Saccos in Kenya | Frequently Asked Questions

I created a post on facebook, tiktok and twitter and it gained lots of reactions, people have questions regarding saccos. I then took the initiative of sampling all the questions and answer them in this FAQ article. After you read the most asked questions about saccos in Kenya, I have another article on the best saccos in Kenya. Make sure you go through it so that you make informed decisions before joining a Sacco.

1. How much do I need to join a SACCO?

The amount required to join a SACCO varies from one institution to another. Most SACCOs in Kenya require a membership fee ranging from Ksh 500 to Ksh 5,000. Additionally, members are required to make monthly contributions, which can be as low as Ksh 1,000 or as high as Ksh 10,000, depending on the SACCO's policies and your savings goals.

2. How much does it cost to register a SACCO in Kenya?

To register a SACCO in Kenya, you need at least Ksh 50,000, which covers registration fees and other administrative costs. You must also have a minimum of 10 founding members. The process involves submitting your SACCO’s constitution, bylaws, and business plan to the Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA) or the Commissioner for Co-operatives, depending on whether you’re forming a deposit-taking or non-deposit-taking SACCO.

3. What is the loan processing fee for a SACCO?

Loan processing fees vary from one SACCO to another, typically ranging between 1% and 3% of the loan amount. Some SACCOs charge a flat fee, while others apply a percentage-based charge. It’s always good to check the fine print to understand any hidden fees or charges before applying for a loan.

4. Which are the best SACCOs in Kenya?

Some of the best SACCOs in Kenya include:

• Mwalimu National SACCO – Ideal for teachers and education sector employees.

• Stima SACCO – Great for those in the energy sector.

• Kenya Police SACCO – Best suited for law enforcement officers.

• Safaricom SACCO – Perfect for employees in the tech industry.

• Harambee SACCO – Open to civil servants and government workers.

• Unaitas SACCO – Popular among entrepreneurs and SMEs.

The best SACCO depends on your profession, financial goals, and preferred loan products.

5. Which SACCOs have collapsed in Kenya?

Several SACCOs have collapsed over the years due to mismanagement and fraud. Some notable ones include:

• Ekeza SACCO – Collapsed in 2018 due to mismanagement.

• Ukombozi SACCO – Went under due to financial misappropriation.

• Kenya Women SACCO (KWFT) – Though it has rebranded, it faced financial struggles in the past.

It’s important to conduct due diligence before joining a SACCO to ensure it is well-managed and financially stable.

6. How much do I need to start a SACCO in Kenya?

To start a SACCO in Kenya, you need at least Ksh 50,000 for registration fees and operational costs. However, the actual amount required will depend on factors like office setup, employee salaries, and marketing expenses. Having a clear business plan and securing sufficient capital from members will help in smooth operations.

7. Which is the best digital SACCO in Kenya?

The best digital SACCOs in Kenya include:

• Stima SACCO’s mobile platform – Provides online banking services.

• Safaricom SACCO – Has a fully digital onboarding and loan processing system.

If you prefer convenience and online access, go for a SACCO with a strong digital presence.

8. Is it better to save in a bank or SACCO?

SACCOs generally offer better interest rates on savings (5-10% per annum) compared to banks (1-4%). They also provide affordable loans with lower interest rates. However, banks offer more liquidity, meaning you can access your money anytime. If your goal is long-term savings and affordable credit, a SACCO is better. If you need easy access to funds, a bank is the way to go.

9. Is joining a SACCO a good idea?

Yes! Joining a SACCO is a great way to build savings, access affordable loans, and earn dividends on your shares. Unlike banks, SACCOs reinvest profits into their members, ensuring your money works for you.

10. What are the disadvantages of saving in a SACCO?

Some drawbacks include:

• Limited liquidity – Withdrawals are not instant.

• Loan security requirements – You often need guarantors.

• Management risks – Poorly run SACCOs can collapse.

11.What are the risks of SACCOs?

• Mismanagement – If the SACCO is poorly managed, you could lose your savings.

• Delayed loan approvals – Some SACCOs have slow loan processing times.

• Regulatory changes – New government regulations could affect operations.

12. Can I withdraw my savings from a SACCO?

Yes, but most SACCOs have withdrawal restrictions. You may need to give a notice of 30 to 90 days, and some SACCOs require you to exit the membership before withdrawing all your savings.

13. Is it illegal to be in two SACCOs in Kenya?

No, it’s not illegal. You can join multiple SACCOs as long as you meet their membership requirements and maintain your contributions.

14. How do I choose a SACCO?

Look for a SACCO that offers:

• Competitive interest rates on savings and loans.

• A strong track record of financial stability.

• Digital services for convenience.

• SASRA registration for deposit-taking SACCOs.

15. How does a SACCO make money?

SACCOs earn revenue through:

• Interest on loans issued to members.

• Membership and processing fees.

• Investments in government securities and real estate.

16. How can SACCOs support small businesses?

SACCOs offer business-friendly loans with lower interest rates, allowing SMEs to grow. They also provide financial education and investment opportunities.

17. What happens if a SACCO goes bankrupt?

If a SACCO goes bankrupt, SASRA or the Commissioner of Co-operatives steps in to liquidate assets and refund members. However, you might not recover your full savings.

18. How are dividends calculated and distributed in a SACCO?

Dividends are calculated based on the SACCO’s annual profits and a member’s shares. Most SACCOs distribute dividends yearly, with rates ranging between 8% and 15%.

19. What types of SACCOs exist in Kenya?

1. Deposit-taking SACCOs (DTS) – Regulated by SASRA and accept deposits.

2. Non-deposit-taking SACCOs – Offer loans but don’t hold deposits.

3. Employer-based SACCOs – Limited to employees of a specific company.

4. Community-based SACCOs – Open to people in a specific region.

20. Are SACCOs regulated in Kenya?

Yes, SACCOs are regulated by SASRA for deposit-taking institutions. Non-deposit-taking SACCOs are overseen by the Commissioner for Co-operatives.

21. How do SACCO loans work?

SACCO loans are given based on your savings and the number of guarantors. Most SACCOs offer loans up to three times your savings at an interest rate of 1% per month on a reducing balance.

22. What are the benefits of joining a SACCO?

• High-interest rates on savings.

• Low-interest loans.

• Annual dividends.

• Financial security and cooperative investment opportunities.

Joining a SACCO is a smart financial move, especially if you want to save and grow your wealth in a structured, member-driven institution.