In a year marked by fiscal volatility and a shifting national political landscape, Harambee Deposit-Taking (DT) SACCO has signaled a new era of institutional dominance, reporting a surge in its asset base to Kes. 41.29 billion during its 55th Annual Delegates Meeting (ADM).
Under the theme “Ready To Take-Off,” the SACCO unveiled a high-tech roadmap for 2026–2030, pivoting toward Artificial Intelligence and aggressive automation to insulate member returns from the “harsh macro-environment” that defined the 2025 financial year.
The 2025 reporting period was anything but ordinary. National Chairman Mr. Macloud Malonza, described a year of “intense political reconfiguration,” citing widespread Gen Z-led protests and the formation of a “broad-based” government under President William Ruto.
“The country faced high debt, with national debt reaching Sh12.05 trillion, alongside a largely underwhelming GDP growth of 4.5%,” Mr. Malonza noted in his statement. Despite these headwinds, he expressed pride in the SACCO’s resilience, noting that Harambee remained “viable and robust” even as global geopolitical disruptions raised the cost of doing business and reduced disposable cash across the Kenyan population.
The “Fortress of Capital” Strategy.
The SACCO’s financial health remained a focal point of the meeting. CEO Dr. George Ochiri characterized the institution as a “fortress of capital,” highlighting a core capital-to-total assets ratio of 14.8%. This figure is particularly significant as it sits nearly five percentage points above the 10% regulatory minimum required by the Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA).
“This strength allows us to fuel our members’ dreams and aspirations,” Dr. Ochiri stated. “We are putting more money into your hands at a very competitive rate because we have the internal muscle to do so.”
The CEO also addressed the dividend payout with a stance of “radical transparency.” While the Board had previously aimed for a 10% return, they ultimately declared an interest on deposits of 9.1% for 2025. This still represents an upward trajectory from the 9% paid the previous year, with Dr. Ochiri assuring delegates that the 10% target remains the society’s “flight path” moving forward.
A Surge in Key Performance Indicators.
The financial year was defined by growth across all primary metrics. The SACCO’s total asset base took a phenomenal leap from Kes. 37.62 billion in 2024 to its current high of Kes. 41.29 billion. Parallel to this, the net loan book expanded from Kes. 32.01 billion to Kes. 34.27 billion, reflecting a healthy appetite for credit among the membership. Total revenue followed a similar upward trend, climbing from Kes. 6.1 billion to Kes. 7.5 billion. On the stability front, the core capital-to-total assets ratio improved from 12.9% in 2024 to 14.8% in 2025, while the interest on deposits saw a marginal but steady increase to 9.1%.
Government and Regulatory Praise.
The event was graced by high-ranking government officials who lauded the SACCO’s role in the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). The cooperatives cabinet sectratery (CS) Dr Wycliffe Oparanya in a speech read by Mr. Patrick Kilemi, the Principal Secretary for Co-operatives, emphasizing the institutional maturity of the society.
“Harambee DT SACCO is a household name in Kenya. When we talk about the co-operative movement in this country, Harambee is one of the pillars that holds the structure together. Moving your asset base to over Kes. 41 billion in a challenging year is a phenomenal achievement.” He remarked.
In his own capacity Kilemi encouraged the SACCO to utilize its stability to reach out to younger demographics, particularly “Gen Zs,” to ensure the long-term sustainability of the saving culture.
Commissioner for Co-operative Development, Mr. David Obonyo, echoed this praise, emphasizing that governance is the bedrock of the movement.
“I appreciate the honesty in explaining the mitigating factors regarding interest rates,” Obonyo said. “It is better to be truthful and sustainable than to overreach.”
The 2026–2030 Blueprint: AI and Expansion.
As the society transitions into its next five-year cycle, the focus shifts to seven key pillars: financial performance, membership growth, technology, governance, human resources, operational efficiency, and branch banking.
The most ambitious aspect of the “Ready To Take-Off” plan is the integration of AI to reduce costs and boost margins. With a total membership now standing at 84,852, following the recruitment of 2,350 new members in 2025, the SACCO aims to use these technological tools to bring services closer to its expanding base.
“We aren’t just reviewing a balance sheet; we are witnessing a financial revolution,” Dr. Ochiri concluded. “Harambee is a 41-billion-shilling powerhouse with a plan to dominate.”
