National News - Sacco Review | The Leading Newspaper for Co-operative Movement in Kenya

Agriculture drives Kenya’s economy as counties report record farm output

Sacco ReviewAugust 7, 202606 mins

Agriculture’s GDP share rose to 23.2 per cent, with output valued at Ksh 4.07 trillion. Horticulture, coffee, tea and milk posted strong growth, while wheat and sugarcane output declined. Counties want more funding for irrigation, mechanisation and value addition. Agriculture remained the backbone of Kenya’s economy in the last financial year, with the sector’s share…

SASRA opens 2027 external auditor listing for Saccos

Sacco ReviewAugust 5, 202603 mins

SASRA has opened applications for external auditors to audit regulated Saccos in 2027. Applications close on November 30, 2026, with the approved list due on January 15, 2027. Members should ensure their Sacco uses a SASRA listed auditor. The Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA) has invited qualified external auditors and audit firms to apply for…

Over 60 Saccos rally lobbies to push for tax reforms

Sacco ReviewAugust 5, 202605 mins

More than 60 Saccos have tasked cooperative lobbies with pushing for tax reforms after engaging KRA on sector specific tax challenges. The sector wants tax laws aligned with the member based and not for profit Sacco model, saying current rules do not reflect how cooperatives operate. The proposals now move to lobbying groups, including KUSCCO,…

Gov’t targets threefold boost in bixa production for farmers

Sacco ReviewJuly 31, 2026July 31, 202605 mins

Government plans to triple Kenya’s annual bixa production to at least 3,000 tonnes through certified seedlings, extension services, farmer cooperatives and affordable financing. Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe said the initiative will increase farmer incomes, create jobs and strengthen rural economies by expanding the bixa value chain along the Coast. Farmers currently earn about Ksh 152,000…

KRA promises fair tax system after KEPSA talks

Sacco ReviewJuly 31, 2026July 31, 202607 mins

KRA says it is implementing reforms to build a fair, transparent and predictable tax system that supports business growth. Authority plans to integrate iCMS with iTax and cut eligible VAT refund processing times to under 10 minutes. KEPSA urges KRA to speed up tax dispute resolution and expand Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms. The Kenya Revenue…

KRA to link NSSF data with PAYE in new tax push

Sacco ReviewJuly 31, 202605 mins

KRA to match NSSF records with PAYE filings to identify tax defaulters. Treasury says KRA will also use Kenya Power data to improve rental income tax compliance. Plan is part of efforts to boost revenue collection and reduce reliance on borrowing. Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) plans to cross check National Social Security Fund (NSSF) contribution…

MPs review bill for Ksh72.26bn extra county funding

Sacco ReviewJuly 30, 202604 mins

MPs are reviewing a Bill proposing an additional Ksh 72.26 billion for county governments in the 2026/27 financial year. The funding will support County Aggregation and Industrial Parks, drought resilience, agriculture, informal settlements and other development programmes. The National Assembly is expected to debate the Budget and Appropriations Committee’s report before deciding on the proposed…

Mwalimu Sacco unveils first sustainability report

Sacco ReviewJuly 30, 202604 mins

Mwalimu National DT Sacco has launched its first sustainability report outlining its ESG progress and governance initiatives. The Sacco reduced its non performing loan ratio to 2.4 per cent, resolved 2,384 member complaints and planted 17,000 trees and mangrove seedlings. The report highlights the Sacco’s commitment to sustainability, transparency and long term growth. Mwalimu National…

Mombasa tea auction sales dip as new levy bite

Sacco ReviewJuly 29, 2026July 29, 202607 mins

Smallholder tea sales at the Mombasa Tea Auction fell to 128.6 million kg from 138.8 million kg a year earlier. Exporters blame the new Ksh 2.28 per kg tea levy for reducing demand from international buyers. TBK says the levy will fund tea price stabilisation, research and sector infrastructure. Smallholder tea factories sold 128,554,359kgs of…

Government rules out Sacco term limits, to boost SASRA oversight

Sacco ReviewJuly 29, 202606 mins

Government rules out term limits for Sacco directors, saying leadership should remain a democratic choice for members. Ministry plans to expand SASRA oversight to regulate all Saccos, strengthen governance and deploy technology for closer financial monitoring. Proposed Sacco Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2025 creates an independent Deposit Guarantee Fund Board to protect members’ deposits and improve…