs Development, Wycliffe Oparanya, has presented the Committee of Experts’ Report on the Transformation of the SACCO System in Kenya to President William Samoei Ruto.
The landmark report marks a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to strengthen the cooperative sector as a pillar of inclusive economic growth.
According to Oparanya, the report reflects a shared commitment to building a SACCO system that is resilient, transparent, well-governed and fit for the future.
The high-level committee was appointed in April 2025 to review the Sacco Societies Act, 2008, and recommend reforms aligned with emerging trends, global best practices and the evolving needs of members.
The review comes amid growing concerns about governance, sustainability and protection of members’ savings in the SACCO sub-sector.
“At the heart of these reforms is the harmonization of SACCOs to strengthen governance, efficiency and sustainability,” Oparanya said in a statement.
ALSO READ:
Police asked to probe Ruiru stalls arson attack as traders rebuild structures
He thanked President Ruto for recognizing the submission as a key step in transforming the SACCO industry.
The CS further emphasized that the reforms go beyond policy adjustments, noting that the process is aimed at protecting members’ savings, restoring public confidence and ensuring cooperatives remain people-centred, professionally managed and future-ready.
The five-member committee, comprised both international professionals and distinguished local practitioners, was tasked with undertaking a comprehensive review of the SACCO legal framework.
Following its appointment, the government temporarily suspended the registration of new SACCOs for three months to allow the team to examine existing laws and policies.
The committee was chaired by Marlene Shiels, Chief Executive Officer of Capital Credit Union in Scotland. Other members included Maurice Smith of the African American Credit Union Coalition (USA); Gina Carter, a former partner at Husch Blackwell and board member of Redwood Credit Union (USA); Kenyan constitutional law expert Counsel Odhiambo Collins Harrison and Gamaliel Hassan, Chief Executive Officer of Stima DT Sacco.
By Obegi Malack
Get more stories from our website: Sacco Review.
For comments and clarifications, write to: Saccoreview@
Kindly follow us via our social media pages on Facebook: Sacco Review Newspaper for timely updates
Stay ahead of the pack! Grab the latest Sacco Review newspaper!
