Top 10 Best SACCOs in Kenya (2025)

Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) play a crucial role in Kenya's financial sector, offering affordable credit, savings opportunities, and investment platforms.

In 2025, the best SACCOs in Kenya stand out due to factors such as financial strength, product diversity, customer satisfaction, and technological advancements. Here’s a list of the top 10 SACCOs and what makes them the best.

Top 10 Best SACCOs in Kenya (2025)

1. Mwalimu National SACCO – Best for teachers and education sector employees.

2. Stima SACCO – Best for professionals in the energy and power sector.

3. Kenya National Police SACCO – Best for police officers and security personnel.

4. Harambee SACCO – Best for government and civil service employees.

5. Unaitas SACCO – Best for SMEs, entrepreneurs, and individuals looking for flexible financial solutions.

6. Afya SACCO – Best for healthcare professionals and medical practitioners.

7. Mhasibu SACCO – Best for accountants and finance professionals.

8. Safaricom SACCO – Best for Safaricom employees and tech-savvy individuals.

9. Kenya Women SACCO (KWFT SACCO) – Best for women entrepreneurs and small business owners.

10. Ukulima SACCO – Best for farmers and agribusiness investors.

1. Mwalimu National SACCO

Best for: Teachers and education professionals

Established in 1974, Mwalimu National SACCO primarily serves teachers across Kenya. With an asset base of Ksh 66.43 billion and over 123,000 members, it offers a range of services including welfare programs, business loans, and both Front Office Service Activities (FOSA) and Back Office Service Activities (BOSA) products.

What makes it the best?

• Largest SACCO in Kenya by asset base (Ksh 66.43 billion).
• Offers competitive loan products, including development, emergency, and school fees loans at low interest rates.
• Provides specialized investment options, including property ownership and insurance services for teachers.
• High dividend payouts averaging 12% annually.

Member Testimonial

"As a teacher, Mwalimu National SACCO has been instrumental in helping me secure a loan for my children's education. Their understanding of our profession's unique needs makes them exceptional." – Jane Mwangi, Nairobi

2. Stima SACCO

Best for: Energy sector employees and general public

Founded in 1974, Stima SACCO caters to employees in the energy sector. It has grown to become one of the largest SACCOs in Kenya, boasting an asset base of Ksh 59.15 billion and a membership exceeding 1 million. Stima SACCO offers a wide range of services, including savings options, investment opportunities, credit facilities, insurance, mortgages, and diaspora services. Notably, it was the first SACCO in Kenya to introduce mobile banking and ATM services.

What makes it the best?

• High asset base of Ksh 59.15 billion, ensuring financial stability.
• First SACCO in Kenya to introduce mobile banking and ATM services, improving convenience.
• Offers diaspora banking services, allowing Kenyans abroad to save and invest.
• Provides tailored loans for asset financing, business development, and housing.

• Dividend payments consistently above 10%.

Member Testimonial

"Stima SACCO's loan products enabled me to start my own business. Their competitive interest rates and efficient service are commendable." – Peter Otieno, Kisumu

3. Kenya National Police SACCO

Best for: Police officers and disciplined forces

Established in 1972, the Kenya National Police SACCO serves police officers and the general public. With over 73,000 members and an asset base of Ksh 54.24 billion, it provides competitive financial solutions, including credit, savings, loans, and investment services. In 2024, it was recognized as the “Best Managed SACCO in Kenya” at the Ushirika Gala Awards.

What makes it the best?

• Recognized as the "Best Managed SACCO in Kenya" (2024) at the Ushirika Gala Awards.
• Low-interest emergency loans, education loans, and housing loans for members.
• Strong financial health with an asset base of Ksh 54.24 billion.
• Robust welfare programs, including insurance covers for police officers.

Member Testimonial

"The financial support from Kenya National Police SACCO has been a cornerstone in building my family's home. Their dedication to members' welfare is truly appreciated." – Sergeant Wanjiru, Nakuru

4. Harambee SACCO

Best for: Government employees and civil servants

Harambee SACCO, with an asset base of Ksh 38.57 billion, is known for its strong financial performance and diverse membership base. It offers a variety of financial products and services tailored to meet the needs of its members.

What makes it the best?

• Government-backed SACCO with an asset base of Ksh 38.57 billion.
• Offers special salary-backed loans for civil servants at low interest rates.
• Provides business and personal loans with flexible repayment terms.
• Dividend payout is among the highest, averaging 14% annually.

Member Testimonial

"Harambee SACCO's investment options have allowed me to grow my wealth steadily. Their commitment to civil servants' financial health is unmatched." – John Kamau, Mombasa

5. Unaitas SACCO

Best for: Entrepreneurs and SMEs

Unaitas SACCO has a long-standing history in Kenya and is recognized for its commitment to financial inclusion and community development. With an asset base of Ksh 22.70 billion, it offers a range of financial products and services designed to empower its members economically.

What makes it the best?

• Highly focused on business loans for startups and SMEs.
• Investment options including land buying schemes and unit trusts.
• Member-focused financial products such as table banking and group savings.
• Strong digital banking services, including mobile banking and USSD services.

Member Testimonial

"Joining Unaitas SACCO was the best decision for my small enterprise. Their business loans come with flexible terms that suit entrepreneurs like me." – Grace Njeri, Thika

6. Afya SACCO

Best for: Healthcare professionals

Afya SACCO primarily serves health professionals in Kenya. With an asset base of Ksh 22.79 billion, it provides services such as asset financing, development loans, and savings plans. Members benefit from low-interest rates and specialized financial products tailored for healthcare workers.

What makes it the best?

• Specializes in loans tailored for healthcare workers, including asset financing and education loans.
• Competitive savings accounts with high interest rates.
• Offers members investment opportunities in real estate and insurance.
• Asset base of Ksh 22.79 billion, ensuring financial security.

Member Testimonial

"Afya SACCO understands the demands of healthcare professionals. Their tailored financial solutions have been a great support in my career advancement." – Dr. Achieng, Eldoret

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7. Mhasibu SACCO

Best for: Accountants and finance professionals

Targeting accounting and finance professionals, Mhasibu SACCO offers specialized financial products to its members. It provides business loans, school fees loans, and asset financing. The SACCO is known for its strong financial growth and dividend payouts averaging 15%.

What makes it the best?

• High dividend payouts of up to 15% per year.
• Specialized loans for business expansion, land purchase, and home construction.
• Strong financial management training and investment support for members.
• Offers risk-free savings options with high returns.

Member Testimonial

"Mhasibu SACCO's focus on financial professionals means they offer products that align with our goals. Their high dividend rates are a testament to their excellent management." – Anne Waweru, Nairobi

8. Safaricom SACCO

Best for: Tech employees and corporate professionals

Serving Safaricom employees and other stakeholders, Safaricom SACCO provides a range of financial services designed for tech-savvy members. It offers emergency loans, mortgages, and savings products. The SACCO is noted for its high level of technology integration in services and excellent member support.

What makes it the best?

• Technology-driven services, including full digital banking.
• Special mortgage loans, investment loans, and employee welfare schemes.
• High dividend returns (up to 12%) with minimal risk.
• Exclusive financial solutions for Safaricom employees and affiliates.

Member Testimonial

"Safaricom SACCO's digital banking services make managing my finances seamless. Their innovative approach keeps them ahead of the curve." – Kevin Mutiso, Nairobi

9. Kenya Women SACCO

Best for: Women entrepreneurs and professionals

Dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs and professionals, Kenya Women SACCO offers financial products and services tailored to women's needs. These include business loans, savings accounts, and training programs aimed at achieving financial independence and success.

What makes it the best?

• Focuses on financial empowerment for women.
• Offers business loans and financial training tailored for women-led enterprises.
• Low-interest school fees loans and emergency loans.
• Provides group savings plans, allowing women to pool resources.

Member Testimonial

"Kenya Women SACCO has empowered me to expand my business through their affordable loans. Their support for women entrepreneurs is truly empowering." – Mary Atieno, Kisii

10. Ukulima SACCO

Best for: Farmers and agribusiness owners

Ukulima SACCO plays a vital role in supporting agricultural development and rural livelihoods across Kenya. By providing financial services tailored to farmers and agribusinesses, including agricultural loans, savings schemes, and insurance products, Ukulima SACCO enables rural communities to thrive.

What makes it the best?

• Specializes in agricultural loans, savings, and insurance products.
• Provides flexible loan repayment options suited for seasonal farming incomes.
• Offers investment opportunities in agribusiness ventures.
• Strong presence in rural areas, making it accessible to small-scale farmers.

Member Testimonial

As a farmer, Ukulima SACCO's understanding of agricultural cycles has provided me with the financial flexibility I need. Their services are tailored to our unique challenges." – Joseph Mwangi, Eldoret

Ukulima SACCO has recently rebranded to Apstar SACCO to appeal to a wider membership base, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Conclusion

These SACCOs are the best in Kenya because of their financial strength, tailored financial products, high dividend payouts, and technological innovation. When choosing a SACCO, consider factors such as membership eligibility, loan interest rates, and dividend history to find the best fit for your financial needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is a SACCO?

A Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO) is a member-owned financial institution that offers savings and credit services to its members. SACCOs aim to promote financial well-being by providing affordable loans and encouraging savings among members.

2. How do I join a SACCO in Kenya?

To join a SACCO, you typically need to:

• Meet Eligibility Criteria: Some SACCOs are profession-based (e.g., teachers, police officers), while others are open to the general public.
• Complete an Application Form: Available at the SACCO's offices or on their official website.
• Provide Necessary Documentation: Such as identification documents, passport-sized photos, and sometimes proof of employment.
• Pay Membership Fees: This may include a registration fee and the purchase of minimum share capital.

3. What are the benefits of joining a SACCO?

Benefits include:

• Access to Affordable Loans: Lower interest rates compared to traditional banks.
• Dividends on Shares: Members earn returns on their share capital.
• Encouragement to Save: Structured savings plans help members build financial discipline.
• Community Support: Being part of a member-driven organization fosters a sense of community and mutual assistance.

4. Are SACCOs safe to invest in?

Yes, many SACCOs in Kenya are regulated by the Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA), ensuring they adhere to strict financial management and reporting standards. It's advisable to research and choose SACCOs registered and regulated by SASRA.

5. Can I be a member of more than one SACCO?

Yes, individuals can join multiple SACCOs, provided they meet the membership criteria and fulfill the obligations of each.

6. How are dividends calculated in SACCOs?

Dividends are typically calculated based on the SACCO's net surplus at the end of the financial year and are distributed proportionally to members based on their shareholding. The rate varies annually and among different SACCOs.

7. What happens if I want to withdraw my membership?

Members can withdraw their membership by submitting a written notice as per the SACCO's bylaws. Upon withdrawal, the member is entitled to receive their savings and any accrued dividends, minus any outstanding loans or obligations.

8. Do SACCOs offer services to non-members?

Generally, SACCOs provide services exclusively to their members. However, some SACCOs may offer certain products or services to non-members, but membership is required to access the full range of benefits.

9. How do SACCOs differ from banks?

Key differences include:

• Ownership: SACCOs are member-owned cooperatives, while banks are typically shareholder-owned.
• Profit Distribution: SACCOs distribute profits to members as dividends; banks distribute profits to shareholders.
• Interest Rates: SACCOs often offer more favorable interest rates on loans and savings.

10. Can I access my SACCO account online?

Many SACCOs have embraced technology, offering online and mobile banking services. Availability varies by SACCO, so it's best to check with the specific organization.