Imarika DT Sacco on 12 December 2025 hosted its annual Imarika Junior Savers Fun Fair, an event that brought together hundreds of children and their parents in a colourful celebration of discipline, consistency, and the culture of saving. The fun fair, held during the school holiday period, marked the climax of a year-long savings challenge for holders of the Sacco’s Malaika Junior Savings Accounts.
Designed as both a reward and a learning experience, the annual event offers young savers a holiday retreat where financial education is blended with fun. Children attended the event in the company of their parents or guardians, underscoring the family-centred approach Imarika DT Sacco has adopted in nurturing a saving culture among its members. From early morning, the venue was alive with excitement as children streamed in, eager to celebrate a year of commitment and achievement.
The day proved memorable for the young participants, who were treated to a wide range of recreational activities. Swimming sessions, video gaming zones, and lively on-stage circus performances ensured that the children remained engaged and entertained throughout the day. Laughter, cheers, and applause filled the air as the youngsters took turns enjoying activities many described as the highlight of their school holiday.
Beyond the entertainment, the fun fair carried a deeper purpose. It served as the culmination of a structured savings challenge that runs throughout the year for Malaika Junior Account holders. Under the programme, parents and guardians are encouraged to save a minimum of Kshs. 2,000 per month on behalf of their children. By the end of the year, this discipline translates into meaningful savings that support future educational and personal needs.
For the 2025 edition, eligibility to participate in the fun fair was reserved for junior savers whose accounts had accumulated deposits of not less than Kshs 124,000 over the year. Several hundred young savers met the threshold, a clear indication of the growing commitment among Imarika members to plan financially for their children’s futures. For many families, the achievement represented months of sacrifice and careful budgeting.
As part of the celebrations, Imarika DT Sacco recognized outstanding performance among the junior savers. Awards were presented to the top three performers in three key categories: Overall Top Savers, Overall, Most Improved Savers, and Highest Growth per Branch. The recognition not only rewarded consistency and growth but also motivated other families to aim higher in subsequent years.
Addressing members during the event, Imarika DT Sacco Vice Chairman Mr. Shariff Shehe described the achievements as a source of pride for both parents and the Sacco. He encouraged families to use the fun fair as a motivational tool and a testimony to what disciplined saving can achieve. “This is something to be proud of,” he said, adding that such initiatives should inspire more members to invest in savings for their children. Mr. Shehe noted that when parents share their experiences, they help attract other members into the junior savings programme, strengthening the Sacco as a whole.
Imarika DT Sacco Chairman Mr. John Ziro also congratulated members for their dedication and consistency throughout the year. He challenged parents to go beyond saving money and deliberately involve their children in understanding how saving works. “Keep educating your children on how saving is done, so that they get to know it early and embrace the culture,” he said. According to Mr. Ziro, early exposure to financial discipline helps children grow into responsible adults who appreciate the value of planning and delayed gratification.
The Chairman further observed that a significant number of Malaika Junior Account holders have, over the years, graduated into normal savings accounts once they attain the age of eighteen. This transition, he said, has been contributing steadily to the overall growth and stability of Imarika DT Sacco. “This spirit is crucial for building Imarika because our Sacco’s future is hinged on the children,” Mr. Ziro remarked, emphasising the long-term impact of nurturing young savers.
The growth of the Malaika Junior Savings Accounts programme reflects this vision. By October 2025, the number of junior accounts had risen to 6,534, representing an increase of 435 accounts compared to the previous year. The steady rise demonstrates growing trust in the Sacco’s products and an increasing awareness among members of the importance of early financial planning.
As the day came to a close, tired but happy children left with smiles, prizes, and lasting memories, while parents expressed satisfaction at seeing their efforts rewarded. More than just a fun day out, the Imarika Junior Savers Fun Fair stood out as a powerful reminder that building strong financial institutions begins with instilling the right values at a young age—one child, one family, and one savings account at a time.
