Gathige steers Sacco to soaring success
The chief executive role is an exigent and a tough one to fill, but for Mr. John Gathige, the Ollin Sacco CEO, the job offered him the opportunity to serve society and impact peoples’ livelihoods positively.
His ability to motivate his team, make decisions earlier, faster, and with greater conviction, has contributed to his success at the helm of the fast-growing Deposit-Taking Sacco five years down the line.
In his elegant office that oozes with grandeur, a branded clock is mounted on a wall directly facing his seat: Mr. Gathige is a man on a mission and a stickler for time and perfection.
He speaks succinctly, clearly, and distinctly about his mission. He has set a clear course for the Sacco business with successful buy-in from Sacco employees. Mr. Gathige attests that the Board of Directors has been a strong pillar for Sacco’s heightened growth and impressive financial performance over the years.
If top executives like to project humility, Mr. Gathige has taken it to a lunar level. “I believe the culture of an organization is set at the top. If you set the right tone, that’s reflected down the structure.”
He has climbed the corporate ladder at a steady speed, exponentially moving from one rank to the other. His journey in the Cooperative sector started at Tower Sacco where he was employed as an internal auditor in the year 2000. A certified accountant by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), Mr. Gathige got the job soon after graduating.
In 2003, he left his former employer to join Ollin Sacco as an internal auditor. His star started rising, later promoted to be FOSA Manager, then Sacco Chief Accountant before ascending to the Finance Manager position.
“The journey had challenges, but I thank God for his grace. Nothing comes in a silver platter, we have to work hard to achieve it,” he says as a matter of fact.
In January 2017, Mr. Gathige was appointed the CEO after the retirement of his predecessor. With years of experience in senior management positions in the co-operative sector, Mr. Gathige was equal to the task.
“I joined the Sacco when it had one branch. Since 2017 we have opened five other branches in Kiserian, Kimana, Kianyaga, Narok, and Thika,” he notes.
Under his watch, Ollin Sacco’s asset base has more than doubled from Ksh3.1 billion to over Ksh7 billion. “This is no mean feat, I must thank our Board of Directors for offering visionary leadership and unwavering support, and our members for their loyalty and consistent patronage of our product and services,” says Mr. Gathige. He adds that the staff members are hardworking and motivated, and thus able to offer quality services to members.
Mr. Gathige notes that the Sacco is embracing the use of technology with a target of digitizing 70% of services by 2025 to better service delivery.
“We are leveraging technology to offer efficient and convenient financial solutions to our members. So far, we have over 50 active agents, and 75% of our accounts are active through mobile banking platforms,” he says. The Sacco members are also issued with Visa Branded ATMs that allow them to shop and pay bills easily.
Two years ago, Ollin Sacco closed the ranks to join the large-tiered DT Saccos with an asset base above Ksh5 billion. “Our exponential growth is enabled by a good governance structure that allows change of top leadership every three years. Our Board members are well-equipped, certified, and regularly trained,” says Mr. Gathige.
For Ollin, members are the priority, and products and services are driven by their financial demands and needs.
“We have restructured our loan products to reflect the current market reality. We always ensure we deliver value to our customers such that we have unique products such as Savers Loan, investors product allowing them to borrow and the amount deducted from their dividend,” says the CEO.
Steering the wheel of a giant Sacco that has always set the pace in the sector, Mr. Gathige is on his toes to leave a lasting legacy. His vision 2025 mantra seeks to grow total assets by Ksh2 billion annually, row turnover to Ksh2.5 billion, and expand the branch network to unbanked areas.
“Ollin is a Sacco of choice. We keep our word. When you want to join a Sacco, it is not necessary its name, its asset base, and all that. One key thing to consider is what value do you drive home every day. Once you put your money in Ollin, you will get value for it,” he states.
