The growth of the Sacco sector in Kenya has shown how important they are in providing affordable financial services. They have enabled easier access to savings and credit for the middle and low-income segment for both household and enterprise development thus impacting the economic growth in both urban and rural areas.
Many a time we talk of the organizations’ achievements but we rarely mention the participants who made it happen. For Saccos, member participation is very key when it comes to achievement attribution.
Their roles are very important to the daily operations of the Sacco and they are the determinants of the direction it is run. A member-driven Sacco does very well as it adheres to the members’ opinions, preferences and directives. It is therefore recommended that Saccos educate their members on their obligations, rights and privileges immediately the members join their Sacco.
There are some critical obligations that members need to know for the smooth running of their Saccos.
One of the most critical obligations of the member is to comply with the Co-operative Societies Act which acts as a guide to all cooperatives. It clearly indicates terms of membership, the duties of the members, the rights and the obligations. Saccos should avail this document to every member and also place them strategically in their offices.
It is an obligation of every member to have a good and a co-operative spirit to other members and the general public so as to attract more cooperators to the Sacco. The main purpose of every cooperative is to bring together members with a common need to get a solution that works for each of them. A cooperative spirit will help members run a cohesive institution that ensures each member’s needs are met.
Members have an obligation to attend meetings that may be convened by the Sacco at any particular time. When they attend, they should take part in decision-making of sensitive matters of the Sacco as may be tabled during those meetings. This is not only an obligation but a privilege to make their opinion count on the resolutions presented in the meetings and exercise their right as a member.
It is a member’s obligation to elect their preferred candidates during the Annual General Meeting (AGM). This privilege gives members an opportunity to make leaders who will be answerable to them on the daily operations of the Sacco.
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Further, a member has an obligation to participate in adopting the reports presented during the AGM and seek clarification regarding every report, amending by-laws, passing the final accounts, checking the minute book and receiving both annual reports of the board of directors and that of the auditors. These reports are essential as they enable the member to be informed of the activities of the society.
Sacco members also have an obligation to ensure that the Sacco meets it objectives from inception and can propose a general meeting be held in order to discuss matters which they think are essential for the integrity and prosperity of the society.
A member may do this when fellow co-operators support the proposal in order to align the Sacco back to its course.
Furthermore, a member can also request that a certain matter be included in the agenda which is to be discussed in an AGM.
It is also important for a member to attend educational forums and seminars organized by the Sacco to educate members on the products, processes and procedures of the Sacco and any changes of operations from time to time.
Members should also participate in Sacco projects, both physically and financially. The Cooperative Principle number 3 emphasizes the participation of members economically for smooth running of operations. It encourages members to pay their capital shares, the monthly non-withdrawable deposits and any other contributions that may be agreed upon.
In addition, members are obliged to observe and follow Sacco by-laws which contain rules and regulations to be followed to help maintain discipline necessary for co-operative spirit and understanding.
If the members, by majority, decide on a certain course of action which is not agreeable to a certain member, he has the right to require that his objection be noted in the minutes. This enables a member to be identified later on should the past resolution be dangerous or injure a third party.
Finally, it is a member’s obligation to pay any credits advanced to him by the Sacco as scheduled in good time and in their full installment. Constant reminders should be made to members to ensure they have the right knowledge on credit payments.
By CCOP Dorcas Nyambura Ndegwa
dornamvua@gmail.com | 0720930641
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