By Jackson Okoth.
It has perfected the art of donating free branded chairs and tents to be used in almost all occasions in the County from funerals, prize giving days in schools, public functions to weddings and other gatherings.
This ingenious marketing strategy has enabled Bingwa Sacco Limited to increase its presence and influence within the surrounding community. “We have been successful in using the branded chairs and tents to market ourselves,” says Jane Mugo, Chief Executive Officer, Bingwa Sacco Limited. She adds: “During these public events, Bingwa usually buys soft drinks and cakes as well as bread and this strategy has led to many people attending public events in Kirinyaga County”.
The Society has also made tremendous achievement by partnering with the likes of Rotary Club and the Kirinyaga County Government to execute some of the Corporate Social Responsibility projects,” the CEO points out.
“Bingwa has set aside Sh 2 million for execution of various CSR activities within Kirinyaga County,” Mugo told Sacco Review in a recent interview.
CSR activities that the Sacco has put its sights on include sponsoring needy students, town clean-ups, offering humanitarian assistance during disasters and participating in other community developments activities.
“In the spirit of giving back to the society, Bingwa Sacco has carried out a number of activities including payment of Form One school fees for the best performing KCPE student from a public school in Kirinyaga County,” said the CEO.
Last year, Bingwa Sacco also participated in the cleaning up of Ngurubani and Kagio towns. “We also clean up Kerugoya town on a quarterly basis. In 2015, we donated foodstuff to the School for the Deaf in Kerugoya as well as offered support to people with all kinds of physical disabilities,” said Mugoh.
Its latest initiative to give back to the community involves a new partnership agreement with ABC Bank through which all Kirinyaga County Levies will be collected through Bingwa Sacco Limited outlets and mobile units.
Bingwa Sacco has been keen to have a profile above the rest in a highly competitive market in Kirinyaga County, made up of more than 31 Saccos.
“We have more than 19 Saccos in Kerugoya alone and thus must have the required infrastructure, technology and more engagement with our members and the public in order to stay ahead of the pack,” said Mugoh.
She adds that more than 1000 direct beneficiaries from Bingwa’s CSR activities have been recorded with plans underway for the Society to increase its sponsorship of community activities and events in the future.
