The true measure of a cooperative is the prosperity of its members. This is precisely the focus of Taifa Sacco, which is uplifting its members through tailored financial solutions. Its product portfolio includes development loans, school fees loans, and asset financing, among others, that have transformed livelihoods.
In the aftermath of the 2007 post-election violence, Geoffrey Kabui found himself in Nyeri with nothing but the clothes on his back. Displaced and starting from zero, the future looked bleak. Today, standing amidst lush fodder crops and high-grade dairy cows on his own land, Kabui credits his remarkable turnaround to one financial partner: Taifa DT Sacco.
“I started with nothing,” Kabui recalls. After being given a small piece of land to stay on, he began farming potatoes in 2009. He managed to buy a single cow.
“That one cow is what I used to secure a loan from Taifa Sacco,” says Kabui. “I came with full force, leased two acres, harvested well, and eventually bought my own land. I have upgraded my cows. Taifa Sacco has helped me immensely; it lifted me from far.”
Kabui is just one of over 100,000 members whose lives have been transformed by the institution. While Taifa Sacco has grown into a Tier-1 DT Sacco with a massive capital base, its true success story is written in the livelihoods of its individual members—from small-scale farmers to institutions.
For Isaac Kihagi, Director, Shalom Schools, the Sacco is more than a lender. It is a lifeline for his business operations. Having joined in 1998, Kihagi has utilized Sacco financing to construct school buildings and purchase buses. However, it is the day-to-day operational support that stands out.
With 44 members of staff, cash flow can sometimes be tight for a private school. “Even when I have no money, I tell them I have no salary funds, and they process it. I am left paying them later,” Kihagi explains.
This reliability ensures that teachers are paid on time, securing the livelihoods of dozens of families, while the school utilizes the Sacco’s Paybill number to seamlessly collect school fees.
Empowering the ‘Jua Kali’ Sector
The Sacco’s impact extends well beyond agriculture and education. Joseph Mburu, a garage owner and mechanic, represents the vibrant Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector.
Through Taifa Sacco’s asset finance and emergency loan products, Mburu has moved from being a casual laborer to a business owner.
“I have benefited greatly,” Mburu says. “Through their loans, I have been able to buy two matatus and a piece of land. I urge other garage owners to join Taifa Sacco because the benefits are real.”
Green Energy
Recognizing the shifting tides of climate change, Taifa Sacco is also empowering a new generation of farmers to adopt sustainable practices. Timothy Gachoka, a young farmer, has been a beneficiary of the Sacco’s partnership with GIZ to fund green energy solutions.
“They have empowered me in green energy,” says Gachoka. “I now use solar panels for water supply and drip irrigation, as well as solar drying technologies to reduce post-harvest losses.”
By financing these modern technologies, the Sacco is ensuring that its members remain profitable despite erratic weather patterns, reducing operational costs and boosting food security.
Homeownership
Perhaps the most dignified dream for any Kenyan is home ownership. Through the Taifa Housing Cooperative Society, the Sacco is making this a reality. Abel Kariuki, a proud homeowner, testifies to the ease of the process.
“I joined Taifa Sacco ten years ago,” says Kariuki. “Through their investment arm, I managed to purchase a piece of land. Later, they financed 75% of the construction costs for the house I currently reside in. From the lowest earner to the highest, this is a Sacco for everyone.”
Concern for Community
Beyond profit, the Sacco maintains a human touch. Rose Nderitu, the Finance Officer at Nyeri Hospice, highlights the Sacco’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). For 15 years, Taifa Sacco has been a consistent partner, funding charity golf tournaments and walks to purchase drugs for cancer patients. “Taifa Sacco is our greatest friend for the last 15 years,” Nderitu notes.
