Cooperatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya speaking at the Stima DT SACCO Annual Delegates Conference in Mombasa. PHOTO | COURTESY

Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has urged SACCOs to strengthen governance, prudent lending and financial accountability as the sector’s assets grow to Ksh.1.21 trillion.

Oparanya said the growth of SACCOs must translate into better services, financial security and investment opportunities for members.

Speaking at the Stima DT SACCO Annual Delegates Conference in Mombasa, Oparanya cited the 2025 SACCO Supervision Annual Report, which showed regulated SACCOs’ assets rose from Ksh.1.08 trillion in 2024 to Ksh.1.21 trillion.

Membership increased to 7.87 million from 7.39 million, while deposits grew to Ksh.832.74 billion from Ksh.749.43 billion.

“Their growth places a greater obligation on all of us to strengthen governance, protect savings and ensure that credit supports meaningful improvements in members’ lives,” Oparanya said.

He called on SACCO leaders to ensure lending decisions reflect borrowers’ repayment capacity and that members understand the costs and obligations of loans.

Oparanya also urged SACCOs to invest in secure digital platforms, strengthen cybersecurity and improve financial literacy to protect members from fraud and enhance service delivery.

At Stima DT SACCO, assets reached approximately Ksh.75.27 billion in 2025, with the society targeting Ksh.113.5 billion under its 2025–2029 strategic plan.

Oparanya said achieving the target would require sound lending, effective cost management and reliable services.

“Growth must be supported by the capital, liquidity and systems needed to sustain it,” he said.

“Members are at the heart of the cooperative model and must enjoy quality, reliable and seamless services.” said PS Kilemi

Stima DT SACCO Chief Executive Officer Gamaliel Hassan said the society was focused on sustainable growth, operational efficiency, stronger revenue streams and prudent risk management.

“Our success will be measured not only by our financial performance but also by the value we create for our membership,” Hassan said.

The conference, held under the theme ‘From Strategy to Impact,’ focused on SACCO governance, financial stewardship, member representation and the society’s financial performance.