Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (Saccos) have continued to deliver impressive double-digit returns on share capital and high interest on deposits, standing in stark contrast to a volatile economy that has forced many companies listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) to issue profit warnings. While the broader corporate sector braces for a difficult 2025/26 financial cycle, the Sacco sub-sector remains a beacon of stability for millions of Kenyan savers.
According to Eric Musau, Director of Research at Standard Investment Bank, this performance is a testament to the sector’s durability. He noted that while the KUSCCO financial scandal tested the integrity of the industry, the segment remained remarkably stable, demonstrating a structural resilience that has allowed it to weather internal and external shocks alike. Even in the face of tightened regulatory requirements that have forced some Saccos to delay their dates for annual meetings, most are still posting good annual earnings to members.
Industry executives attribute this success to a unique competitive advantage: member loyalty and patronage. Unlike private or public companies that answer to external shareholders, Sacco members are also the owners of the institution. This dual role encourages members to actively do business with their societies by increasing deposits and taking up loan products. This internal cycle generates robust interest income, which is then redistributed back to the members as surplus.
Dr. Gamaliel Hassan, Chief Executive Officer, Stima Deposit-Taking Sacco, explained that the Sacco model prioritizes stability over speculation. He noted that Saccos are able to recycle members’ funds into loans rather than investing heavily in volatile markets, a strategy that stabilizes returns compared to other financial institutions facing higher market risks. Dr. Hassan further noted that efficient operations and prudent risk management allow Saccos to keep costs low, access funds affordably, and contribute to strong asset growth.
This trend of high performance was evident as the 50-year-old Tower Sacco, headquartered in Ol Kalou, Nyandarua County, became one of the first to convene its 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM). The Society recorded a total revenue of Ksh 5.3 billion, leading the Board of Directors to recommend a 20 percent dividend on share capital and 13 percent interest on non-withdrawable deposits.
In a similar display of financial might, NewFortis Sacco announced a record-breaking dividend and interest payout exceeding Ksh 1.1 billion during its Golden Jubilee celebrations. Addressing thousands of members at the Nyamachaki Primary School grounds, the Sacco Board Chairman, Mr. John Githinji, announced a 14 percent dividend on share capital and a 13 percent interest rate on deposits. This historic windfall marks 50 years of excellence for an institution that began with just a few teachers and a shared vision.
Cosmopolitan DT Sacco also reaffirmed its role as a cornerstone of financial prosperity. Following a remarkable 2025 fiscal year, the Sacco rewarded its 43,129 members with earnings totaling KSh 980 million, representing a 12.64 percent increase from the previous year. Audited statements approved by the Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA) showed a revenue growth of 14.89 percent, reaching Ksh 1.85 billion. This growth allowed the board to declare dividends of 16.50 percent and interest on deposits of 12.05 percent.
The atmosphere was equally celebratory in Kirinyaga County as Ollin Sacco members gathered at Kirinyaga University Grounds for their 49th AGM. The Sacco’s gross revenue surged by 19.5 percent to reach Ksh 2.02 billion in 2025. This stellar performance translated into a 17.5 percent dividend on shares and 12.2 percent interest on deposits, ensuring that members, as the local saying goes, laughed all the way to the bank.
Further west in Meru County, Yetu DT Sacco solidified its position as a premier wealth-creation institution during its 34th AGM. The Sacco Board announced a combined windfall of over KSh 522.66 million, driven by a 19 percent dividend on shares and 13 percent interest on deposits. Meanwhile, Mentor Sacco reported that its total revenue surged by 18.2 percent to a historic KSh 2.55 billion. With profitability rising by over 23 percent, the Society offered its members a 15 percent dividend and 12.5 percent interest on deposits.
The coast region was not left behind, as Ports DT Sacco’s turnover grew to KSh 1.810 billion, exceeding its targets by over KSh 223 million. This performance allowed delegates to approve a top-tier 20 percent dividend payout on shares alongside 12.5 percent interest on deposits.
This wave of high returns extended across the entire country, with several other institutions maintaining the industry’s competitive edge. Unison Sacco delivered 18.5 percent in dividends and 12.6 percent interest, while Magadi Sacco and the Kenya National Police DT Sacco both offered 17 percent dividends. Other notable performers included Winas Sacco and Trans Nation Sacco, both providing 12.5 percent interest on deposits, and Simba Chai Sacco, which declared a 15 percent dividend. Even as Capital Sacco and Kenya Highlands Sacco navigated the year’s unique challenges, they remained committed to member returns, declaring dividends of 16 percent and 10 percent, respectively. Acumen Sacco in Kajiado paid members dividends on shares at 15%. These figures underscore a sub-sector that has not only survived the economic downturn but has mastered the art of member-driven prosperity.
AT A GLANCE
- Tower Sacco – Dividends: 20% | Interest: 13%
- Cosmopolitan Sacco – Dividends: 16.5% | Interest: 12.05%
- NewFortis Sacco – Dividends: 14% | Interest: 13%
- Ports Sacco – Dividends: 20% | Interest: 12.5%
- Yetu Sacco – Dividends: 19% | Interest: 13%
- Winas Sacco – Dividends: 16.5% | Interest: 12.5%
- Trans Nation Sacco – Dividends: 15% | Interest: 12.5%
- Mentor Sacco – Dividends: 15% | Interest: 12.5%
- Capital Sacco – Dividends: 16% | Interest: 9%
- Ollin Sacco – Dividends: 17.5% | Interest: 12.2%
- Simba Chai Sacco – Dividends: 15% | Interest: 11%
- Unison Sacco – Dividends: 18.5% | Interest: 12.6%
- Magadi Sacco – Dividends: 17% | Interest: 10%
- Kenya Police Sacco – Dividends: 17% | Interest: 11%
- Kenya Highlands Sacco – Dividends: 10% | Interest: 10%
