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A MARATHON OF TWO GIANTS

How   Mentor Sacco partnered   with Tangazoletu to deliver a mega tech project within four months

In the dynamic landscape of financial technology (fintech), only the boldest and the most innovative companies can shape the future. Tangazoletu Limited, under the visionary leadership of its CEO and founder, Chris Gathingu, has emerged as a   trailblazer in fintech. Since its inception in 2007, the company has been synonymous with problem- solving and technological advancement, creating solutions that not only meet market demands, but also redefine them.

At the heart of Tangazoletu’s success is its unwavering commitment to efficiency and collaboration, a philosophy that has earned it a   place among Kenya’s most innovative companies. This approach was recently showcased in the groundbreaking upgrading   of Mentor Sacco’s core   banking system; a project that exemplifies the company’s spirit of precision, excellence and customer empowerment.

The Mentor Sacco partnership which transformed the organization’s technical infrastructure in just four months, demonstrates how Tangazoletu combines bold thinking, cutting-edge technology, and a human-centered approach to deliver impactful results. By undertaking   such mega   projects,   Tangazoletu is setting a gold standard on   how fintech can drive growth and innovation in Africa’s financial sector.

The genesis of Tangazoletu

For Chris, the inspiration for Tangazoletu was born from a personal encounter with inefficiency. “Back in 2006, when I was a student at JKUAT, I went   home and found my uncle frustrated because his water supply had been disconnected,” he recalls. The disconnection wasn’t due to neglect;   a water bill mailed through the post office hadn’t been paid on time. Appreciating the need to solve this problem, Chris devised a system to send SMS notifications to customers with overdue bills before their   services were cut off.

What started as a small and simple idea quickly gained traction. Chris approached a major water utility company with the solution, and fortunately, they adopted it. This marked his first sale and the beginning of Tangazoletu’s journey. Officially registered in 2007, Tangazoletu initially focused on automating business processes to improve efficiency. Over the years, the company has grown into a leading fintech enterprise, working with major players such as Safaricom, leading Saccos in the country as well as microfinance banks and   institutions to deliver innovative solutions that meet diverse market needs.

The name ‘Tangazoletu,’ which in Kiswahili means ‘our announcement’ or ‘our message’, reflects the company’s origins. Chris explains that the name was inspired by the early solutions provided by the company, like SMS notifications for overdue water bills, which served as a means of critical communication. As the company grew, it developed   more   innovative   solutions, including important   announcements and service updates for financial institutions. The brand “Tangazoletu” therefore became a symbol of the company’s commitment to delivering timely and   impactful communication solutions.

This personal connection to the company’s roots, coupled with a drive to innovate, has enabled Chris to build Tangazoletu into a transformative force in Kenya’s fintech space. From solving a single problem for his uncle to revolutionizing financial systems across the region, his journey is a testament to the power of turning small ideas into industry-changing solutions.

A legacy of innovation

Tangazoletu’s reputation as   a trailblazer in fintech is well-earned. The company developed Kenya’s first mobile banking platform in 2007 for NewFortis Sacco (then known as Nyeri Teachers Savings and Credit Co-operative Society) and has since continued to innovate, receiving multiple accolades for its efforts in the process. In 2013, Chris was recognized as one of the Top 40 Under 40 Men, and in 2015, the company scooped   the Think Business   ‘Most Innovative Digital Technology’ banking   award for their Spotcash platform. Their inclusion in the Top 100 Mid-Size Companies ranking in 2016, among other recognitions over the years further solidifies their status as industry leaders in not only designing and offering tech solutions, but also as a fintech.

With each milestone, the company has strengthened its resolve to deliver value. “Our focus has always been on empowering our clients to thrive,” Chris shared. Tangazoletu believes that the success of its customers—be it through accolades or enhanced service delivery—also signifies its own success.

Revolutionizing Mentor Sacco digital platform

In June 2024, Mentor Sacco embarked on a bold mission to overhaul its core   banking system, hence partnering with Tangazoletu . This project aimed at migrating its core banking system, mobile banking, ATM services, and related infrastructure to a cutting edge platform within a limited period of   four months. This ambitious partnership set the stage for a technological transformation that would redefine service delivery for its members.

Tangazoletu approached the project with an innovative mindset, starting with a collaborative team-building session. This unique initiative fostered trust, aligned goals, and built a cohesive team to tackle the immense task. Utilizing Microsoft Navision (Business Central Dynamics 365), the migration offered Mentor Sacco flexibility, scalability, and robust security. This modern system empowered staff with real-time access to data, instant transaction processing, and capacity to support over 44, 000 members effectively and efficiently.

Despite the tight timelines, Tangazoletu and Mentor Sacco teams were able to work in seamless coordination, ensuring incremental wins along the way. The migration involved extensive data reviews, rigorous testing, and late-night sessions to guarantee accuracy and minimize disruptions. The high- pressure environment culminated in a successful system launch  ahead  of   Mentor Sacco’s 48th Annual General meeting(AGM) on 18th   January 2025.  After the AGM, while paying   interest and dividends to members, the platform processed forty six   transactions per second, demonstrating reliability and efficiency in a live, high-stakes setting.

Reflecting on the project, Chris stated:  “Whatever is thinkable is doable. When you visualize a solution and approach it with determination, no challenge is insurmountable.” The partnership with Mentor Sacco not only reinforced Tangazoletu’s reputation for excellence, but also showcased how bold, forward-thinking initiatives could drive transformational change. This journey exemplifies the possibilities of technology and teamwork in reshaping the future of financial services. 

A glimpse into Mentor Sacco’s new system

The new system at Mentor Sacco, powered by Tangazoletu is a game-changer for the financial institution   and its members. Designed to enhance efficiency, security, and scalability, the platform revolutionizes how Mentor Sacco operates and serves its growing clientele.

One of its outstanding   features is real-time processing, enabling members to transact instantly from any location. This means no delays or downtime, even during high-traffic periods like the 48th Annual General Meeting, where the system processed an impressive forty six transactions per second. Additionally, the platform offers web-based access, allowing the staff to work remotely with full functionality—eliminating the need for traditional office-bound systems.

The system is also highly flexible and scalable. It is designed to grow with the Sacco. Whether accommodating members in groups (chamas), or expanding to serve a   huge number of   members within a limited period of time, it adapts seamlessly without compromising performance. Security is another critical focus, with robust layers of protection ensuring that members’ financial data remains safe.

“This system not only meets the current needs of Mentor Sacco, but it   is also a foundation for their future growth,” Chris explains. With such a modern, dynamic system in place, the Sacco is well-equipped to support its members’ financial aspirations and secure its position as a leader in the sector.

Lessons learnt from transforming Mentor Sacco

The journey to revolutionize Mentor Sacco’s system was as enriching as it was challenging for Chris and his team at Tangazoletu. Undertaking such an ambitious project required more than the technical expertise. it demanded bold thinking, collaboration and a mindset open to growth through trial and error.

One of the key lessons Chris emphasized was the power of visualizing success. “If you can think it, you can do it,” he asserts, reflecting on the importance of clarity in the planning phase. By envisioning the project from start to finish, his team was able to   set clear goals and execute their vision with purpose and precision.

A vital take away was the significance of “failing forward”; viewing mistakes as stepping stones rather than setbacks. Challenges arose throughout the process, but by recovering quickly, learning from errors, and staying focused on the bigger picture, the team was able to maintain momentum and deliver results.

Perhaps the most profound lesson was the value of collaboration.The success of the project largely depended on seamless teamwork, with Tangazoletu and Mentor Sacco staff working as a single cohesive unit. Open communication, shared goals and a deep commitment to mutual success was instrumental in overcoming obstacles and meeting tight deadlines.

Overcoming challenges in transforming Mentor Sacco

Transforming Mentor Sacco’s core banking system was no small feat. The ambitious project was fraught with challenges, each requiring strategic thinking and resilience to overcome. For Chris, and the whole team at Tangazoletu, the journey was a testament to perseverance and innovation.

One of the primary hurdles was addressing Mentor Sacco’s unique requirements. Unlike a one size- fits- all solution, the project demanded a customized system that catered for the Sacco’s specific needs without compromising quality. Tangazoletu rose to the occasion by dedicating time to understand the Sacco’s operations and tailoring solutions to fit seamlessly into their workflows.

With only four months to overhaul the entire infrastructure; including the core banking system, mobile banking, and ATMs, the team faced immense pressure to deliver on time. To stay on track, Chris and his team worked tirelessly, often pulling long hours and overnight sessions across Mentor Sacco’s offices in Nairobi and Murang’a. Their unwavering commitment to the project’s success ensured that deadlines were met without compromising on quality.

Bringing together two distinct teams; one from Tangazoletu and the other from Mentor Sacco—required patience, trust-building, and constant communication. Chris tackled this by organizing a collaborative team-building session instead of a traditional kickoff meeting. This innovative approach fostered understanding, mutual respect, and a shared vision among all stakeholders, creating a strong foundation for the project.

Through these challenges, Tangazoletu demonstrated the power of agility, precision, and collaboration. By emphasizing meticulous planning, fostering teamwork, and staying adaptable, the team successfully delivered a modern system that positioned Mentor Sacco for future growth and innovation.

The road ahead for   Tangazoletu

The founder and CEO of Tangazoletu envisions a bright and innovative future for Tangazoletu, driven by its commitment to staying ahead in the fintech space. A recent milestone in the company’s journey was being licensed by the Central Bank of Kenya ( CBK)  as a payment service provider. “This licensing allows us to build more impactful collaborations and create revolutionary payment platforms for our clients, ”Chris shares. Tangazoletu plans to leverage this new development   to extend its reach and strengthen its position in the market.

Eyeing  a  bigger  share   of   the  market,  the  company   will  continue  being   anchored   on cutting-edge technology. With plans to integrate artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and data analytics into its platforms, Tangazoletu is poised to provide even more efficient and secure solutions. Its legacy of innovation, including the launch of Kenya’s first mobile banking platform in 2007, serves as a foundation for embracing these advancements. Strategic partnerships with leading companies like Safaricom, further underline Tangazoletu’s focus on collaborative growth and continuous improvement in customer experience and success.

A message of gratitude

Chris is quick to credit the success of the Mentor Sacco project to the collaboration and dedication of all the teams   involved. “I want to congratulate Mentor Sacco for their bold decision to partner with us and for embracing innovation,” he says. “Special thanks to the board,  Joyce Ndegwa – the CEO, and the staff for their exemplary efforts. This partnership marks the beginning of a journey that will culminate in the success of both organizations.”

Tangazoletu   continues to spearhead Kenya’s fintech sector through its innovative solutions and commitment to efficiency and collaboration. Known for revolutionizing financial systems, the company’s landmark project with Mentor Sacco involved modernizing its banking infrastructure in just four months, introducing real-time transaction processing, enhanced security, and scalability. Tangazoletu’s journey from solving a simple water bill notification issue to transforming large financial institutions demonstrates its ability to drive growth and redefine market standards. With a focus on cutting-edge technologies like   AI and data analytics, the company is poised to continue its legacy of innovation, positioning itself as a key player in Africa’s financial future.

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