The Best SACCOs in Kenya for Saving, Investing & Secure Growth (2025 Guide)
Saving and investing your money wisely is one of the most important decisions you can make—especially when choosing where to keep your hard-earned cash. SACCOs (Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations) remain one of the most trusted ways for Kenyans to build wealth through savings, affordable loans, and annual dividends. But not every SACCO is worth your money. Before joining any SACCO in Kenya, always confirm that it is regulated by SASRA (The SACCO Societies Regulatory Authority). SASRA protects your savings, enforces financial discipline, and ensures that a SACCO follows strict legal and financial standards—just like CBK regulates banks and IRA regulates insurance companies. Once you confirm that, you’re good to go. In this article, we look at 10 of the best SACCOs in Kenya—based on asset size, dividend history, membership strength, and overall performance.
Table of Contents
Top 5 Best SACCOs in Kenya
SACCOs to Avoid in Kenya and Why
- KUSCCO (Kenya Union of Savings & Credit Co-operatives)
- Afya SACCO Society Ltd
- Metropolitan National SACCO
- Vision / World Vision Kenya SACCO
Mwalimu National SACCO
Mwalimu National SACCO is the largest deposit-taking SACCO in Kenya, with approximately KSh 66.43 billion in assets (2024), and it continues to be a preferred choice for teachers and professionals seeking financial stability. Its massive asset base, long-term reputation, and consistent dividend payouts make it one of the most reliable SACCOs for savings, loans, and long-term wealth growth. Its size matters because a SACCO with strong asset strength has better liquidity, more lending power, and increased protection for member deposits, making Mwalimu a top option for anyone seeking safety and predictable returns.
Stima DT SACCO
Stima DT SACCO, holding about KSh 66.51 billion in assets (2024), is one of Kenya’s strongest and best-performing SACCOs, especially known for offering high returns on deposits and share capital. Its strong balance sheet gives members access to reliable credit, stable dividend performance, and solid financial management supported by decades of trust within the energy and engineering sectors. The large asset base matters because it signals high financial resilience, better loan facilities, and long-term sustainability, making Stima SACCO a dependable vehicle for building wealth consistently.
Kenya National Police DT SACCO
Kenya National Police DT SACCO is a highly disciplined and well-managed SACCO with approximately KSh 59.83 billion in assets (2024), recognized for its steady growth and strong governance culture. Its financial discipline, low-risk management style, and stable dividend history make it a secure choice for members seeking dependable savings and credit services. The asset strength matters because it enhances the SACCO’s ability to offer affordable loans, safeguard member deposits, and maintain long-term financial stability even in tough economic periods.
Harambee SACCO
Harambee SACCO, with around KSh 38.57 billion in assets (2024), is one of Kenya’s oldest and most trusted SACCOs, built on a reputation of transparency and member-focused governance. Its long history of steady dividends and strong financial systems gives members confidence in its stability and reliability. The significant asset base matters because it supports the SACCO’s lending capacity, reinforces financial security for members, and ensures sustainable operations that protect member savings over time.
Tower SACCO
Tower SACCO commands about KSh 28.04 billion in assets (2024) and is well-known for its high dividends, strong leadership, and consistent financial discipline, making it one of Kenya’s fastest-growing regional SACCOs. Its impressive member returns and solid asset growth position it as a top choice for individuals seeking aggressive wealth-building through SACCO investments. The asset strength matters because it reflects financial health, stability, and the ability to maintain strong credit services and dividend payouts year after year.
What to Consider Before Joining a SACCO in Kenya
These issues recur, so you can use them as red-flags:
- Whether the SACCO is licensed and regulated by SASRA. Unlicensed ones are risky.
- Transparency in financial reports — are audit reports available? Are losses or bad loans disclosed?
- Management of funds: are there documented withdrawals, or suspicious large allowances / payments?
- Related party transactions, or lending to “fake members”.
- How the SACCO invests — is it sticking to core SACCO functions, or going into non-core risky ventures? (Some SACCOs have been banned from non-core investments due to risk)
- Member complaints: delays in repayments, inability to withdraw savings, lack of communication.
SACCOs to Avoid in Kenya and Why
KUSCCO (Kenya Union of Savings & Credit Co-operatives)
KUSCCO, which serves as the umbrella body for many SACCOs in Kenya, has recently faced serious scrutiny following forensic audits that uncovered large-scale financial mismanagement. The audits revealed non-performing loans amounting to approximately KSh 3.7 billion, alongside overstated profits, irregular commission payments, and overall mismanagement of funds. These revelations have raised concerns about transparency, governance, and the protection of members’ investments. Although KUSCCO remains a key institution in the cooperative movement, the ongoing investigations highlight the importance of exercising caution and verifying financial stability before engaging with affiliated SACCOs.
Afya SACCO Society Ltd
Afya SACCO, one of Kenya’s major medical and health sector cooperatives, has come under investigation for alleged financial mismanagement and misappropriation of funds. Reports indicate that about KSh 550 million was allegedly misused through undocumented transactions and unaccounted cash withdrawals. Additionally, the SACCO faced a significant financial blow after writing off KSh 361.6 million linked to its involvement with the troubled KUSCCO investment. These issues have sparked serious questions about internal controls, accountability, and governance within the SACCO. Members and prospective investors are advised to monitor ongoing investigations closely before committing their funds.
Metropolitan National SACCO
Metropolitan National SACCO has been at the center of a major financial scandal involving extensive internal fraud and embezzlement. The SACCO reportedly lost an estimated KSh 12 billion through theft, disbursing bad loans—including to non-existent members—and engaging in improper accounting practices. Investigations point to inflated financial reports, poor oversight, and failure of internal accountability systems. Such large-scale irregularities have eroded public confidence and left many members at financial risk. This case serves as a warning about the importance of transparency and strong governance when selecting a SACCO.
Vision / World Vision Kenya SACCO
Vision SACCO, also known as World Vision Kenya SACCO, has been entangled in internal fraud cases that exposed weaknesses in its internal control systems. Investigations revealed financial losses of about KSh 47 million, arising from improper rebates, overpayments, and fraudulent transactions by staff. These incidents highlight lapses in oversight and governance that have undermined member trust. Although the SACCO has since taken steps to tighten controls, potential members should remain cautious and ensure that corrective measures have been fully implemented before joining.
Frequently Asked Questions About SACCOs in Kenya
What should I consider before joining any SACCO in Kenya?
Before joining a SACCO, ensure that it is licensed and regulated by SASRA, as unlicensed institutions are risky. Review its audit reports, check for transparency in financial performance, and evaluate its management practices. Be cautious of SACCOs that lend to “fake members,” engage in risky non-core investments, or have frequent member complaints about delayed withdrawals and poor communication.