George Kahwai, an experienced teacher and member of Mentor Sacco benefits from starting to save at a young age
George Kahwai, a teacher in Murang’a County joined Mentor Sacco way back in 1987. At that time, the Sacco was known as Murang’a Teachers Savings and Credit Co-operative society. “During those days, the member’s unwithdrawable deposit per month was only Kshs.20,” says Mr. Kahwai adding that this has currently grown to Kshs. 2,000. It is a development which clearly demonstrates the heights that Mentor Sacco has been able to scale over the years, despite its humble roots.
As a responsible head of his family, Mr. Kahwai has been able to educate his children through the financial support of Mentor Sacco. Additionally, the tier one Sacco has financed him to buy a piece of land and to set up a family business as he prepares for retirement. “ I would encourage the young people in different professions to join Saccos as soon as they get employed in order to achieve their financial goals,” he observes. “ In particular, they should join Mentor Sacco because it offers innovative products and services,” he ends.
MENTOR SACCO VALUES MY NEEDS
Innovative product offering helps in cementing a cordial relationship between Felistas Mutinda and Mentor Sacco
Mentor Sacco has attracted many members who are employed by the national and county governments. One of them is Felistas Mutinda, an employee of Murang’a County government. She joined the tier one Sacco in 2018. “I have taken a normal loan from the Sacco once and I used it for a personal investment,” Felistas says. Felistas attended the 45th AGM of the Sacco.
Whenever she has an emergency but is in short of money to meet it, Felistas applies for a quick fix loan from Mentor Sacco using her mobile phone. It is processed very fast. “I have developed a very cordial partnership with Mentor Sacco since it offers products which meet my needs,” she observes. “I would therefore encourage people – especially my colleagues who are employed by county governments- to become members of this great Sacco,” she adds.
Felistas further says that the interest rate on Mentor Sacco’s loan products is very friendly. This gives room to the Sacco’s members to finance big investment projects hence achieving financial success. “The customer experience team is also proactive and every time I have a challenge, it is resolved very fast,” she avers adding that the team also advises her on the most appropriate product to go for, whenever she requires to be financed.
BALANCING BETWEEN TEACHING AND AGRIBUSINESS
Peter Kinyanjui successfully ventures into agribusiness after being financed by Mentor Sacco
The 45th AGM of Mentor Sacco was attended by a record number of members. Among them was Peter Kinyanjui, a teacher at Machakos County. Eloquent and well versed with matters regarding the co-operative sector, Mr. Kinyanjui actively participated in the AGM. “I have benefited immensely by partnering with Mentor Sacco,” he says adding that the Sacco has supported him in educating all his children comfortably.
Besides teaching, Mr. Kinyanjui is engaged in agribusiness. To that end, Mentor Sacco has financed him to purchase two farms where he has planted fruits and also rears chicken for sale. “The income I get from agribusiness supplements my salary and I have therefore been able to become financially independent,” he happily says.
Most importantly according to Mr. Kinyanjui, Mentor Sacco offers loans at very attractive interest rates hence its members are able to finance income generating projects of their choice , besides meeting domestic needs like educating their children. “Since the Sacco’s common bond is open, I would advise my fellow farmers, business people and non-teaching professionals to join Mentor Sacco in order to achieve their financial goals,” he ends.
