Opinions & Commentaries - Sacco Review | The Leading Newspaper for Co-operative Movement in Kenya

South Korean aluminium technology is changing Kenya housing

Sacco ReviewOctober 31, 2026011 mins

Hillary Muhalya examines how South Korean aluminium formwork technology could reshape Kenya’s housing sector. He highlights the potential for faster construction, reduced waste and stronger local manufacturing. He argues that technology transfer and affordability must remain central to Kenya’s housing ambitions. From conventional masonry to industrialised construction, a building system inspired by South Korea is…

Why should retired teachers struggle to access Sacco funds?

Sacco ReviewOctober 30, 2026010 mins

Retired teachers should be able to access their legitimate Sacco savings and entitlements without unnecessary delays or uncertainty, according to Hillary Muhalya. Muhalya argues that retirement does not end teachers’ financial responsibilities, with medical bills, school fees and family support remaining major expenses. He calls on Sacco management to strengthen transparency, provide accurate financial statements…

Cyber fraud lessons Kenya can learn from other countries

Sacco ReviewOctober 28, 2026010 mins

Singapore, the UK and Australia offer lessons in tackling rising cyber fraud. Stronger bank coordination and real-time transaction monitoring could help prevent losses. Clearer reimbursement rules and faster responses could strengthen customer protection in Kenya. Kenya’s banks lost approximately Ksh1.59 billion to reported fraud in 2024, yet other countries show that coordinated action can limit…

Land Ministry must go beyond waivers and deliver justice

Sacco ReviewOctober 21, 202604 mins

Land loan waivers offer relief, but historical debts continue to worry families holding decades-old title deeds. The Ministry faces calls to verify repayment records and resolve disputed settlement loans. Proposed reforms include clearer complaints procedures, parliamentary scrutiny and extended repayment deadlines where necessary. The Ministry of Lands’ decision to waive interest and penalties on Land…

Smart agriculture must move from hotels to village schools

Sacco ReviewOctober 3, 2026011 mins

Smart agriculture advocates push for technology to reach rural schools and farms Schools are proposed as practical demonstration centres for farmers and pupils Counties urged to redirect resources towards smart farming training and equipment Smart agriculture is the use of simple technology, data and better farming methods to produce more food with less water, fewer…

Tea farmers need diversification and louder advocacy

Sacco ReviewOctober 2, 202608 mins

Harrison Mwirigi Ikunda reflects on the mounting pressures facing tea farmers The writer argues diversification can help farmers manage income risks Ikunda calls for stronger advocacy to address challenges facing the tea sector Ask me, a small-scale farmer. When the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) announced this year’s tea bonus, I was not surprised by…

Banking resilience in a fragile State: Lessons for governments and investors from South Sudan

Sacco ReviewSeptember 29, 2026September 29, 202608 mins

Banks faced pressure from conflict, inflation and currency shortages Digital banking helped institutions maintain services during disruption Strategic adaptation and resilience shaped banks’ ability to survive When South Sudan gained independence in July 2011, banks were among the first businesses to arrive. Regional lenders, domestic investors and joint ventures opened branches in Juba and other…

Kenya food security failure exposed by Zambia maize deal

Sacco ReviewSeptember 24, 2026010 mins

Zambia maize deal exposes Kenya’s growing dependence on imported staple food Food insecurity and climate pressures continue to strain households and farmers Kenya faces calls to invest in irrigation, storage and climate-resilient agriculture Kenya is an agricultural nation, at least according to what we have told ourselves for decades. We have fertile highlands, millions of…

Why Saccos must embrace technology to stay relevant

Sacco ReviewSeptember 11, 202604 mins

Saccos need technology to meet changing member expectations. Digital systems can improve convenience, transparency and efficiency. Saccos should balance innovation with security and human support. Technology is changing how people save, borrow, invest and manage their money. For Savings and Credit Co-operative Organisations (Saccos), embracing this change is no longer optional. It is now an…

Why Kenya’s middle class needs a lawful side hustle plan

Sacco ReviewSeptember 11, 202606 mins

Kenya’s middle class is seeking more income security. Hillary Muhalya urges lawful side hustles. Building assets can strengthen financial resilience. America’s side-hustle boom shows even secure jobs no longer guarantee financial safety, a warning Kenya’s middle class should heed. An analysis by the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond found that Americans across income levels once…