Chairman of the National Service and Walinzi SACCO Isaac Andabwa (second left) and Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya (right) during the official launch of the sacco.
A sacco targeting
workers in the private security sector has been launched in Nairobi,
marking a significant turning point for Kenya’s frontline workers.
The National Service
and Walinzi Sacco seeks to bring financial empowerment to thousands
of unsung heroes with the support of Ministry of Co-operatives and
MSME Development in partnership with key stakeholders.
Cabinet Secretary
Wycliffe Oparanya praised the Sacco’s launch as a “shining
example of deliberate financial empowerment” and a much-needed
solution for private security officers and domestic workers.
These workers, who
safeguard lives and property under often challenging conditions, have
for years been excluded from the formal financial system, leaving
them unbanked, under-resourced, and undervalued.
Oparanya expressed
optimism, stating that the Sacco would provide members with a
structured avenue for savings, responsible borrowing, asset-building,
and, more importantly, financial dignity.
“This sacco marks
a new beginning, one that opens doors for a future filled with
opportunities,” Oparanya affirmed during the launch at Ulinzi
Sports Ground.
He emphasised that
the success of the initiative would depend on collective efforts,
underscoring the importance of unity and strong leadership in
transforming SACCOs into the biggest in the country.
The chairman of the
National Service and Walinzi SACCO, Isaac Andabwa, echoed the CS’s
sentiments, describing the launch as a “valuable opportunity to
uplift serving Kenya’s servicemen and women.”
Andabwa reiterated
his commitment to the cooperative’s mission to provide affordable
credit, investment options, and broaden financial access while
ensuring the sustainable growth of saccos.
“If we unite
together with good leadership, we will become the biggest sacco in
this country,” Andabwa boldly declared.
CEO James Ngari, in
his address, captured the essence of the day’s significance.
“Today is not just
the launch of a sacco-it’s the launch of hope,” Ngari said.
He encouraged
members to dream big and seize the opportunity for financial freedom,
dignity, and opportunity, promising that together, they would break
barriers and build a better Kenya where every hardworking citizen
could soar.
The Sacco’s
offerings will include tailored financial services, such as salary
advances, development loans, savings plans, and credit facilities,
all designed to meet the unique needs of frontline workers.
Additionally,
corporate partners, particularly in the private security sector, will
benefit from payroll advances, asset financing, and invoice support,
which will improve employee welfare and operational stability.
A key component of
the Sacco’s strategy is the focus on financial literacy. The sacco
plans to roll out financial education programmes, ensuring that
members are well-equipped to manage their finances effectively and
make informed decisions about saving, investing, and borrowing
responsibly.
This initiative
aligns with the government’s broader push to modernise Kenya’s
cooperative movement, fostering greater financial inclusion across
all sectors of society.