Kenya’s cooperative banking sector has signalled a strategic pivot towards collaborative partnerships with fintech companies as its top strategic focus for 2026, signalling an accelerated push towards digital transformation as the movement seeks to enhance value delivery to millions of members across the country.
The strategic direction was outlined at the 4th Annual Cooperatives CEOs Roundtable, held by the Co-operative Bank of Kenya, which brought together over 100 SACCO chief executives under the theme ‘Transforming Cooperatives through Technology, Innovation, and Human Capital Readiness.’
“The technology landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace,” said Vincent Marangu, Director of the Cooperatives Banking Division at Co-operative Bank of Kenya, whilst speaking during the roundtable. “For players in Kenya’s financial sector, constant environmental scanning is no longer optional – it is a leadership obligation. Member expectations are shifting, delivery channels are expanding, and the traditional understanding of financial services has been fundamentally reshaped by the emergence of specialised Fintechs.”
The two-day forum addressed critical themes including technology-driven growth, member value innovation, diaspora engagement, and human capital transformation. The forum, which was also attended by senior executives from Visa, Oracle and the Fintech Association of Kenya, engaged SACCO leaders on emerging trends reshaping the financial services landscape.
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Discussions highlighted the growing urgency for SACCOs to modernise core banking systems, strengthen data-driven decision-making, and adopt interoperable digital platforms that enable seamless member experiences across channels. Participants also examined how technology can unlock new growth opportunities, including youth engagement, MSME financing, and cross-border services for the diaspora.
According to the latest SACCO Supervision Report, Kenya’s regulated SACCO sector reached approximately 7.39 million members in 2024, marking robust membership growth of nearly 8 % year-on-year. Total assets climbed from KES 972 billion in 2023 to KES 1.07 trillion in 2024, continuing upward to KES 1.13 trillion by late 2025, while member deposits and gross loans grew alongside strong credit demand. Digital transaction values processed through SACCO agent networks surged over 14 %, reaching KES 31.65 billion, reflecting increasing uptake of digital channels across the sector. These figures underscore the movement’s expanding footprint in Kenya’s financial landscape and the urgency of strategic investments in technology to deepen inclusion and service delivery.
A key outcome of the roundtable was a shared commitment by SACCO leaders to accelerate collaboration across the cooperative ecosystem, particularly in areas such as shared digital infrastructure, cybersecurity resilience, and talent development. Emphasis was placed on building future-ready human capital capable of leading digital change while preserving the cooperative values of trust, inclusion, and member ownership.
“Our role as Co-operative Bank is to walk alongside SACCOs as a long-term strategic partner, supporting them with robust digital platforms, financial solutions, and capacity building. By investing in technology and people at the same time, we are collectively laying the foundation for a future-ready cooperative sector that can sustainably serve the next generation of members,” added Mr. Marangu.
The Annual Cooperatives CEOs Roundtable has become a key convening platform for the sector, enabling peer learning, strategic alignment, and engagement with global technology partners shaping the future of financial services. Insights from the 2026 forum are expected to inform SACCO strategies and sector-wide initiatives over the coming year as cooperatives adapt to evolving member needs and a rapidly changing digital economy
