Ollin Sacco marks 50 years of growth, targets KSh70 billion assets by 2030
From left: CEO Ollin sacco, John Gathige, CIC Insurance Chair Dr Nelson Kuria and Ollin chairman Cyrus Kabute. Photo/Jane Mugambi
By Jane Mugambi
What began as a modest savings initiative by five teachers in 1976 has grown into one of Kenya’s leading savings and credit cooperative societies, transforming the lives of tens of thousands of members across the country and beyond.
Ollin Sacco celebrated its Golden Jubilee last weekend, marking 50 years since its establishment on June 14, 1976.
The institution traces its roots to the Withdrawal Savings Society before evolving into Muhigia Co-operative Savings and Credit Society and eventually rebranding as Ollin Sacco.
From an initial membership of just 163 teachers, the Sacco has expanded to a global membership of more than 46,000 people this year.
The Sacco’s journey started in Kerugoya when five teachers resolved to save a portion of their salaries. Their commitment inspired colleagues after the benefits of collective savings became evident within a few months, attracting more teachers to join the initiative.
Today, Ollin Sacco has grown into a Tier One financial institution regulated by the Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA), with assets worth KSh15 billion and an ambitious growth strategy aimed at reaching KSh70 billion in assets and over 60,000 members by 2030.
Speaking during the celebrations, Chief Executive Officer CPA John Gathige said the Sacco remains committed to its founding mission of transforming lives through financial empowerment.
“In the next four and a half years, the Sacco will have a growth of KSh30 billion in assets with over 60,000 members,” said Gathige.
Gathige’s own journey mirrors the institution’s growth. He joined the Sacco as a Front Office Services Activity (FOSA) manager before rising through the ranks to become CEO. Under his leadership, Ollin Sacco has expanded its footprint across the country and attracted members from beyond Kenya’s borders.
The Sacco currently operates branches in Kerugoya, Kianyaga, Mwea, Nairobi, Kitengela, Kajiado, Kiserian, Kimana, Narok, Thika and Kiambu, with plans underway to establish another branch in Kilgoris.
While launching the Young Members Club, Gathige urged young people to embrace a savings culture, noting that the Sacco’s success story was built on the discipline and foresight of its pioneer members.
He said Ollin is now broadening its membership base beyond teachers to include professionals from other sectors.
“We are moving from the teaching fraternity, targeting other professionals. We want to touch every family in the world,” he said.
The CEO added that the Sacco is investing in innovative financial solutions that will enable members to access services conveniently through their mobile phones.
The chief guest at the event, CIC Insurance Group Chairperson Dr Nelson Kuria, praised Ollin Sacco’s leadership and commitment to serving its members.
“My relationship with Muhigia spans many years. Under Mr Gathige’s leadership, the Sacco has remained focused on delivering credible services while upholding its core values and respecting its members,” said Dr Kuria.
He described Ollin’s 50-year journey as proof of what ordinary people can achieve through a shared vision.
“When ordinary people come together around an extraordinary idea, the testament is not merely time; the vision is anchored in purpose,” he said.
Dr Kuria challenged Saccos across the country to provide affordable credit facilities to protect young Kenyans from predatory digital lenders.
“Saccos, I pose a challenge to you. Kindly offer friendly loans for our young people to keep digital lenders from taking advantage of them through exorbitant interest rates,” he said.
The impact of Ollin Sacco was also evident in testimonies shared by members.
Young Members Ambassador Felista Wambui recounted how the Sacco transformed her life from a struggling boda boda operator into a property owner and entrepreneur.
Wambui said she initially approached the Sacco with scepticism but decided to start saving Sh30 daily.
With her savings record, she secured her first loan of KSh70,000, which enabled her to purchase a motorcycle. After repaying the loan, she acquired a second motorcycle through another facility.
The income generated from the two motorcycles allowed her to continue saving and eventually qualify for larger loans that helped her buy land, build a family home and establish rental units.
“I was a squad operator in Kayole when I heard about Ollin. I started with small daily savings and gradually built my financial capacity. Today, I own two motorcycles, land, rental units and I have built a house for my family,” she said.
Wambui, who is not yet 30 years old, said she recently purchased an old lorry that she is converting into a towing truck, leveraging her skills as a mechanic.
“I can attest that Ollin is a Sacco that uplifts lives. If someone had told me years ago that I would one day own property, I would not have believed it. Today, I am a landlady,” she said amid laughter.
She encouraged young people to join Saccos and cultivate a savings culture, saying they represent the next generation of financially empowered Kenyans.
As Ollin Sacco enters its next chapter, its leadership says the institution remains committed to expanding financial inclusion, embracing innovation and preserving the values that inspired five teachers in Kerugoya to begin saving half a century ago.
Similar Posts by The Mt Kenya Times:
- Mt Kenya Times ePAPER August 13, 2026
- The deputy’s dilemma: Gachagua warns Kindiki he is next
- KEMSA chief outlines supply chain reforms ahead of health summit
- Why Audi’s smaller models are often more desirable than their bigger brothers
- The politics of tomorrow: Why Kenya keeps replacing the future with the next election
About the Author
