As the 103rd International Day of Cooperatives unfolded, Hazina SACCO stood tall among Kenya’s finest cooperatives, clinching top honors in two significant categories: 1st place in Credit Management and 3rd place in Most Efficient SACCO. In a celebration that echoed the global theme “Cooperatives Build a Better World”, Hazina’s triumph was not just a moment of glory, it was a reflection of deliberate strategy, member-driven growth, and unwavering commitment to operational excellence.
Ushirika Day has become a significant platform where SACCOs showcase the impact they are making across the country. It is also a stage for recognising cooperative institutions that have not only grown their balance sheets but also transformed lives in tangible, meaningful ways. For Hazina SACCO, the two awards were earned, not gifted. They were the result of visionary leadership, disciplined credit policies, efficient operations, and a culture rooted in service and accountability.
While many cooperatives presented speeches and showings during the event, Hazina’s performance spoke volumes on its own. The trophies symbolised more than accolades—they were the embodiment of what it means to be a purpose-driven, member-centered financial institution in today’s fast-changing economic environment.
So, what positioned Hazina SACCO for national recognition?
The numbers offer a compelling story. In 2024, Hazina’s total asset base rose from Kshs 14.69 billion to Kshs 16.87 billion, representing a 14.8% growth. Member deposits climbed from Kshs 11.08 billion to Kshs 12.46 billion, while the loan book expanded to Kshs 11.51 billion, up from Kshs 9.86 billion in 2023. These performance indicators reflect not only financial soundness but also a growing trust among members in Hazina’s services and leadership.
Even more notable was Hazina’s commitment to digital efficiency, key in earning the 3rd place spot for Most Efficient SACCO. With over 85% of its members actively using mobile banking, Hazina processed more than 18,000 mobile loan applications in 2024 alone. The SACCO’s embrace of technology extends beyond member interaction to back-end systems, having enhanced cybersecurity, adopted real-time network monitoring, and improved digital risk controls.
Financially, Hazina has demonstrated consistent and impressive growth. Net interest income grew by 23.2%, reaching Kshs 795 million, while net profit increased by 13.8%, closing the year at Kshs 410 million. The SACCO also recorded its highest-ever total income at Kshs 2.1 billion, with projections for 2025 aiming for Kshs 2.4 billion. This healthy performance enabled the SACCO to reward its members with a 17% dividend on share capital and an interest rebate of 10.85% on deposits—among the most competitive returns in the cooperative sector.
According to Hazina SACCO Chairman Mr. Evans Kibagendi, the secret behind this sustained growth lies in strategic leadership, strong institutional frameworks, and unwavering member loyalty. These sentiments were reinforced earlier this year at the SACCO’s 41st Annual Delegates Meeting, where the chairman emphasized the importance of innovation, risk-managed investments, and responsive governance in navigating economic pressures.
Indeed, these achievements did not occur in a vacuum. During his keynote address at the Ushirika Day event, Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs, Hon. Wycliffe Oparanya, called on SACCOs to be more agile, more efficient, and more member-focused. He emphasized the need for digitization, professional management, and impact-driven strategies, three pillars that Hazina SACCO has embraced with clarity and purpose.
Hazina’s operational reach continues to expand through satellite offices in Siaya, Mombasa, Vihiga, and most recently, Kitale, while its digital channels ensure that members across the country have 24/7 access to their finances. Its current 2023–2027 Strategic Plan is built around five transformational pillars: business growth, operational efficiency, customer experience, human capital, and governance, a blueprint that continues to yield results.
Even in the face of economic challenges such as inflation, increased taxation, and reduced household incomes, Hazina SACCO has demonstrated resilience, guided by a long-term vision and strong cooperative values. The 2025 Ushirika Day awards, therefore, were not just ceremonial—they affirmed Hazina SACCO’s position as a national leader in both financial management and operational excellence.
As the SACCO world continues to evolve, Hazina SACCO is proving that with the right systems, the right people, and the right mindset, cooperatives can build a better, more inclusive financial future for all.
