ACHI
SYSTEMS
Teachers in Kenya have long recognized the importance of cooperative societies in achieving financial stability and growth. Teachers SACCOs have become powerful financial institutions that serve educators across the country, offering savings, credit facilities, investment opportunities, and various financial products tailored to the unique needs of the teaching profession. This comprehensive guide explores the major Teachers SACCOs operating in Kenya, their locations, and the services they provide.
Teachers SACCOs in Kenya: Quick Reference Table
| SACCO Name | Type of Clients | Headquarters Address | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) SACCO | Primary and secondary school teachers, KNUT members | KNUT House, Moi Avenue, Nairobi | Tel: 020 2211122, Email: info@knutsacco.com |
| Mwalimu National SACCO | Teachers from all levels, education sector employees | Mwalimu House, Moi Avenue, Nairobi | Tel: 020 2213113, Email: info@mwalimu.co.ke |
| Elimu SACCO | Teachers, education officers, education sector workers | Elimu House, Haile Selassie Avenue, Nairobi | Tel: 020 2241234, Email: info@elimusacco.co.ke |
| Ukulima SACCO | Teachers, farmers, agricultural sector workers | Ukulima House, Kabarnet Road, Nairobi | Tel: 020 2723000, Email: info@ukulimasacco.com |
| Afya SACCO | Teachers, health workers, public sector employees | Afya Centre, Cathedral Road, Nairobi | Tel: 020 2717077, Email: info@afyasacco.com |
| Stima SACCO | Teachers, energy sector workers, public servants | Stima Plaza, Kolobot Road, Nairobi | Tel: 020 3874000, Email: info@stimasacco.com |
| Bandari SACCO | Teachers, port workers, transport sector employees | Mombasa Road, Nairobi | Tel: 020 6534000, Email: info@bandarisacco.co.ke |
| Nawiri SACCO | Teachers, water sector employees, public workers | Nawiri House, Ngong Road, Nairobi | Tel: 020 2719081, Email: info@nawirisacco.com |
| Hazina SACCO | Teachers, treasury employees, civil servants | Hazina Towers, Monrovia Street, Nairobi | Tel: 020 2252000, Email: info@hazinasacco.com |
| Kenya Bankers SACCO | Teachers, banking sector employees, financial workers | Upper Hill, Nairobi | Tel: 020 4263000, Email: info@kbs.co.ke |
| County Teachers SACCOs | Teachers within specific counties | Various county headquarters | Contact respective county offices |
| Taifa SACCO | Teachers, public service employees | Taifa Road, Nairobi | Tel: 020 2211845, Email: info@taifasacco.com |
| Imarika SACCO | Teachers, cooperative sector workers | Cooperative House, Haile Selassie Avenue, Nairobi | Tel: 020 310600, Email: info@imarikasacco.co.ke |
| Safaricom SACCO | Teachers, ICT sector workers (limited membership) | Safaricom House, Waiyaki Way, Nairobi | Tel: 0722 000000, Email: info@safarcomsacco.co.ke |
| Shirika SACCO | Teachers, parastatal employees | Nairobi | Tel: 020 2213456, Email: info@shirikasacco.co.ke |
| Tembo SACCO | Teachers, KWS employees, conservationists | KWS Headquarters, Nairobi | Tel: 020 6000800, Email: info@tembosacco.co.ke |
| Nyati SACCO | Teachers, prisons officers, security sector | Nairobi | Tel: 020 2729100, Email: info@nyatisacco.com |
| Biashara SACCO | Teachers, traders, business community | Nairobi CBD | Tel: 020 2241000, Email: info@biasharasacco.co.ke |
| Fariji SACCO | Teachers, Telkom employees, communication workers | Telkom Plaza, Ralph Bunche Road, Nairobi | Tel: 020 4952000, Email: info@farijisacco.com |
| Waumini SACCO | Teachers, church members, faith-based groups | Nairobi | Tel: 020 2720345, Email: info@wauminisacco.co.ke |
Detailed Breakdown of Teachers SACCOs in Kenya
1. Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) SACCO
KNUT SACCO is one of the oldest and most established teachers’ SACCOs in Kenya, specifically designed to serve members of the Kenya National Union of Teachers. Founded to address the financial needs of primary and secondary school teachers, this SACCO has grown tremendously over the decades to become a major financial institution.
Membership and Services: KNUT SACCO primarily serves teachers who are members of KNUT, the largest teachers’ union in East and Central Africa. The SACCO offers competitive savings accounts, development loans, emergency loans, school fees loans, and asset financing. Members benefit from dividend payments, interest on deposits, and access to affordable credit facilities.
Key Features:
- Minimum monthly savings requirements
- Quick loan processing (often within 48 hours)
- Competitive interest rates on loans
- Dividend payments to members
- Financial advisory services
- Mobile banking platforms
- Back-office service deductions through salary check-off systems
The SACCO has offices in Nairobi and service centers across various regions, making it accessible to teachers nationwide. KNUT SACCO has also ventured into investment projects including real estate development, providing housing solutions for teachers.
2. Mwalimu National SACCO
Mwalimu National SACCO stands as one of the largest and most successful SACCOs in Kenya, serving over 80,000 members with assets exceeding billions of shillings. The name “Mwalimu,” which means “teacher” in Swahili, reflects its core mission of serving educators.
Membership and Services: While primarily targeting teachers at all levels—from ECDE to university lecturers—Mwalimu SACCO also accepts education officers, ministry of education employees, and workers in educational institutions. The SACCO is known for its robust financial products including:
- Normal loans (up to 3 times member’s deposits)
- Development loans for construction and land purchase
- School fees loans
- Emergency loans
- Bridging loans
- Asset financing for vehicles and equipment
Key Features: Mwalimu SACCO is renowned for its excellent customer service, modern banking platforms, and transparent operations. Members access services through a user-friendly online portal, mobile app, and USSD codes. The SACCO has invested heavily in treasury bonds, fixed deposits, and real estate, ensuring strong financial stability and attractive returns for members.
The institution has received numerous awards for excellence in cooperative management and maintains one of the highest credit ratings among SACCOs in Kenya. It operates multiple branches across Nairobi and regional offices in major towns.
3. Elimu SACCO
Elimu SACCO (Elimu means “education” in Swahili) was established to serve the broader education sector in Kenya. It caters specifically to teachers, education officers, and anyone working within the education ministry or educational institutions.
Membership and Services: Elimu SACCO welcomes members from primary schools, secondary schools, colleges, and universities, as well as education administrators and support staff. The SACCO offers:
- Savings accounts with competitive interest rates
- Various loan products including normal loans, emergency loans, and development loans
- School fees financing
- Investment opportunities
- Insurance products in partnership with leading insurers
Key Features: Elimu SACCO distinguishes itself through personalized customer service and member education programs. The institution regularly conducts financial literacy workshops for members, helping them make informed decisions about savings and investments. The SACCO has embraced technology, offering online applications, statements, and loan tracking.
Members benefit from low interest rates on loans, quick disbursement, and flexible repayment terms. The SACCO also provides advisory services on investment opportunities and retirement planning, recognizing the unique career trajectory of educators.
4. Ukulima SACCO
While Ukulima SACCO primarily serves the agricultural sector, it has a significant membership of teachers, particularly those in rural areas who engage in farming as a secondary income source. The SACCO’s dual focus on education and agriculture makes it unique among teachers’ financial cooperatives.
Membership and Services: Teachers who are also farmers or have agricultural interests find Ukulima SACCO particularly beneficial. The SACCO offers:
- Agricultural loans for farm inputs, equipment, and livestock
- Development loans for construction
- School fees loans
- Business loans
- Savings and investment products
Key Features: Ukulima SACCO provides specialized agricultural financing that many other SACCOs don’t offer. Teachers can access funds for farm development while enjoying the benefits of cooperative membership. The SACCO has partnerships with agricultural input suppliers, enabling members to purchase farm necessities at discounted rates.
The institution emphasizes member welfare, offering training on modern farming techniques alongside financial services. This holistic approach helps teacher-farmers maximize their income from both professions.
5. Afya SACCO
Afya SACCO, primarily serving health workers, also extends membership to teachers and other public sector employees. Its diverse membership base makes it one of the more inclusive SACCOs in Kenya.
Membership and Services: Teachers can join Afya SACCO individually or through institutional arrangements where their schools have partnerships with the SACCO. Services include:
- Competitive savings accounts
- Medical loans for health-related expenses
- Development loans
- Emergency loans
- School fees financing
- Asset financing
Key Features: Afya SACCO stands out for its excellent medical loan products, which teachers find particularly useful for handling health emergencies. The SACCO maintains strong financial performance with healthy dividends and interest payments to members. Its modern banking infrastructure allows members to conduct transactions remotely, check balances, and apply for loans online.
The SACCO also offers financial planning services, helping teachers prepare for retirement and major life events. Member education programs focus on wealth creation, investment strategies, and debt management.
6. Stima SACCO
Stima SACCO primarily serves employees of the energy sector but welcomes teachers and other public servants as members. It’s known for excellent financial performance and member benefits.
Membership and Services: Teachers can join Stima SACCO as associate members, accessing most of the benefits available to primary members. The SACCO offers:
- High-interest savings accounts
- Development loans up to 4 times deposits
- Emergency loans
- School fees loans
- Asset financing for vehicles and land
- Investment products
Key Features: Stima SACCO is celebrated for offering some of the highest dividends among Kenyan SACCOs, often exceeding 12% annually. The institution has diversified investments in real estate, government securities, and fixed deposits, ensuring financial stability and member returns.
Teachers benefit from the SACCO’s robust loan products with favorable terms. The organization has invested in modern technology, providing members with mobile banking, online portals, and instant notifications. Customer service is highly rated, with dedicated relationship managers assisting members with financial planning.
7. Bandari SACCO
Bandari SACCO serves port workers and the broader transport sector but has opened its membership to teachers and other professionals. It’s particularly popular among teachers in coastal regions.
Membership and Services: Teachers in Mombasa, Kilifi, and other coastal areas frequently join Bandari SACCO due to its convenient locations and excellent services. The SACCO provides:
- Savings accounts with attractive interest rates
- Normal loans (3-4 times deposits)
- Development loans for land and construction
- School fees loans
- Emergency loans
- Asset financing
Key Features: Bandari SACCO has established a strong presence in the Coast region with multiple branches and service points. The institution emphasizes member welfare, offering competitive loan rates and quick processing times. Members appreciate the SACCO’s stability and consistent dividend payments.
The SACCO has invested in technology, enabling members to access services through mobile platforms and online banking. It also provides financial education, helping teachers make informed decisions about savings and investments.
8. Nawiri SACCO
Nawiri SACCO primarily serves water sector employees but welcomes teachers and other public workers. Its name, meaning “flourish” in Swahili, reflects its mission of helping members prosper financially.
Membership and Services: Teachers join Nawiri SACCO to access its comprehensive financial products including:
- Competitive savings programs
- Development loans
- Emergency loans
- School fees financing
- Asset financing
- Investment opportunities
Key Features: Nawiri SACCO is known for member-focused services and personalized attention. The institution maintains high liquidity, ensuring members can access their savings when needed while still earning competitive interest rates. Loan processing is efficient, with many applications approved within days.
The SACCO emphasizes financial discipline, encouraging members to save consistently and borrow responsibly. Regular member education programs cover topics like retirement planning, investment strategies, and debt management.
9. Hazina SACCO
Hazina SACCO serves treasury employees and other civil servants, including teachers working in government schools. It’s recognized for financial stability and excellent governance.
Membership and Services: Government-employed teachers find Hazina SACCO particularly convenient due to integrated payroll systems. The SACCO offers:
- Savings accounts with competitive returns
- Normal loans up to 3 times deposits
- Development loans
- School fees loans
- Emergency financing
- Investment products
Key Features: Hazina SACCO benefits from its association with treasury operations, ensuring sound financial management and member confidence. The institution offers competitive interest rates on both savings and loans, with transparent fee structures.
Members access services through modern digital platforms including mobile apps, USSD codes, and online portals. The SACCO provides regular financial statements and member communications, maintaining high transparency standards.
10. Kenya Bankers SACCO
Kenya Bankers SACCO primarily serves banking sector employees but has opened membership to teachers and other professionals seeking high-quality financial services.
Membership and Services: Teachers who value sophisticated financial products often join Kenya Bankers SACCO. Services include:
- Premium savings accounts
- Investment-linked deposits
- Development loans
- Asset financing
- School fees loans
- Treasury products
Key Features: Kenya Bankers SACCO brings banking sector expertise to cooperative finance, offering innovative products and excellent customer service. The institution maintains high professional standards, with experienced staff providing financial advisory services.
Members benefit from competitive loan rates, quick processing, and flexible repayment options. The SACCO has invested heavily in technology, providing seamless digital banking experiences.
11. County Teachers SACCOs
Many Kenyan counties have established their own teachers’ SACCOs to serve educators within their jurisdictions. These county-specific SACCOs understand local needs and provide tailored services.
Examples include:
- Nairobi Teachers SACCO
- Kisumu Teachers SACCO
- Nakuru Teachers SACCO
- Meru Teachers SACCO
- Kakamega Teachers SACCO
- Eldoret Teachers SACCO
Membership and Services: County Teachers SACCOs typically serve teachers employed within their specific counties. They offer standard SACCO products including savings accounts, loans, and investment opportunities. Many have partnered with county governments to provide housing schemes and other development projects for teachers.
Key Features: County SACCOs understand regional economic conditions and tailor products accordingly. They often provide more personalized service due to smaller membership bases. These SACCOs contribute to local economic development through investments in county-specific projects.
12. Taifa SACCO
Taifa SACCO serves public service employees across various sectors, including teachers in government institutions. Its broad membership base provides diversity and stability.
Membership and Services: Teachers in public schools can join Taifa SACCO, accessing:
- Savings and investment accounts
- Normal and development loans
- School fees financing
- Emergency loans
- Asset financing
- Insurance products
Key Features: Taifa SACCO emphasizes member welfare and community development. The institution offers competitive rates and has maintained consistent financial performance over the years. Members benefit from dividend payments, interest on deposits, and access to affordable credit.
The SACCO has embraced digital transformation, providing online services and mobile banking platforms for member convenience.
13. Imarika SACCO
Imarika SACCO serves the cooperative movement but welcomes teachers and other professionals. Its focus on cooperative principles makes it unique among SACCOs.
Membership and Services: Teachers interested in cooperative development join Imarika SACCO to access:
- Cooperative savings programs
- Development loans
- Business financing
- School fees loans
- Investment opportunities
Key Features: Imarika SACCO provides training on cooperative management, benefiting teacher members who serve in school management committees or wish to start their own cooperatives. The institution emphasizes ethical business practices and member empowerment.
14. Safaricom SACCO
Safaricom SACCO primarily serves ICT sector workers but has limited openings for teachers, particularly those in tech-related education fields.
Membership and Services: Teachers in ICT departments or technical training institutions may qualify for membership, accessing:
- High-yield savings accounts
- Competitive loan products
- Investment opportunities
- Asset financing
Key Features: Safaricom SACCO leverages technology extensively, offering cutting-edge digital banking services. Members benefit from high dividends and excellent customer service.
15. Shirika SACCO
Shirika SACCO serves parastatal employees, including teachers in government-affiliated institutions. It’s known for stability and member-focused services.
Membership and Services: Teachers in parastatal-managed schools access comprehensive financial products including savings, loans, and investment opportunities.
Key Features: The SACCO emphasizes long-term wealth creation, offering financial planning services and investment advice to help members prepare for retirement.
16. Tembo SACCO
Tembo SACCO serves Kenya Wildlife Service employees but welcomes teachers, especially those in environmental education or schools near conservation areas.
Membership and Services: Teachers passionate about conservation join Tembo SACCO for standard cooperative services while supporting wildlife conservation initiatives.
Key Features: The SACCO contributes to conservation education and environmental projects, aligning with the interests of environmentally conscious teachers.
17. Nyati SACCO
Nyati SACCO primarily serves prisons officers but accepts teachers and other public servants as members.
Membership and Services: Teachers access comprehensive savings and loan products through Nyati SACCO, benefiting from competitive rates and efficient service.
Key Features: The SACCO maintains strong financial discipline and offers reliable services to its diverse membership.
18. Biashara SACCO
Biashara SACCO serves the business community but welcomes teachers engaged in entrepreneurial activities alongside teaching.
Membership and Services: Teacher-entrepreneurs find Biashara SACCO ideal for accessing business financing, development loans, and commercial credit facilities.
Key Features: The SACCO provides business advisory services, helping teacher members develop successful side businesses.
19. Fariji SACCO
Fariji SACCO primarily serves Telkom employees but has opened membership to teachers and other professionals.
Membership and Services: Teachers access competitive savings, loans, and investment products through Fariji SACCO.
Key Features: The institution offers excellent member benefits including high dividends and low-interest loans.
20. Waumini SACCO
Waumini SACCO serves church members and faith-based groups, including teachers active in religious communities.
Membership and Services: Christian teachers join Waumini SACCO for faith-aligned financial services, including savings, loans, and investment products.
Key Features: The SACCO emphasizes ethical financial practices and supports church development projects, appealing to teachers who value faith-based financial management.
Teachers SACCOs in Kenya play a crucial role in improving the financial wellbeing of educators across the country. From massive institutions like Mwalimu National SACCO serving tens of thousands of members to specialized county SACCOs addressing local needs, teachers have numerous options for cooperative financial services.
These SACCOs provide more than just savings and loans—they offer pathways to wealth creation, homeownership, business development, and financial security. By pooling resources and leveraging collective bargaining power, teachers through their SACCOs have achieved what would be difficult individually.
When choosing a SACCO, teachers should consider factors such as financial stability, loan terms, dividend history, accessibility of services, technology platforms, and alignment with personal financial goals. Many teachers belong to multiple SACCOs to diversify their savings and access different loan products.
The continued growth and success of Teachers SACCOs demonstrate the power of cooperative economics in transforming lives and building financial independence among Kenyan educators.
