LIVE BETTER
Amica Savings & Credit is celebrating two significant milestones simultaneously — its 60th anniversary and a decade of transformative growth under its current brand identity. For the fast growing Sacco, these are not merely ceremonial occasions but a moment to reflect on a transformation that has turned a modest cooperative into one of Kenya’s leading financial institutions.
“For six decades, this Sacco has grown through the trust and commitment of its members,” said Mr. Jediel Mwangi, Amica Sacco Chairman. “Our journey began in 1966 under the Murang’a District Cooperative Union, and over time we have evolved to meet the growing needs of our members.”
2016 was a defining moment when the Sacco rebranded to Amica, repositioning itself as a modern, one-stop financial services provider serving members across multiple sectors of the economy. Today, as a Tier-1 Sacco, Amica stands as a pillar for farmers, SMEs, and salaried workers, providing the liquidity and stability necessary to ensure they live better.
The anniversary comes on the back of a strong financial performance in 2025. Amica’s asset base surpassed Ksh 10 billion for the first time, while share capital grew to Ksh 1 billion. The Sacco recorded Ksh 1.6 billion in revenue — exceeding its annual target by 120 percent.
“These results demonstrate that Amica is not just growing — it is growing with purpose,” Mr. Mwangi noted. He was speaking during the Society’s 28th Annual Delegates Meeting.
Members received a total payout of Ksh 213.97 million, with interest on term deposits paid at a rate of 10.3 percent — a tangible return that affirms the value of membership.
Digital Transformation
Technology has emerged as the central pillar of Amica’s growth strategy, and the numbers bear this out. In 2025, over 85 percent of the Sacco’s cash transactions — totalling Ksh. 26.2 billion — were processed through alternative banking channels, including mobile platforms, agents, and card services.
To further sharpen its analytical capabilities, Amica is rolling out Power BI, a business intelligence and reporting tool designed to support data-driven decision-making. The system provides management with real-time dashboards to monitor performance, track key financial indicators, and identify emerging risks at an early stage.
The Sacco is also implementing an integrated Insurance Management System that will consolidate sales, underwriting, claims processing, and finance onto a single platform — streamlining operations and accelerating claims resolution.
Last year, Amica completed the refurbishment of its 18 branches, creating modern, efficient spaces that have improved both staff productivity and member experience. The Sacco also operates a network of over 600 agents across the country.
Member engagement remains a strategic priority. Through a series of Member Information Days (MIDs) held across its branch network, the Sacco offers members practical financial management insights, product education, and an open forum for feedback. High-performing savers are recognised and celebrated at annual luncheons and dinners — reinforcing a culture of financial discipline and loyalty.
Community Service
As Amica grows, its commitment to the communities that have sustained it over six decades remains firm. The Sacco’s Corporate Social Investment is anchored on three pillars: environmental sustainability, youth empowerment, and education.
One of its flagship environmental initiatives is an ambitious tree-planting programme targeting the planting of one million trees in public primary schools — instilling conservation values in the next generation while contributing to national reforestation goals.
In agriculture, the Sacco’s Youth in Coffee Programme is creating a pipeline of modern coffee farmers. Through demonstration farms in Kahuhia, Kandara, and Kirwara, young participants receive hands-on training alongside high-quality seedlings, manure, fertiliser, agrochemicals, and expert agronomist support. The programme is set to expand to Kiriaini, Kahatia, and Kigumo before the end of 2026.
In education, Amica’s Pre-University Programme continues to make a measurable difference. Last year, 76 young people successfully graduated from the programme — a testament to the impact of structured mentorship and guided academic preparation.
The Sacco also supports youth development through sport. Amica Football Club has advanced to FKF Division 2 Eastern Zone A, and the institution sees it as far more than a sporting platform — it is a vehicle for character development and opportunity creation among young people. Beyond these programmes, the Sacco continues to respond to community needs through donations, educational support, and emergency assistance.
The Future
Mr. Mwangi outlined an ambitious set of targets for the year. “Our key objectives include growing our membership by 15,000, expanding our asset base to Ksh 12 billion, and grow deposits and loan book.”
To achieve these milestones, Amica is prioritising full digitisation of customer onboarding, payments, loan applications, and procurement. Compliance with SASRA regulations — alongside robust internal controls, risk management frameworks, and good corporate governance — remains the foundation upon which all growth ambitions rest.
For Dr. James K. Mbui, Amica’s Chief Executive Officer, the Sacco’s 60th anniversary is best understood through the lens of data.
Membership has expanded to 211,935 as of 2025. The asset base has grown from Ksh. 2.89 billion in 2016 to Ksh. 10.78 billion in 2025. Deposits climbed from Ksh. 2.15 billion to over Ksh. 8 billion — with Ksh. 1.34 billion added in 2025 alone. The loan book expanded from Ksh. 1.78 billion to Ksh. 9.23 billion, recording Ksh. 1.74 billion in growth last year. Perhaps the most telling indicator of institutional health is the Sacco’s shift from a net loss of Ksh. 76.9 million in 2016 to a surplus of Ksh. 272 million in 2025.
Dr. Mbui attributed much of this growth to a deliberate and sustained focus on technology. The Sacco is launching an Online Member Onboarding portal that will allow new members to join remotely, without visiting a physical branch.
Sixty years on, Amica Sacco is not resting on the weight of its history. It is building on it and changing the lives of members by enabling them plan smarter.
“For six decades, this Sacco has grown through the trust and commitment of its members.”
~ Mr. Jediel Mwangi, Amica Sacco Chairman.
