Gladys

Fraud has always been one of the biggest challenges facing Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) and Microfinance Institutions (MFIs). From impersonation to fake accounts and loan defaults, dishonest practices drain resources, reduce member trust, and threaten long-term sustainability. As these institutions digitize their services, fraudsters are also becoming more sophisticated. That’s where digital identity […]

For decades, Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) have played a crucial role in financial inclusion across Kenya. They’ve enabled millions to access credit, grow their savings, and build community-based wealth. Yet, as the financial landscape evolves, one challenge becomes increasingly clear: SACCOs are struggling to attract young people and informal groups. This gap threatens

In Kenya’s dynamic financial landscape, Chamas, informal savings and investment groups, have long been a pillar of community-based finance. From rural villages to urban centers, millions of Kenyans pool resources through Chamas to support personal goals, business ventures, and emergencies. But as Chamas grow in membership, savings, and complexity, many begin to encounter challenges: lack

While the push for digitization in SACCOs is undeniable, a key challenge remains: widespread unreliable internet and low smartphone penetration in rural areas. This article explores how adopting offline‑first digital tools, such as USSD, SMS, and locally cached mobile apps, can be a game‑changer for reaching underserved communities without compromising usability. 1. The Rural Connectivity

In the heart of Kenya’s informal economy, Chamas (micro‑savings groups) and SACCOs (Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations) have long served as lifelines for financial access. But the digital tide is changing this landscape, ushering in a transformative wave of accessibility, efficiency, and inclusion that resonates across both rural and urban communities. 1. Digitizing Community Savings:

For decades, SACCOs (Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations) have played a crucial role in advancing financial inclusion across Kenya and beyond. They’ve helped millions save, access affordable credit, and build financial security. But as the financial landscape shifts, so do the expectations of SACCO members. In today’s digital world, members no longer want to wait

In today’s Kenya, mobile loans are available in seconds, but their convenience hides a dangerous trap. High interest rates, short repayment periods, and impulsive borrowing often leave borrowers worse off. But what if the solution isn’t borrowing more, but saving smarter? That’s where SACCOs come in, not just as financial institutions, but as long-term partners

Across Africa and many developing regions, millions remain unbanked, not by choice, but by circumstance. Lack of access to traditional banking services continues to lock out low-income individuals, rural communities, and informal sector workers from financial growth. SACCOs and MFIs are uniquely positioned to change that. And now, with digital innovation, they have the tools

In the rapidly evolving financial services landscape, SACCOs and Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) face increasing pressure to deliver value, scale operations, and maintain financial sustainability. While digital tools are widely discussed, one underleveraged advantage is data analytics. For SACCOs and MFIs that want to move from reactive management to proactive growth, connecting the power of data

In the fast-paced world of finance, it’s easy to get caught up in metrics, loan books, interest rates, portfolio performance. But for SACCOs (Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations) and MFIs (Microfinance Institutions), the true foundation of long-term success isn’t just in numbers. It lies in something less visible but far more powerful: Trust. SACCOs and