Category: Opinions & Commentaries
Rank Saccos based on how they empower their members
Saccos were formed through the spirit of togetherness, mutual support, and pooling of resources together for the good of all members. These virtues were later adopted by international cooperative alliances to form part of the virtues of every cooperative society. The virtues ensured the formation of great cooperative movements. The fruits of the cooperative movement…
Cooperatives should hire independent directors to boost corporate credibility
That cooperatives are member-based, member-owned and member controlled enterprises is not in dispute. It is an established norm that cooperatives globally are guided by the seven universally accepted cooperative principles and driven by values that aim to professionalise management of their affairs for the benefit of members. Universal cooperative principle no. 2 is on “democratic…
Attending ADM? These are the questions you must ask as a member
Most Saccos hold their Annual Delegates Meetings (ADMs) within the first four months of the year. As a delegate of a Sacco, it’s important to attend and participate in the ADM to stay informed about the financial and operational performance of the organization. To make the most of your ADM attendance, it’s a good idea…
The transformative impact of Saccos on community welfare
Saccos have emerged as a vital force in Kenya, making a significant positive impact on communities. With their roots in the cooperative movement, Saccos have evolved into inclusive financial institutions that cater for diverse sectors, including agriculture and technology. Beyond financial services, Saccos also contribute to women empowerment and sustainable development. In a country where…
How Saccos can deal with non-performing loan accounts
A Sacco is a member-owned financial cooperative society whose purpose is to pool savings from members and use the funds to provide them with affordable credits. The process of acquiring loans has been simplified and digitized in many Saccos through mobile banking, a process that has made the loans easily accessible to members. Saccos offer…
The importance of Ushirika Day celebrations to coop sector
As cooperators troop to various venues across the country to celebrate the International Day for Cooperatives, commonly known as Ushirika Day locally, it’s important to look at what the day means for players in this industry. Ushirika day 2023 has a unique theme of Cooperatives: Partners For Accelerated Sustainable Development. The theme attempts to reflect…
Establish cooperatives in social services sector
Cooperatives, by their very definition, are formed to serve the socio-economic and cultural needs of their members. However, the majority of cooperatives in Africa are agro-based and financial in nature while aspects of social services are given a wide berth. In view of the challenges facing humanity globally, it is now absolutely necessary for new…
How technology can boost growth of Saccos in Kenya
The emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic three years ago compelled most Saccos to adopt technology so as to continue serving their members even as they iterated around new ways to survive and thrive. Digital consumption was at its all-time highest during the pandemic. Technology aided a number of operations in many industries across the world…
Prudent planning for success of cooperatives
Cooperatives today have become very important drivers of personal financial growth and the route to member’s economic empowerment. Since the first cooperative society was formed in Kenya and its subsequent success, both the private and public sectors embraced cooperatives as vehicles to financial breakthrough. Cooperatives must adopt the best policies, bylaws and strategies because good…
