Championing the Power of SACCO Membership
In the vibrant streets of Kitui Town, Stephen Wambua Syengo stands as a testament to the transformative power of Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs). A well-established businessman and a respected member of the community, Syengo recently shared his insights into how his affiliation with a local SACCO has elevated his standard of living and spurred his business success.
Born in 1967 and hailing from Yongela Village in the Ikanga Location of Mutomo Division within Kitui District, Syengo has been a longstanding proponent of cooperative financial institutions. “I have been a cooperator for many years. I am a member of the Kitui Town-based Bestrock Savings and Credit Cooperative Society,” he disclosed during an exclusive interview with Co-op News magazine.
Syengo’s journey with Bestrock SACCO has been nothing short of transformative. His affiliation has allowed him to make significant investments that have, in turn, catalyzed his growth as a businessman. “I can confidently advocate for SACCOs for what I have managed to achieve through them,” he states with conviction. Among his notable accomplishments, Syengo has erected several commercial properties in Kitui Town and its environs, all financed through loans from his SACCO.
However, Syengo’s pride in his SACCO membership extends well beyond the realm of entrepreneurship. On a more personal note, he credits the SACCO for enabling him to provide quality education for his children. “With the loans I’ve secured, both my son and daughter were able to pursue university education, locally and internationally. Without the SACCO’s support, reaching these educational milestones would have been a daunting task,” he reflects.
Syengo’s story is a powerful reminder of the potential SACCOs have in empowering individuals and families. He says success with SACCOs is all about ‘your plans and how you choose to leverage the opportunities they offer.’ His experience underscores the importance of these cooperative societies in fostering economic empowerment and social development at both individual and community levels.
As Syengo continues to advocate for the benefits of SACCO membership, his story is an inspiring example for many in Kitui and beyond, shedding light on the significant role these institutions can play in supporting personal development and entrepreneurial endeavors.
