President William Ruto has committed KSh50 million to Shirikiana Sacco, pledging personal membership and investment in the newly launched cooperative at its unveiling at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in Kakamega County on Saturday, June 13, 2026.
In his address, President Ruto said he had agreed with Cooperatives and MSMEs Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya to contribute as part of the Sacco’s initial capital injection.
“I’ll be a member today, and I will put my money, and because the Sacco is important, I agreed with CS Oparanya that I will look for Sh50 million and put it in the Sacco so that we can start with it,”
President William Ruto
The President underscored the importance of the cooperative model in helping families access healthcare, educate their children, and navigate everyday challenges. He described the Sacco movement in Kenya as the largest in Africa, noting that Shirikiana Sacco is expected to play a central role in driving economic transformation across Western Kenya.
Currently, Shirikiana Sacco boasts a membership of about 100,000 people drawn from Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties, with a target to grow to 250,000 members by the end of 2026. “May the Sacco prosper, empower many, transform lives, and serve generations of Kenya now and in the future,” Ruto said.
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The President expressed confidence that Shirikiana Sacco could evolve into a major financial institution. “Today marks history. There is a time it will be written when Shirikiana Sacco will be the largest bank in our country,” he declared.
He emphasized that pooling resources at the community level remains one of the most effective tools for economic transformation, enabling ordinary citizens to save, borrow, invest and build long‑term financial stability.
“Shirikiana Sacco is a platform through which ordinary citizens can organise their savings, access affordable credit, build enterprises, create opportunities and build lasting wealth for themselves and their families,” he said.
Ruto also commended CS Oparanya for spearheading reforms in the cooperative sector, affirming the government’s commitment to strengthening institutions that support financial inclusion and grassroots development.
The launch drew senior leaders, including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, who urged leaders across the political divide to join the Sacco and strengthen its financial base. “I urge our President, Oparanya, and all MPs to enter; I also will enter so that we can raise funds that will help the citizens,” Wetang’ula said.
By Masaki Enock
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