By ODP
More than 1000 delegates and members of the Dimkes DT Sacco on Friday attended the 25th Anniversary celebrations since the financial institution was started, which included the launch of Dimsure Insurance Agency.
In the event, attended by the Spouse of the Deputy President, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, the strength of women in economic empowerment was celebrated.
The Sacco was established in 1999 by members of the Mothers Union who saved KSh100, but today the Sacco has an asset base of KSh2.8 Billion, loan book of KSh2.2 Billion, Savings Deposits of KSh2.1 Billion, and 33,000 members.
“The mothers, founders of this Sacco, understood the biblical principles of prosperity, increase, and dominion. They took an investment step that has made us proud, today,” said Pastor Dorcas.
She commended the Sacco board and management for being deliberate, intentional and deliberate in investing in the lives of the delegates, members, and community.
She also asked the Sacco to have financial products targeting the youth who comprised a bulk of the country’s population.
“As a champion of the youth, and especially the Boy Child, I also urge the Sacco to invest in financial products that target the youth who comprise a big percentage of the country’s population, and encourage a saving culture from a young age,” said Pastor Dorcas.
Principal Secretary, State Department of Cooperatives, Mr Patrick Kirimi confessed that while preparing to come for the event, he thought the Sacco was a ‘chama’ group but was shocked that Dimkes Sacco was worth billions of shillings in savings, asset base, and loan book.
“The cooperative movement in Kenya boasts of a membership of 15 million, 28,000 registered cooperatives, KSh1.7 trillion in asset base, KSh1 trillion in loans, and KSh1.1 trillion in savings and I am happy to see Dimkes DT Sacco is contributing to this success in the cooperative movement. I urge Saccos in the country to continue being innovative, as they serve their members, and remember the currency for this business is trust,” said PS Kirimi.
Deputy Commissioner for Cooperatives Development, Priscilla Maranga, said Dimkes DT Sacco was on the right trajectory, and would celebrate the Golden jubilee in coming years with even more might if they remained focused in their goals and objectives.
The 6th Mount Kenya South Bishop Charles Muturi said the Diocese was home to many Saccos, but Dimkes was the leading institution with an asset base of KSh2.8 Billion, and Ukristo Sacco following with KSh2.2 Billion.
Chairlady of the Sacco Caroline Gikonyo detailed the journey of the Sacco since 1999, commending the elderly first board members in attendance, while many others had died but their vision lived on. The Sacco, which was not technologically enabled, is today digitally fit with members accessing their savings and loans through MChipuka and Tupo Ulipo platforms.
The Deputy Governor Kiambu, Rosemary Kirika also commended the Sacco and members for their growth in savings.
The Sacco has won different national awards in the categories of service delivery, digitization and technology, savings and deposits among others.
Different organisations, clergy, companies, saccos, and banks attended the 25th Anniversary celebrations that were full of pomp and colour.
