Kilifi was alive with excitement as Imarika DT Sacco rewarded the winners of its 2025 Ekeza Ushinde na Imarika campaign in a vibrant prize-giving ceremony held in front of Imarika Plaza. Members, staff, and members of the public gathered eagerly to witness three lucky winners take home life-changing prizes.
The highlight of the ceremony was the announcement of the top three winners. Julius Sadiki Charo from Kilifi Central emerged as the grand draw winner, driving home a brand-new ProBox car. The second prize, a brand-new TukTuk, went to Dume Maone Kadzenga, while Stanley Guyo Said rode away on a brand-new Boxer motorcycle. Their celebrations reflected the transformative impact such rewards can have on members’ livelihoods.
Presiding over the event, Vice Chairman Sharif Shehe congratulated the winners and thanked all members who participated. He emphasized that Ekeza Ushinde na Imarika is more than just a competition—it is a strategic share drive campaign and loyalty program aimed at empowering members while strengthening the Sacco’s growth.
“The Ekeza Ushinde challenge is designed to encourage members to boost their deposits and grow their shares within a short, focused period. As members grow their shares, they also strengthen the Sacco and unlock greater financial opportunities for themselves,” Shehe said.
Members who participated in both the 2024 and 2025 campaigns have already begun reaping tangible benefits. By increasing their share capital, they enhance their eligibility for larger loans, enabling investments in businesses, education, housing, and other income-generating ventures. At the institutional level, increased share capital strengthens Imarika DT Sacco’s financial capacity, allowing it to support more members and fund impactful community development projects.
Shehe highlighted that by building their stake in the Sacco, members reinforce their role as co-owners and key contributors to Imarika’s long-term success. “When members invest more in shares, they are not just saving—they are actively shaping the future of their cooperative,” he said.
The 2025 contest saw impressive participation, attracting more members than previous editions. The campaign generated over two-thirds of the targeted Kshs 105 million, signaling strong member confidence. “The funds mobilized during this campaign contribute directly to the growth of the Sacco’s business. They enable us to offer affordable loans and enhance operational infrastructure for efficient and reliable service delivery,” Shehe explained.
Imarika DT Sacco has steadily positioned itself as a champion of socio-economic transformation along the Coast region. Through affordable and tailored loan products, the Sacco supports members seeking to climb the economic ladder. It currently offers eleven savings accounts, each designed to help members save toward specific goals, from ordinary savings to group accounts.
In addition, the Sacco boasts one of the most diverse loan portfolios in the sector, with sixteen loan products addressing different member needs. From development loans supporting projects and personal growth to specialized options like retiree loans, Imarika enables life transformation for individuals and communities alike.
“Imarika is the place to grow yourself financially. Joining Imarika allows you to achieve more than relying solely on a regular salary. Once you join, you become a shareholder and an owner. Imarika is the way,” Shehe told the crowd.
The 2025 campaign marked a significant upgrade from 2024, when only one grand prize was awarded. This year, the Sacco unveiled three high-value prizes and hinted at even bigger rewards in future editions, including the possibility of a truck lorry.
“I encourage all our members to participate in the next contest. Everyone has a chance to win, and when you do, we shall gather again to celebrate you,” Shehe said.
Beyond rewards campaigns, Imarika DT Sacco continues to post strong growth. Expansion plans are underway across the Coast and nationally, including new branches in Samburu and Kinango zones in Kwale County, expected to open in early 2026. During its annual delegates’ meeting, the Sacco reported an average growth rate of 11.33% over the three-year period from 2023 to 2025. By August 2025, the monthly growth rate reached 0.94%, and delegates approved a Ksh 2.23 billion budget for 2026, with projected income of Ksh 2.64 billion and total assets expected to rise 12.5% to Ksh 18.2 billion.
Chairman John Ziro expressed confidence that the Sacco would surpass its targets, noting that savings mobilization was likely to reach about 90% of projected growth for the year. Imarika’s success is anchored in its diverse membership base, which includes government employees, traders, entrepreneurs, and MSEs across the region. Between May and August 2025 alone, the Sacco trained 15,735 members through its annual education program, reinforcing financial literacy and awareness.
As the cheers from the Ekeza Ushinde winners fade, Imarika DT Sacco’s message remains clear: disciplined saving, shared ownership, and collective growth can transform lives, and the future looks even brighter for its members.
