- In an increasingly skeptical financial environment, trust is no longer assumed, it is earned. This is especially true in Kenya’s SACCO movement, where a mix of success stories and mismanagement scandals has left members cautious and demanding accountability. In this edition of The Scholar Africa, we spotlight a SACCO that has not only earned back the trust of its members but is also shaping a new narrative for cooperative finance.
- Wakenya Pamoja SACCO, under the capable leadership of Dr. Isaac Omwenga, has emerged as a beacon of resilience and innovation. From restoring stability and member confidence to deploying cutting-edge digital solutions and expanding services for diaspora communities, the SACCO represents the future of ethical, inclusive, and people-centered financial services.
- This in-depth feature explores how Wakenya Pamoja has turned the tide, why it stands out in Kenya’s financial landscape, and what its success means for the broader cooperative movement across Africa. It is a story of vision, leadership, and strategic transformation—and one that deserves national and continental attention.
In the complex world of savings and credit cooperatives (SACCOs), trust is a currency as valuable as money. For Wakenya Pamoja SACCO, regaining that trust has been a deliberate journey, one that is now paying off in remarkable ways. Under the firm leadership of Dr. Isaac Omwenga, the SACCO has undergone a significant transformation, marked by stability, innovation, and renewed confidence among its members.
Today, Wakenya Pamoja is no longer just recovering from past turbulence, it is charting new territory as one of the fastest-growing SACCOs in Kenya.
A Turnaround Rooted in Leadership
When Dr. Isaac Omwenga took the reins as CEO, Wakenya Pamoja SACCO was at a crossroads. Members’ faith had been shaken, and the SACCO’s credibility needed urgent restoration. Through intentional reforms, transparent communication, and a member-first approach, Dr. Omwenga has successfully steered the institution into calmer waters.
What followed was a methodical rebuilding process. Governance systems were tightened, service delivery restructured, and the SACCO’s strategic direction revised. The results have been nothing short of impressive.
Mr. Francis Ayieko, the SACCO’s Chairman, reiterated this transformation during the 33rd Annual Delegates Meeting. He explained how the leadership had revised the SACCO’s strategic plan for 2024–2026 to focus on technology, operational efficiency, and enhanced member services. These changes have helped the institution not only regain its footing but also set a clear course for future sustainability.
Growth That Speaks Volumes
By every measurable standard, Wakenya Pamoja is on an upward trajectory. In 2024 alone, the SACCO experienced notable financial growth. Total assets expanded by 11%, while member deposits rose by over 10.8%. Its share capital grew by 5.6%, and membership surged past 123,000 individuals.
Even more telling is the growth in loan disbursement. Over KSh 950 million was issued in loans in 2024, up from approximately KSh 838 million in 2023. These figures indicate more than just financial activity—they reflect renewed member confidence, increased participation, and tangible impact on people’s lives and livelihoods.
Membership growth is also being driven by the SACCO’s deliberate outreach strategy. By targeting underserved groups such as the youth, women, and diaspora communities, the institution is broadening its base and deepening its societal relevance.
Technology: The Heart of Transformation
One of the most transformative elements of Wakenya Pamoja’s rebirth has been its investment in digital innovation. The introduction of Wakenya M‑Cash, a mobile banking platform, has dramatically improved access and convenience for members. Through a simple USSD code (*346#) or a smartphone app, members can now deposit savings, apply for loans, repay debt, or pay bills—anytime, anywhere.
This technology isn’t just about convenience; it’s a strategic tool to increase financial inclusion, especially for members in remote or rural areas who previously struggled to access financial services. Already, Wakenya M‑Cash has facilitated the disbursement of hundreds of millions of shillings in loans, and its usage continues to grow rapidly.
In tandem with this digital shift, the SACCO is actively working to integrate more advanced security protocols and member authentication systems to safeguard user data and funds.
Serving the Diaspora—A New Frontier
One of the standout achievements under Dr. Omwenga’s leadership is the SACCO’s renewed focus on diaspora members. Many Kenyans living abroad have traditionally faced hurdles in sending money back home or participating in cooperative investments. Wakenya Pamoja has decisively responded to this gap by partnering with Co-operative Bank of Kenya to launch a robust diaspora banking solution.
This new system enables members in the diaspora to directly deposit funds into their SACCO accounts: no middlemen, no delays, and no risks. According to Mr. Ayieko, this innovation is already helping to transform how Kenyans abroad engage with local financial institutions.
In addition to secure deposit options, plans are underway to roll out more services tailored specifically for the diaspora, including remote account opening, investment advisory, and e-loan facilities.
Building Confidence, One Member at a Time
At the core of Wakenya Pamoja’s success story is a commitment to putting the member first. Whether through technology, communication, or financial education, the SACCO has placed the needs and concerns of its members at the heart of its strategy.
Operational transparency has been prioritized. The leadership has instituted regular audits, stronger internal controls, and member education forums to ensure everyone understands how their money is being managed. The result has been a gradual yet firm restoration of trust, especially critical in a sector often tainted by stories of mismanagement.
Dr. Omwenga emphasizes that maintaining the highest levels of professionalism and excellence in service delivery remains their top priority. He believes that only by continuously listening to members and adjusting services accordingly can the SACCO remain relevant and competitive.
Inclusion and Empowerment: More Than Buzzwords
The SACCO has also begun tackling deeper structural challenges, including gender imbalance and youth exclusion in cooperative leadership. During the recent delegates’ meeting, Commissioner David Obonyo lauded the SACCO’s performance but also called for more inclusion of women and young people in decision-making roles.
Wakenya Pamoja’s response has been proactive. Beyond creating targeted financial products for youth and women, the SACCO is expanding its leadership development programs to ensure broader representation. Financial literacy campaigns are also being scaled up to equip members with the knowledge and confidence to lead and participate more effectively.
Strategic Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, the SACCO’s five-year strategic plan outlines an ambitious but achievable vision. Key among its goals are:
- Expanding reach through satellite branches and agency banking once regulatory approval is secured.
- Enhancing digital services with improved user experience and cybersecurity measures.
- Broadening product offerings, especially for diaspora members, including investment tools and savings plans.
- Driving inclusive governance by empowering youth and women to assume leadership roles.
- Fostering partnerships with financial institutions and tech firms to expand capacity and deliver better services.
Through it all, the focus remains consistent: to deliver affordable, accessible, and secure financial services that empower individuals and transform communities.
A Model SACCO in a Challenging Sector
The broader SACCO sector in Kenya still faces challenges. Some cooperatives have suffered from mismanagement, delayed member withdrawals, and poor technological adoption. Negative sentiments and horror stories from frustrated members have not been uncommon.
But Wakenya Pamoja SACCO is cutting a different path. It is demonstrating that with integrity, innovation, and member-centred leadership, it is possible to not only restore faith but also build a thriving financial institution that truly serves its people.
A SACCO Reborn with Purpose
The transformation of Wakenya Pamoja SACCO under the leadership of Dr. Isaac Omwenga is a compelling narrative of resilience, strategy, and service. From regaining member trust to embracing digital innovation and diaspora inclusion, the SACCO is proving that cooperative finance still holds tremendous potential for socioeconomic empowerment.
As it moves forward, Wakenya Pamoja stands not just as a successful SACCO, but as a symbol of what’s possible when financial institutions are driven by vision, guided by values, and anchored in community trust. For members both within Kenya and across borders, it has become more than just a place to save—it has become a trusted partner for growth and stability.
BACKGROUND
Nestled just about one kilometre from the heart of Kisii’s Central Business District, Wakenya Pamoja Sacco’s head office commands a strategic position at Kahawa House, along the busy Kisii–Sotik Road, near the landmark Daraja Moja roundabout. Its presence in this dynamic corridor not only enhances accessibility for members from all walks of life but also reflects the institution’s deep integration with the social and economic rhythms of the region.
The story of Wakenya Pamoja Sacco is a powerful testament to community resilience and financial empowerment. Established in 1976 as a union banking section under the Kisii Farmers’ Co-operative Union, the Sacco was originally created to provide financial services to farmers, particularly those cultivating tea and coffee. By 1992, it had gained autonomy and was renamed Gusii Farmers Rural Sacco (GRFS), marking a new chapter in its quest for wider impact and operational growth. Its rebranding to Wakenya Pamoja Sacco later signified a broader, national vision: one of unity, inclusion, and service to all Kenyans.
Today, Wakenya Pamoja Sacco stands as a model financial institution in the region and beyond. Its licensing in April 2011 by the Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA) as a Deposit-Taking Sacco (DT-SACCO) elevated it into a new league of trust and compliance, opening up opportunities for greater member mobilization and institutional sustainability. The Sacco now boasts a vibrant membership of over 123,000 and an asset base approaching Ksh 2 billion.
Guided by values of integrity, professionalism, innovation, and customer focus, Wakenya Pamoja Sacco offers a wide array of services—including savings, loans, insurance, business development, and asset financing. One of its recent and notable milestones is the launch of Wakenya M-Cash, a user-friendly mobile banking platform introduced in September 2023. This platform, available via a mobile app and the USSD code *346#, allows members to deposit, withdraw, borrow, repay loans, and make payments from the convenience of their phones—ensuring seamless access to services, especially for rural farmers and small-scale entrepreneurs.
Yet, the Sacco’s strength is not only in its digital infrastructure. Its robust network of partnerships with institutions like Co-operative Bank of Kenya, CIC Insurance, and international development organizations such as CIDR has propelled it into strategic roles within local and national development ecosystems. The Sacco’s WPS–CIDR microfinance unit, for example, has facilitated access to credit for small businesses and promoted entrepreneurship across the region. As an agent of the Coffee Development Fund (CoDF), it has disbursed millions to farmers in Kisii, Nyamira, and Gucha, strengthening agricultural value chains and improving household incomes.
From its nestled location just a stone’s throw from Kisii’s urban centre, Wakenya Pamoja Sacco continues to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation—honoring its roots in cooperative farming while embracing the tools of modern finance to unlock new possibilities. Its proximity to both urban clientele and rural communities makes it a vital economic hub, where every shilling saved or loaned becomes a building block for someone’s dream.
With a clear vision and an enduring commitment to “Save Today, Prosper Tomorrow,” Wakenya Pamoja Sacco is more than a financial institution—it is a trusted development partner, a catalyst for transformation, and a true symbol of togetherness in action. From its founding ideals to its digital frontiers, the Sacco remains firmly grounded in the aspirations of its members, and steadfast in its mission to change lives across Gusiiland and Kenya at large.
By Scholar Media Africa Feature Desk
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