Marembo Rainbow SILC Organization, an umbrella body for over 250 Savings and Internal Lending Communities (SILC) groups, has announced plans to establish a mega Sacco to serve table banking groups in Kilifi and Tana River Counties starting next year.
Group President Mwabonje Mwangudza said the proposed Marembo Rainbow Sacco will offer low-interest loans to members who have long struggled to access credit from financial institutions and government funds.
Speaking at Kijanaheri area of Magarini Sub County during the group’s annual general meeting on Tuesday, Mwakudza cited complex documentation requirements as a major barrier to securing credit for members.
“Many of our members did not go far in school, and the loan processes require documents they struggle to fill,” he said. “We want to create a Sacco that understands their needs and supports them without unnecessary barriers.”
He added that the Sacco will be one of the largest in Kilifi County, with plans to serve members beyond the region. The group also intends to purchase a bus next year to ease transport challenges for members attending meetings and events.
“Transport is a major challenge. Our goal is to acquire a group bus next year, and we are asking for support to make that a reality,” he noted.
Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro, who attended the event as chief guest, encouraged the initiative and pledged county support through an upcoming World Bank-funded Sacco programme.
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“There is a new Sacco programme coming to Kilifi, and groups like Marembo will benefit greatly from it. We will support you, but you must set up a Sacco,” he said.
To support the transport initiative, Governor Mung’aro, who accepted a request to be the organisation’s patron, donated Sh300,000 and pledged an additional Ksh1 million towards the bus purchase.
Marembo chairperson Linda Otieno explained that the union was formed to address internal conflicts, especially loan defaults adding a special committee was created to trace defaulters and resolve disputes, which has strengthened trust within the network.
“Some members used to borrow and refuse to pay. We created a committee to follow up such issues, and it has worked,” she said. Otieno also called for a review of rigid government loan and grants requirements that continue to exclude many grassroots groups.
“The rules are too strict because of past cases of defaulting, but times have changed. People at the Coast now value education and are empowering their children. It’s time these rules are relaxed so our groups can benefit,” she urged.
A member, Janet Rehema Tinga said table banking had enabled her to educate her children and supported the proposal to form a Sacco. “Marembo groups, though small, have greatly uplifted our economic wellbeing. I am able to educate my children with ease thanks to table banking,” she said.
By Our Reporter
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