- Kisii Governor Simba Arati has urged traders to join Saccos to access affordable loans, government funds and business support.
- Arati said Saccos promote saving, financial discipline and easier access to programmes such as the Hustler Fund and NYOTA.
- The county also plans a youth savings fund to help talented young people grow their skills into businesses.
Kisii Governor Simba Arati has urged small traders, including Mama Mboga sellers, to form groups and join Saccos so they can access affordable loans and grow their businesses.
Arati made the call while visiting vegetable and fruit stalls in Kisii town, including the main bus stage. He spoke to traders about county affairs after launching phase two of the Kisii Green Movement, a campaign to clean up trading centres across the county.
Why the Governor wants traders in Saccos
According to Arati, traders who organise into groups are easier for the government to identify for support. This includes access to funds such as the Hustler Fund, Nyota, the Women Enterprise Fund and Inua Jamii.
“When you are together you are easily recognised by the government for easier financial government loans like Hustler Fund, Nyota, Women Enterprise Fund and Inua Jamii Funds,” Arati said.
He explained that Saccos, or Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations, offer members affordable credit at lower interest rates than commercial lenders and shylocks. Because members save together, they build borrowing power that helps them expand stock, buy in bulk and survive slow business seasons, he said.
Arati added that Saccos also give traders financial training, record keeping support and business mentorship, helping them manage profits and avoid debt traps. Members also benefit from yearly dividends, emergency loans and insurance cover that protects families during sickness or bereavement.
“Being in a Sacco teaches discipline in saving. Even if it is Sh50 or Sh100 a day, it grows. When government funds come, Saccos are the channels we use because they are organised, accountable and easy to track,” he said.
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The Governor was accompanied by several MCAs and his deputy, Elijah Obebo.
Deputy Governor praises youth Sacco, outlines jobs plan
Obebo praised Kisii Youth Bunge Sacco for its prudent financial management and urged other Saccos to follow its example.
He said the Green Movement programme aims to create jobs for more than 26,000 youths across all 45 wards by the end of next year. Beneficiaries are recruited on a rotational monthly basis and earn Sh10,000 a month, he said.
Obebo encouraged those earning from the programme to save with Saccos and take loans to start self-help businesses such as poultry keeping, which could later grow into bigger ventures.
“There is no small money or big money. What is important is in which hands does it land,” he said.
He also discouraged young people from using intoxicants, warning that substance abuse damages character and ruins families.
County plans savings fund for young talent
Arati revealed that the county government is at an advanced stage of creating a special sinking fund to encourage savings among talented youth. The fund will target young people in music, drama, sports, art and technology, allowing them to save small amounts that the county can later match with support and loans to grow their talents into businesses.
Traders who met the Governor welcomed the call, saying joining Saccos would help them move from hand to mouth trading into enterprises that can employ others.
Arati urged market associations and boda boda groups to register with the county cooperative office to access training and links to government funds. He said the county will work with existing Saccos to ensure loans reach genuine small scale traders in all sub counties.
By knock Okong’o
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