Tabasamu DT Sacco has officially commissioned its newest branch in Samburu, marking a historic expansion aimed at deepening financial inclusion and empowering the local community. The grand opening, attended by county government representatives, board members, and hundreds of residents, signals the institution’s strategic shift toward becoming a dominant financial force within the region.
The event featured high-level addresses from the Sacco’s top leadership and the national administration, all converging on a single theme: the power of cooperative societies to transform individual livelihoods and the regional economy.
Speaking at the launch, the Sacco’s Chief Executive Officer Geoffrey Sitati detailed the institution’s journey from a specialized union to a diverse financial partner. Founded in 1977 as Kwale Teachers Sacco, the organization eventually rebranded to Tabasamu to reflect its mission of serving all Kenyans, regardless of their profession.
“We saw the need to open our doors so that it is not just for teachers alone,” the CEO told the gathering. “Now, all residents of the county and all businesspeople are with us.”
The CEO noted that the Samburu branch initially began as a small marketing office. However, the overwhelming response and economic potential of the area necessitated the transition into a fully-fledged branch. To reassure the new membership, the CEO highlighted the Sacco’s robust financial standing, revealing that collective deposits from various investment groups (chamas) alone currently exceed KSh 1.5 billion.
Juma Mwavitu, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, who served as the Chief Guest, reinforced the message of stability. He emphasized that the Sacco’s 47-year history provides a foundation of trust that newer institutions cannot easily replicate.
“When we tell you that your money is safe, we are speaking from a position of strength and stability that has been built since 1977,” the Chairman affirmed. He framed the new branch as a “gateway to financial freedom,” designed to protect residents from predatory, high-interest lenders.
The Chairman outlined a vision where the Samburu branch acts as a catalyst for local development, providing accessible credit for small-scale traders to scale their businesses, farmers to invest in modern techniques, and parents to secure their children’s education through structured loan products.
“We did not come to Samburu by chance,” he added. “We came here because we recognized the hard work and the potential of the people in this region.”
The County government, represented by the Kwale County Cooperatives Director, offered a strong endorsement of the Sacco’s entry into Samburu. Describing the cooperative movement as the “backbone of the Kenyan economy,” the Director encouraged residents to embrace the Sacco to gain better bargaining power and access to affordable credit.
Addressing concerns regarding the business environment, the Director pledged the government’s full support in maintaining security for the institution’s assets and staff. “Security is a priority. We will ensure that your branch and your staff are safe so that you can serve the people without fear,” the Director stated.
Furthermore, the he challenged the Sacco’s leadership to maintain the highest standards of transparency, noting that open governance is the only way to sustain the trust of the Samburu people.
Embracing the Digital Frontier.
Beyond physical expansion, the Sacco is pushing for a digital-first approach in Samburu. The CEO urged members to take advantage of mobile banking platforms, which allow for deposits and account management outside of traditional banking hours. While the physical branch will operate from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, digital services ensure that the Sacco remains accessible 24/7.
The CEO also issued a call to action for local service providers, specifically M-Pesa agents, to improve their liquidity management to match the increased economic activity the new branch will generate. He emphasized that the Sacco’s presence should uplift the entire local business ecosystem.
The ceremony concluded with a vibrant display of the Sacco’s internal culture. The Chairman of the Education and Marketing Committee introduced his team, emphasizing that member enlightenment would be a cornerstone of their operations in Samburu. With the rallying verbal insignia, “Tabasamu Sacco, Pamoja Tunawiri!”, the leadership signalled a unified front ready to serve the region.
As Tabasamu DT Sacco begins its operations in Samburu, it does so with a clear mandate: to combine its decades of experience with modern financial solutions, all while enjoying the rare dual support of its members and the county government. For the people of Samburu, the new branch represents more than just a place to save; it is a partner in their journey toward long-term financial success.
