The Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA) has approved additional savings and credit cooperative organizations (SACCOs) to operate in Kenya, underscoring the steady expansion of the country’s cooperative financial sector.
According to Kenya Gazette Notice No. 15383, published on October 24, 2025, SASRA granted licenses to new SACCOs for both deposit-taking and specified non-deposit-taking operations for the 2025 financial year.
New Deposit-Taking SACCOs
Three SACCOs received authorization to conduct deposit-taking business:
Kumikumbu Sacco Society Limited – based at the National Museum Headquarters, Nairobi
Setyon Sacco Society Limited – located in Kericho
New Non-Withdrawable Deposit-Taking SACCOs
SASRA also licensed three new non-withdrawable deposit-taking (Non-WDT) SACCOs under the Non-Deposit-Taking Business Regulations of 2020:
Kenfam Non-WDT Sacco Society Ltd
Urban Roads Regulated Non-WDT Sacco Society Ltd
ACK Imani Fellowship Non-WDT Sacco Society Ltd
Public Warning on Unlicensed SACCOs
SASRA cautioned Kenyans against transacting with unlicensed entities posing as SACCOs, emphasizing that only duly licensed organizations are permitted to offer deposit-taking or non-deposit-taking services.
“Any person or entity transacting with an unlicensed SACCO does so at his or her own risk,” the notice warned.
The regulator further instructed all licensed SACCOs to display their original licenses prominently at their head offices and to maintain compliance with prudential standards.
Performance and Growth of Kenya’s SACCO Sector
SASRA’s latest annual report highlights the SACCO sector’s strong performance in 2024, cementing its role as a vital pillar of Kenya’s financial ecosystem.
Total assets grew by 10.72% to Ksh 1.076 trillion.
Gross loans rose to Ksh 845.11 billion, up from Ksh 758.57 billion in 2023.
Deposits and savings increased by nearly 10% to Ksh 749.43 billion.
Membership expanded by 7.94%, reaching 7.39 million members—reflecting growing public confidence in SACCOs.
Top 10 SACCOs by Total Assets (2024)
| Rank | SACCO Name | Total Assets (Ksh) |
| —- | ——————— | —————— |
| 1 | Mwalimu National | 68.89 billion |
| 2 | Stima | 66.51 billion |
| 3 | Kenya National Police | 59.83 billion |
| 4 | Harambee | 38.70 billion |
| 5 | Tower | 28.04 billion |
| 6 | Unaitas | 26.12 billion |
| 7 | Imarisha | 24.58 billion |
| 8 | Afya | 22.79 billion |
| 9 | United Nations | 19.15 billion |
| 10 | Hazina | 16.87 billion |
Capital reserves across SACCOs rose by 17.55% to Ksh 197.54 billion, bolstering their ability to support member loans without depending on external borrowing.
Cabinet Secretary for Co-operatives and MSMEs Development, Wycliffe Oparanya, directed SACCOs to avoid external borrowing to enhance accountability and safeguard members’ savings.
“No SACCO shall borrow from external sources to pay dividends. Any SACCO seeking an external loan must obtain written approval from the Commissioner and comply with prescribed ratios,” Oparanya stated.
