Mombasa County Director of Cooperatives Nelson Nyoro has praised Bandari DT Sacco for sustaining a unique initiative that has empowered community investment groups (chamas) for more than a decade, describing the Sacco’s annual Chamas Symposium and Trade Fair as a benchmark for cooperative development in the county.
Speaking during the 12th Annual Chamas Symposium and Trade Fair, Nyoro said Bandari DT Sacco stands out as the only cooperative society in Mombasa that has consistently organized a dedicated forum for chamas over the past 12 years.
“This is one of the most unique days on Bandari DT Sacco’s calendar. We do not have any other society in Mombasa that organizes a forum like this specifically targeting chamas,” he said.
A Proven Model of Sustainability.
Nyoro applauded the Sacco’s leadership for maintaining the symposium for 12 consecutive years, saying the milestone demonstrates the institution’s unwavering commitment to nurturing community investment groups.
He invited participants who attended the inaugural symposium 12 years ago to identify themselves, noting that the continued presence of long-serving chamas is proof that the model is delivering lasting value.
According to Nyoro, the longevity of these groups should inspire newer chamas and reassure them that consistent financial discipline and cooperative support can lead to long-term success.
He encouraged Bandari DT Sacco to document the journeys of these veteran groups to showcase how they have transformed through their partnership with the Sacco.
Bandari DT Sacco as a Financial “Garage”
Nyoro likened Bandari DT Sacco to a financial garage where members receive expert guidance to identify financial challenges and find practical solutions.
Just as a vehicle is inspected and repaired before returning to the road, he said, the Sacco helps members diagnose financial gaps, acquire the right tools and strategies, and continue their journey towards financial stability and wealth creation.
He noted that the symposium had attracted both long-standing chamas and newly registered groups, reflecting the confidence members continue to place in the institution.
Building a Lasting Legacy Beyond KPA.
Nyoro expressed confidence that Bandari DT Sacco’s legacy is extending beyond its traditional Kenya Ports Authority membership base, saying the institution is increasingly transforming lives across the wider community through empowered chamas and entrepreneurs.
He described the symposium as an important engagement platform where the Sacco interacts directly with its members, listens to their experiences and gathers ideas on how to improve products and services.
Creating Value Through Better Member Experience.
Referring to this year’s symposium theme, “Creating Value, Delivering Experience,” Nyoro said the message challenges both the Sacco and its members to continuously seek innovative ways of creating value that members can genuinely experience.
He urged participants to reflect on what can be done differently to strengthen their financial journey and ensure every chama benefits from its relationship with the cooperative. The 12th Annual Chamas Symposium and Trade Fair brought together chama leaders, entrepreneurs, cooperative stakeholders and financial experts for discussions on savings, investment, entrepreneurship and strategies for strengthening community-based financial empowerment through the cooperative movement.
