Africa-Press – Kenya. Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has urged Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies to strengthen governance, enhance transparency, and fully embrace digital transformation to safeguard members’ savings and remain competitive.
Speaking as chief guest during the 11th SACCO Leaders Convention 2026 held at a PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort Spa in Shanzu, Mombasa, Oparanya said the cooperative movement remains a key pillar of Kenya’s economic growth and financial inclusion.
“The cooperative sector must uphold accountability and adopt technology to ensure efficiency, transparency, and protection of members’ deposits,” he said during the launch of the sector report.
The convention brought together over 600 SACCO leaders, regulators, and industry players to deliberate on governance reforms, compliance, and innovation in the sector.
Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu emphasised the importance of adherence to the rule of law in cooperative management, noting that strong legal and governance frameworks are essential in sustaining public confidence.
The National Chairman of the Kenya Union of Savings and Credit Cooperatives (KUSCCO) David Mategwa called for unity within the movement and urged SACCO leaders to strengthen internal systems, enhance prudential standards and prioritize member-focused growth.
Principal Secretary for MSMEs, Patrick Kilemi, reiterated government support for SACCOs, describing them as vital engines for empowering micro, small and medium enterprises across the country.
Oparanya also commended the Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA) for its strong oversight role in ensuring SACCOs operate within regulatory compliance, thereby improving stability and protecting members’ funds.
Meanwhile, Craft Silicon emerged as the Gold Sponsor of the convention, showcasing a range of digital solutions aimed at modernising SACCO operations.
Speaking at the forum, Craft Silicon’s Head of Business, Moses Murage, said digitisation is no longer optional for SACCOs seeking to remain relevant in a fast-changing financial landscape.
“As a FinTech company, we are focused on ensuring even the most remote SACCO member can access loans, transfer funds and manage their accounts conveniently through their mobile phones,” he said.
Craft Silicon provides integrated core banking systems tailored for SACCOs, covering savings, loans management, accounting and treasury functions.
The firm also offers mobile banking platforms, USSD services, internet banking, member self-service portals, automated loan processing, and real-time reporting tools to enhance efficiency and regulatory reporting.
The company further supports SACCOs with cybersecurity solutions, payment integrations and scalable digital infrastructure designed to suit institutions of different sizes.
With increased emphasis on compliance, transparency and technology, stakeholders at the convention agreed that the future of Kenya’s cooperative movement lies in strong governance and smart digital adoption.
