Kenya’s savings and credit co-operative organizations (SACCOs) are setting their sights firmly on fintech partnerships in 2026, signaling a decisive shift toward digital transformation across the sector.
The renewed focus emerged during the 4th Annual Cooperative CEOs Roundtable held in Nairobi, where more than 100 chief executives gathered to assess the evolving financial technology landscape and chart a path forward for the country’s member-owned financial institutions.
Digital Momentum Accelerates.
Kenya’s credit unions—remain central to the country’s financial ecosystem, particularly in rural and underserved areas where traditional banking penetration is lower.
However, the digital shift is reshaping the sector. Digital transactions within SACCOs rose by more than 14% in 2025, underscoring members’ growing demand for faster, mobile-enabled, and interoperable financial services.
Industry leaders at the roundtable agreed that collaboration with fintech firms must now move from discussion to implementation.
“The technology landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace. For players in Kenya’s financial sector, constant environmental scanning is no longer optional—it is a leadership obligation,” said Vincent Marangu, Director of the Cooperatives Banking Division at the Co-operative Bank of Kenya.
Modernization at the Core.
Key themes emerging from the forum included:
Modernizing core banking systems.
Strengthening data-driven decision-making.
- Enhancing cybersecurity resilience.
- Building interoperable digital platforms.
- Investing in digital talent development.
Delegates emphasized that SACCOs must enable members to access services seamlessly across multiple channels—including mobile apps, USSD, agency networks, and web platforms. Representatives from Visa, Oracle and the Fintech Association of Kenya participated in discussions, reflecting growing convergence between traditional co-operative finance and emerging technology players.
Sector Growth Remains Strong.
The digital push comes against the backdrop of robust sector growth. According to the latest Sacco Supervision data, the industry reached approximately 7.39 million members in 2024, marking around 8% year-on-year growth. Asset growth has been equally notable. Total assets expanded from Sh971 billion in 2023 to approximately Sh1.13 trillion by late 2025, reinforcing the sector’s resilience and deepening role in Kenya’s financial inclusion agenda.
Strategic Outlook for 2026.
As Kenya continues to position itself as a regional fintech hub—building on the success of mobile money and digital lending ecosystems—SACCO leaders appear determined not to be left behind.
For decades, SACCOs competed primarily with commercial banks. Today, their competitive edge increasingly depends on how effectively they integrate with fintech innovators rather than compete against them. The 2026 strategy emerging from Nairobi is clear: collaboration, interoperability, and digital resilience will define the next chapter of Kenya’s co-operative finance movement.
