Kilifi County joined the world in celebrating International Sacco Day 2025, using the occasion to highlight unity, innovation, and renewed commitment to cooperative values. Leaders underscored the vital role that Saccos play in driving local economic transformation and enhancing community livelihoods.
Speaking during the county-level celebrations, Imarika DT Sacco Chairman John Ziro described the day as a moment of pride and reflection for the cooperative movement, which he hailed as a pillar of hope amid global economic uncertainty, climate shocks, and rising social inequality.
“Saccos stand as beacons of hope. They show how communities can unite around shared goals, where prosperity is not just a possibility but inevitable,” Ziro said, emphasizing the transformative power of cooperative action.
International Sacco Day is first observed at the county level across Kenya before culminating in a national convention. In Kilifi, the celebrations brought together Sacco leaders, members, government officials, and other stakeholders to reflect on achievements, celebrate progress, and chart the way forward for the movement.
Chairman Ziro highlighted the tangible impact of Saccos in Kilifi, particularly among small-scale farmers, youth, and women, who have benefited from improved access to savings, credit, and financial education.
“We have witnessed first-hand the power of Saccos and cooperatives. From empowering small-scale farmers to supporting youth and women, cooperatives have become engines of economic transformation,” he noted.
He further emphasized that Saccos have evolved beyond their traditional financial roles, becoming trusted community partners that build resilience, create opportunities, and foster sustainable growth.
“We are more than institutions. We have built trust, resilience, and opportunities for our people,” Ziro said.
While celebrating progress, the chairman cautioned against complacency, urging cooperative leaders and members to view cooperation as a daily commitment, rather than a one-day event.
“Cooperation is not a one-day celebration. It must be practiced every day by listening to our members, embracing innovation, and strengthening governance,” he said.
Ziro also called for stronger partnerships between Saccos, government agencies, civil society, and the private sector to expand the movement’s reach and impact across Kilifi County and beyond.
Addressing emerging challenges, he encouraged Sacco leaders to critically assess their role in promoting financial inclusion and digital readiness.
“As Sacco leaders, we must ask ourselves: Are we doing enough to reach the unbanked and underserved? Are we preparing our members for the digital future that is just around the corner?” he posed, framing these questions as a call to action.
He urged investment in credit access, technology, and transparency to ensure that Saccos remain relevant and effective in a rapidly changing financial landscape.
“Let us build Saccos that are not only strong, but socially just, Saccos that empower our members, strengthen communities, and leave a lasting legacy,” he said.
Chairman Ziro concluded by thanking members, leaders, and stakeholders for their continued support of the cooperative journey, noting that the success of Saccos depends on collective effort and shared responsibility.
The Kilifi celebrations set the tone for the upcoming national International Sacco Day convention, where cooperative leaders from across Kenya are expected to reaffirm their commitment to inclusive growth, innovation, and sustainable development through the Sacco movement.
