CHARLES KINUTHIA KARU: FROM FINANCIAL INDISCIPLINE TO INDUSTRIAL GROWTH
Charles Kinuthia Karu is a member of Mentor Sacco from Kahuro in Kiharu constituency. He joined the Sacco in 1998 at a time when managing finances and embracing a savings culture was a major challenge in his life. According to Charles, joining Mentor Sacco completely transformed his financial journey. What started as a simple savings account gradually became a foundation for stability, discipline and long-term growth. “I used to spend money recklessly, but after I joined Mentor Sacco, my savings started growing steadily, and my life improved financially,” he said.
Over the years, Charles has benefited immensely from Mentor Sacco. Annually, he receives dividends as well as interest on deposits which help him to meet various financial needs. Inspired by the impact the Sacco has had on his life, he encouraged his entire family to join it. Today, his wife, sons, and daughters are all proud members of Mentor Sacco. They continue to enjoy the benefits that come with membership.
Financial growth
Beyond personal financial growth, Mentor Sacco has also played a pivotal role in expanding Charles’ welding and fabrication business. Through the Sacco support, he has been able to purchase expensive machines, metal and an assortment of equipment necessary for his workshop operations.
Last year for instance, the Sacco financed him to acquire a mechanical power press machine from China, an investment he believes will significantly boost production in his aluminum, steel and plastic manufacturing business.
Charles is a retired teacher of technical and vocational education and training courses. He has a rich background in mechanical engineering, robotics, and computer numerical control (CNC) technology. His teaching career saw him serve in several institutions including: St. Joseph’s Githunguri, Kanjuri High School, Michuki National Polytechnic and Thika Technical Training Institute, where he specialized in robotics and CNC training.
His professional journey also took him to South Korea for advanced training in robotics and automation technology, skills he later passed on to many students in Kenya.
Charles believes Kenya has highly skilled individuals capable of driving industrial and technological growth if given the right opportunities and support. He notes that digitalization and automation are not as complex as many perceive them to be, but rather areas that require proper training and knowledge dissemination.
To him, Mentor Sacco has not only empowered him financially, but also enabled him to continue pursuing innovation, entrepreneurship, and technical advancement.
DAVID KARANJA IRUNGU: EMPOWERING MEMBERS THROUGH INFORMATION AND PARTICIPATION
David Karanja Irungu, a teacher by profession is a long-serving member of Mentor Sacco. He joined the tier one Sacco in 1998. For nearly three decades, he has remained committed not only to saving and investing through the Sacco, but also to actively participating in the members’ education and information days.
Speaking during the education and information day held at Mugoiri Catholic Church, David described the forums as important pillars of the Sacco movement, saying they equip members with vital information necessary for making informed financial decisions. “Every year, we attend these meetings because they help us understand the products, services, and direction of our Sacco,” he explained.
David acknowledged the Sacco’s efforts in embracing digital transformation, noting that information dissemination has significantly improved over the years. Unlike in the past when members relied heavily on printed booklets, members can now access information digitally through shared links and online platforms.
One of the major discussions during that forum focused on the delegate system and how it will help streamline Sacco operations. According to David, such conversations are important because they ensure members understand ongoing reforms and governance structures within the Sacco sub- sector.
He further encouraged continuous dissemination of information to all members, including those unable to attend meetings physically, saying access to information remains key to the members’ participation and growth.
David believes Mentor Sacco continues to stand out because of its commitment to transparency, positive engagement of members as well as financial empowerment.
CATHERINE WANJIKU MWANGI: EDUCATING CHILDREN AND BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE
For Catherine Wanjiku Mwangi, joining Mentor Sacco in 2009 marked the beginning of financial empowerment and family transformation. The support staff member at Mugoiri Boys High School joined the Sacco when it was known as Murang’a Teachers Savings and Credit Cooperative Society. Since then, she says the Sacco has positively transformed her social and economic life.
By accessing the Sacco’s financial products and services, Catherine has successfully educated her children, with one currently pursuing a mechanical engineering course at the National Youth Service college NYS in Ruaraka; Nairobi. The other one is undertaking an undergraduate degree in criminology at Chuka University.
She has also ventured into entrepreneurship and now runs a small business known as Kate’s Malimali at Kahuro market. Catherine particularly credits Mentor Sacco products such as Mazao for improving her household income and enabling her to meet her family’s needs. “The Sacco has really upgraded our social and economic life. It has helped us manage our households and improve our livelihoods,” she said.
During the members’ education and information forum at Mugoiri Catholic Church, Catherine was impressed by discussions surrounding technology and the Sacco’s transition to digital and paperless systems. While she acknowledges that adapting to technology takes time, she believes members will gradually learn and fully embrace the changes. She encouraged those who have not yet joined Mentor Sacco to become members and experience the benefits firsthand.
MATTHEW MEKO MURAI: BUILDING BUSINESSES AND PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
Matthew Meko Murai, a national government administration officer in Kahuro Sub-location, has been a member of Mentor Sacco for the past eighteen years. Over the years, the Sacco has played a significant role in improving both his personal life and business ventures. Through affordable loans and financial support, Matthew has been able to educate his children, grow his businesses and enhance his financial stability.
Among his most successful ventures is his transport business, which he says has expanded significantly through loans advanced to him by Mentor Sacco at very competitive interest rates. According to Matthew, one of the reasons he has remained loyal to Mentor Sacco is the efficiency in loan processing and service delivery. “Once you have guarantors, your loan is processed quickly, and that has really helped us in business,” he said. He also applauded the Sacco for paying dividends and interest on deposits at very good rates over the years, describing it as one of the best-performing tier one Saccos in Kenya.
Beyond offering innovative financial products and services, Matthew commended Mentor Sacco for supporting members during challenging moments, including providing assistance to bereaved families and ensuring members’ wishes are respected during the processing of their dues.
Speaking after attending the members’ education and information forum at Mugoiri Catholic Church, Matthew said the meeting had helped him understand the importance of saving for retirement and improving personal financial planning. He, however, noted that such forums in future could become even more engaging by incorporating activities that directly benefit or involve members more actively.
Matthew urged those who have not yet joined Mentor Sacco to consider becoming members, saying the Sacco continues to offer reliable services, convenient digital financial solutions, and strong support systems for members.
A shared story of growth and empowerment
While each member’s journey is unique, one message remains clear throughout all these testimonials: Mentor Sacco has become more than a financial institution. It is a platform for empowerment, growth, stability, and opportunity.
As Mentor Sacco continues to evolve with technology and evolving members’ needs, the experiences shared during the forum at Mugoiri Catholic Church stand as a powerful reminder that behind every account number, is a story worth telling.
