In a powerful demonstration of the 7th Cooperative Principle—Concern for Community—Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (Saccos) dedicated the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 to social initiatives that go far beyond financial empowerment. By addressing humanitarian needs, public health crises, and environmental sustainability, the sub-sector is proving that cooperatives are vital agents of holistic societal change.
For instance, in Gatundu South Sub-county, the spirit of compassion was vividly displayed when Rukine Sacco—comprising matatu owners and operators—stepped in to support the Blessed Joy Children’s Home. In a heartwarming gesture, the Sacco members donated foodstuffs, paid school fees, and spent the day cooking and serving meals to the children.
Led by Lucy Wanjiru and Joseph Mwinga, the Sacco emphasized that their support was designed to give the children dignity, hope, and the ability to focus on their education.
“When you bless a child, God blesses you in return,” noted Sacco Treasurer Peter Kagari.
The Sacco leadership used the occasion to urge local leaders, including MP Kagombe Gabriel Gathuka and Governor Kimani Wamatangi, to address the overcrowding and financial strains facing children’s homes in the region. While advising parents to take greater responsibility for their children to prevent neglect, Mwinga appealed to the broader community to assist in expanding facilities for the vulnerable.
Monica Ndiko, Director of Blessed Joy Children’s Home, expressed gratitude, noting that the donation relieved the pressure of the rising cost of living. “We welcome anyone who can help us with food, fees, or clothes. Every contribution counts,” she said.
The Blood Donation Drive
While individual Saccos uplifted their local communities from Kilifi, Machakos, Nyeri, Nairobi, to Kakamega, the broader movement tackled a national emergency: the critical blood shortage. Under the leadership of the Cooperative Alliance of Kenya (CAK), the sector positioned itself as a key partner in public health.
During a Ushirika blood donation drive 2025 in Nairobi, CAK CEO Daniel Marube rallied members with a poignant message: “Just as cooperatives empower lives through saving and borrowing, we now have the opportunity to save lives through blood donation.”
According to Nick Kiptanui of the Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service (KNBTS), Kenya collects approximately 300,000 units of blood annually—falling short of the WHO-recommended 500,000 units needed to handle rising cases of chronic diseases and road accidents.
Patrick Kilemi, Principal Secretary for Cooperatives Development, affirmed that these efforts align with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). He noted that by supporting the “People” and “Prosperity” pillars, cooperatives are directly enhancing the nation’s well-being.
Environmental Stewardship
Completing the cycle of community care, the cooperative movement turned its attention to climate change. In preparing for the 103rd International Day of Cooperatives, thousands of Sacco members gathered at the Jamhuri Show Ground in Nairobi for a tree-planting exercise.
Guided by the theme “Cooperatives: Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World,” the event highlighted the intersection of financial sustainability and climate action.
“Today, we gather not only to plant trees but to sow the seeds of a greener, healthier future. SACCOs are proving that financial growth and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand,” said Mrs. Dolphine Aremo, Nairobi County Director of Cooperatives.
From youth-led groups to established financial heavyweights, the participants pledged to nurture the trees, reinforcing their commitment to Kenya’s reforestation goals.
Through feeding orphans, saving lives through blood donation, and greening the city, the cooperative movement has shown it is about people, peace, and the planet.
