Mr Eliud Chepkwony talks about his journey in the cooperative movement since 1983. He retired gracefully as Jamii Sacco celebrated 50 years of exemplary service delivery.
Jamii Sacco Chief Executive Officer Mr Eliud Chepkwony retires a happy man, having, literally, turned the rock into a diamond. He has served the institution for over to 33 years, playing an instrumental role in its growth and transformation to an elite Tier One Sacco.
“I joined the Society when it had no record of members, only manual member statements. We have managed to ensure that we develop record for each and every member and records for every activity and programmes conducted by the Society,” says Mr Chepkwony.
The Society has dramatically transformed its members’ livelihoods, which gave Mr Chepkwony more content, as he called it a day in April 2022.
“It’s satisfying that today I can walk in any place and be happy to meet Jamii Sacco members whose livelihoods have significantly changed for the better. I have had close association with them, in fact, many are my friends, we have developed very close relationship with them in terms of business and they enjoy services we offer,” he says.
A trailblazer, calm and focused, Mr Chepkwony’s success as a manager is entwined with his ability to touch members’ hearts through selfless service. Being a CEO of a large-tiered Sacco, his motivation has always been to serve and transform lives, which he has accomplished.
“When I see people transformed into better individuals, members of staff, leaders, and co-operators that gives me a lot of joy. All through, my goal has been to ensure that all enjoy Jamii Sacco financial services,” he says.
“Transformation is woven into the fabric of who we are and what we do as an institution since 1972 when Jamii Sacco was founded,” he explains in an exclusive interview with Co-op News. “I had the distinct privilege and opportunity to actualize this dream.”
For him, it matters so much that the Sacco’s mission to mobilize savings and provide credit through innovative products and services in a dynamic business environment to ensure optimum returns and exceptional customer experience has been achieved under his tenure with the support of different stakeholders.
“I do not think I have anything to regret for the time I have been here, the only time we had challenges was during the disruption occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic. That was the most difficult time for me, but I am glad we were able to sail through,” he says.
Mr Chepkwony, now 62, retired in 2019, but the Board extended his contract by two years to prepare for a smooth transition. “I think it was a God-given opportunity for me to serve the Sacco during the pandemic’s turbulent time to support the Board and Staff wade through,” he notes.
50 years of excellent service
As the Society marked its 50th anniversary, Mr Chepkwony sees Jamii Sacco as a tiger in the cooperative movement. He asserts that the institution has transformed members’ lives at family, county, national, and diaspora levels.
“Golden Jubilee celebrations mark an excellent chapter in our history, a time when we are reflecting on achievements and asking ourselves where we want to go in the future,” he says.
“We are set for a paradigm shift and everyone in Jamii fraternity knows the Sacco future is about embracing technology, centralizing our ledger in readiness to use even the digital currency if it will benefit members,” he says, adding, “This is the only way the Society will be able to grow and remain among the tigers in the cooperative movement.”
He retires shoulders high, having left an indelible mark in his service to the cooperative movement. He joined the Sacco in 1983 after being seconded by the national government to support the institution in streamlining its operations.
“The Sacco had less than 2,000 members and a balance sheet of Ksh1.6 million. Through the support of Board of Directors, Staff and members, the Sacco has tremendously grown in terms of members, deposits, revenue and loan book,” he says.
Mr Chepkwony became the Sacco General Manager in 1988. He has steered it to high heights, achieving all-around growth while enabling members to uplift their livelihoods. Today, it has over 24,000 members and over Ksh5 billion in total assets.
“The Sacco did not have its own premises until 1998 when we started Front Office Service Activity (FOSA) after benchmarking with Unaitas (then Muramati) and Ollin (Muhigia) Saccos, among others. FOSA turned into a big thing and we had to open a bigger office,” he recalls.
The Sacco now has its sights set on leveraging technology to spur growth and enhance customer satisfaction. It has revolutionized its service delivery by introducing digital banking solutions for members’ convenience.
“We are now spending significant amounts of capital, time and effort on reshaping this institution through ICT,” he reveals. “Currently, we have the mobile banking and our digital platforms are accessible countrywide.”
Besides, he says, the Sacco has moved from a process-driven entity to one that’s much more person-focused. Its relentless client focus, he stresses, has ensured that every decision made is customer-centric.
Under his leadership, Jamii has also established a strategic partnership with other stakeholders, such as Co-op Bank, CIC, WOCCU, and KUSCCO, to maximize members’ benefits.
Adding Value
Mr Chepkwony states that integrity, professionalism, customer focus, teamwork, equity, innovation, and dynamism are not mere buzzwords but carefully chosen values to inspire and drive all Sacco’s actions. “Corporate values are instilled in organizations to help guide employees towards a common goal and encourage them to work together as a team. Our core values run the gamut.”
Jamii Sacco has also empowered members through organized training and education forums. “We know that transformation is not selective. Everyone can change their life with the right support. The difference is opportunity and whether things are made available for us. There are many individuals and small businesses out there that Jamii Sacco has supported and are no longer surviving but thriving.”
Mr Chepkwony says the Sacco has introduced a variety of products (short, medium, and longer) to cater to the diverse financial needs of members.
He attributes the Sacco’s success to good governance, teamwork, and quality services that have inspired members’ confidence to save more and borrow for personal or business growth.
Born in Nandi in 1959 and bred in Uasin Gishu, Mr Chepkwony will be remembered as a man who has transformed not only Jamii Sacco but also members’ livelihoods. He says farming will keep him busy.
A trailblazer on many fronts, the CEO has much to emulate for upcoming cooperative managers. He defines a good cooperative leader as a person who considers human beings as creatures created by God, a person who understands his role, customers’ expectations, and how to satisfy them. “If you are able to deliver your mandate in way that it brings satisfaction, then you will succeed.”
The future, he notes, is about embracing technology, enhancing customer care, and delivering innovative financial products and services.
“Members, Leaders, and Staff of Jamii Sacco must continue to grow this institution to high heights. I believe they are equal to the task,” he says.
