The regulated Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO) sub-sector pumped a staggering Ksh 131.84 billion into the Kenyan economy during the third quarter of 2025, a new report by the Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA) reveals.
According to the Quarter Three Statistical and Soundness Report (September 2025), total credit disbursements grew by 5.5% compared to the same period in 2024, where disbursements stood at Ksh 124.98 billion.
The data highlights Land and Housing and Education sectors together accounted for nearly half of all loans disbursed between July and September 2025.
While Land and Housing retained the top spot as the most funded sector, the report highlights a significant rise in education financing.
Credit disbursed to the Education sector jumped sharply to Ksh 31.71 billion in September 2025, up from Ksh 21.99 billion in June 2025. This surge, representing 24.05% of the total lending portfolio, aligns with the traditional demand for school and college fees during the third quarter.
Despite the surge in school fees lending, Land and Housing remained the primary beneficiary of SACCO funds. The sector absorbed Ksh 32.70 billion (24.80% of total disbursements).
A breakdown of the sub-sectors reveals that members borrowed Ksh 17.37 billion specifically for land purchases and Ksh 15.33 billion for housing construction and renovation, underscoring the SACCO movement’s critical role in Kenya’s affordable housing agenda.
Agriculture and Trade
The Agriculture sector maintained its position as the third-largest recipient of credit, receiving Ksh 21.94 billion (16.64%).
- Animal Production led this segment, attracting Ksh 9.99 billion.
- Crop Farming followed closely with Ksh 9.73 billion.
The Trade sector also saw robust activity, with disbursements hitting Ksh 16.79 billion. The vast majority of this (Ksh 11.47 billion) went to Wholesale and Retail enterprises, signaling strong support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Conversely, the report noted lower credit uptake in the Human Health sector, which received the least financing at Ksh 3.24 billion (2.45%), followed by Manufacturing and Servicing Industries at Ksh 5.01 billion (3.80%).
Summary of Q3 2025 Disbursements (Top 4 Sectors)
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Land and Housing: Ksh 32.70 Billion
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Education: Ksh 31.71 Billion
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Agriculture: Ksh 21.94 Billion
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Trade: Ksh 16.79 Billion
SASRA noted that the analysis aligns with the International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC), ensuring that the data reflects the true economic impact of the cooperative movement in Kenya.
