Sigona Story
Strengthening Community Finance at the Grassroots: The Story of Sigona Muungano Sacco
In 2022, a shared vision to create a sustainable financial platform for farmer groups gave birth to Sigona Muungano Sacco. The Sacco was formed to support Common Interest Groups (CIGs) that had initially been funded under NARIGP, ensuring continuity, sustainability, and long-term access to financial services beyond project cycles.
According to Ngige Kariuki, Chairman of Sigona Muungano Sacco, the transition to a fully-fledged Sacco marked an important milestone for the community.
“Our idea was to create a sustainable platform for the CIGs,” he explains. “Fortunately, our proposal was adopted by NAVCDP, and we received an inclusion grant of KES 1 million, which laid a strong foundation for our operations.”
Project Support That Built a Strong Institutional Base
The NAVCDP inclusion grant enabled the Sacco to professionalise its operations from the outset. The funds were used to pay one year’s land rent, employ a bookkeeper, purchase office equipment such as cabinets and a computer, and install Wi-Fi connectivity.
“This support strengthened our governance and enabled us to operate effectively from Monday to Saturday,” Ngige notes.
With proper systems, staffing, and infrastructure in place, Sigona Muungano Sacco quickly earned the trust of the community.
Growing Membership and Strong Financial Performance
According to Grace Nyakairo, the Sacco’s Bookkeeper, Sigona Muungano Sacco has experienced steady growth in both membership and savings.
“We currently have 410 individual members and 32 Common Interest Groups as corporate members,” she says. “Our total deposits amount to KES 2.4 million, with KES 2,000,200 in savings and KES 208,000 in share capital.”
The Sacco has disbursed loans worth KES 1,078,000, of which KES 808,000 has already been repaid, leaving an outstanding balance of KES 170,000, a strong indicator of loan performance and member commitment.
Membership remains accessible and affordable. To join, individuals pay:
- KES 500 registration fee
- KES 500 share capital
- Minimum monthly savings of KES 300
A Sacco Built on Trust and Accessibility
For members like Alice Nyambura, awareness came through community outreach.
“I learned about the Sacco through members who visited our church,” she says. “I later visited the office, and I was welcomed warmly. That encouraged me to join.”
Accessibility is also a key factor for Samuel Nganga, who saves regularly through the Sacco.
“The money I earn from farming is difficult to keep at home until it accumulates,” he explains. “Saving in the Sacco helps me grow my money and access loans when needed.”
Financing Small Businesses and Livelihoods
Access to affordable credit has enabled members to grow businesses and invest in productive assets.
After saving between KES 500 and 1,000 monthly for eight months, Alice Nyambura had accumulated KES 10,000 in savings. She applied for a loan and received KES 20,000, which she used to expand her cereal business.
Lawrence Njau, another member, took a KES 28,000 loan to boost his working capital and grow his enterprise.
For Samuel Nganga, a KES 8,500 loan helped him construct a livestock shade. He repaid the loan within six months and later accessed a second loan of KES 13,000 for further investment.
Members Planning for Bigger Futures
The Sacco continues to support members’ long-term ambitions.
“I plan to complete repayment of my current loan by March next year,” Alice says. “Then I want to apply for another loan to buy an ATM oil machine and start selling animal feed, since I have extra space.”
A Bold Vision for Growth and Financial Inclusion
Looking ahead, the leadership of Sigona Muungano Sacco has set an ambitious growth target.
“Our vision is to grow the Sacco to 3,000 members,” says Ngige. “This would give us an average capital base of about KES 105 million, making us eligible for larger funding opportunities—including the establishment of a microfinance institution or a FOSA bank.”
The Sacco is already fully licensed and registered, with professional staff, small traders, and corporate members actively participating.
A Model for Community-Driven Financial Empowerment
Members consistently highlight what sets Sigona Muungano Sacco apart.
“I chose this Sacco because it is community-driven and actively engaged at the grassroots,” says Lawrence Njau.
For Alice Nyambura, proximity and approachability matter most. “It is close to my home and operates daily up to Saturday.”
Through strong governance, project-backed institutional support, and a clear growth vision, Sigona Muungano Saccostands as a powerful example of how community-based financial institutions, supported under NAVCDP, can unlock savings, expand access to credit, and drive inclusive economic growth at the local level.