Residents of Western Kenya, comprising Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, Trans-Nzoia, and Vihiga counties, are set to benefit from a new regional Savings and Credit Cooperative (SACCO) aimed at driving economic empowerment.
The initiative, dubbed “Tushirikiane DT Sacco,” is being spearheaded by the Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives, Wycliffe Oparanya, who on Saturday convened a high-level stakeholders’ meeting at his Mabole home to chart the way forward.
The SACCO has already secured its name reservation, and interim officials representing each of the five counties were elected during the meeting.
Addressing over 1,000 attendees, CS Oparanya revealed that the SACCO has already enlisted 10,000 members across the region, with an ambitious target of reaching 250,000 members within three months.
“I urge the interim officials to expedite the registration process so that within two weeks, we have a certificate to move forward,” he said.
He emphasized that the SACCO is designed to enable members to save and access affordable credit, thereby improving livelihoods through support in education, healthcare, and other essential needs.
CS Oparanya also announced that he had officially registered as Member No. 001, calling on residents of the Western region to embrace the initiative.
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Unlike traditional SACCOs that were often aligned to specific professions—such as Mwalimu National SACCO for teachers and Mhasibu SACCO for accountants—Tushirikiane DT Sacco will adopt an inclusive approach, welcoming members from all sectors.
To ensure strong institutional support, the initiative has brought on board key stakeholders, including the State Department of Cooperatives, CIC Insurance Group, SASRA, and Safaricom.
Government Backing and Regional Support
Western Region County Commissioner Irungu Macharia lauded the initiative, describing it as a strategic government intervention to alleviate poverty.
“This is a deliberate effort to uplift our people economically. Through savings and access to credit, households will better manage education and healthcare needs,” he noted.
He added that the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) will play a key role in mobilizing and sensitizing communities across the five counties.
Lugari Member of Parliament Nabii Nabwera praised the SACCO as a practical implementation of the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
“I have registered as Member No. 002 and will actively support recruitment and training efforts in Lugari,” he said.
Ikolomani MP Benard Shinali, who chairs the Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, highlighted ongoing legislative efforts to streamline SACCO operations.
“We are working on laws to enhance accountability and protect members’ savings, ensuring that SACCOs are professionally managed,” he stated.
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SASRA acting CEO Mr David Sandagi affirmed the authority’s commitment to guiding the SACCO through compliance and regulatory processes.
Sandagi noted that Kenya currently has over 350 registered SACCOs, with about 10 based in the Western region, adding that SASRA will support Tushirikiane DT Sacco to ensure swift and compliant establishment.
Community members welcomed the initiative, with Mrs Mary Vihenda from Hamisi Sub-county expressing optimism about its impact.
“This is a noble idea that will uplift lives across the Mulembe Nation. I am proud to be part of Tushirikiane and will fully support it,” she said.
CS Oparanya urged NGAO officers and regional leaders to intensify public awareness campaigns to ensure inclusivity. “No one should be left behind. This SACCO belongs to all of us.” Oparanya said.
By Victor Ngecho
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