From the Desk of the Chair, Education Research and Marketing Committee
By Alice Muriithi
Chair, Education Committee
Greetings, Members!
Before we talk about money, savings, and dreams, let me tell you a little about myself.
I am Alice Muriithi — a marketing professional with over 21 years of experience, most recently with Vivo Energy Kenya. Beyond my career, I am a proud mother of two beautiful daughters and an even prouder grandmother of three wonderful grandchildren.
I enjoy working with people and have a deep passion for financial literacy. I firmly believe that economic empowerment begins with knowledge—understanding money, making informed choices, and allowing your money to work for you rather than the other way round.
It pains me when I look at our country, 63 years after independence, and still see many hardworking people living from hand to mouth. I believe we can change this narrative, one member, one family, and one saving habit at a time.
I have been a member of Shelloyees SACCO for 28 years, and I can confidently say that I love this SACCO because it transforms lives. It helps members rise above financial struggles, achieve their goals, and develop discipline and determination in their financial journeys.
Today, I would like us to have a conversation about something simple but powerful:
The Benefits of Saving Regularly
Now, I know what you’re thinking…“Alice, we’ve heard this before!”
And yes, you probably have. But today, I want you to look at saving from a different perspective—not as a sacrifice, but as a superpower.
Because every shilling you save today is a vote for the life you want tomorrow.
We all save towards something—whether it is a short-term goal like a holiday or a long-term dream like owning a home. So, what do you gain when you save regularly?
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Savings Prepare You for Emergencies
Who remembers COVID-19?
Life has a funny way of surprising us. A medical emergency, a job loss, a car breakdown, school fees due unexpectedly—the list is endless.
But when you save consistently with the SACCO, you have peace of mind. You have a safety net. Your savings help absorb shocks and keep you moving forward even during difficult times.
That peace of mind? Priceless.
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Savings Increase Your Borrowing Power
Here’s a question for you: Where do you see yourself in two years? Owning a home? Buying land? Expanding your business? Educating your children abroad?
The more you save towards your deposits, the more you can borrow. I encourage members to have clear goals and timelines.
Ask yourself: “If I want to become a homeowner in two years, how much do I need to save every month?”
Don’t save aimlessly.
Save with purpose. Save with a plan. Save smart.
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Savings Help You Avoid Wastage
Let’s talk honestly.
What happens when you receive your annual bonus? Do you suddenly become everyone’s favourite cousin? Does your shopping cart mysteriously become fuller?
Money without a plan has a way of disappearing.
Regular saving helps you avoid impulse spending. Instead of asking, “Where did all my money go?”, you begin asking, “How much closer am I to my goal?”
That’s a powerful mindset shift.
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Savings Build Discipline and Personal Growth
Saving is not just about money. It teaches discipline. It teaches patience. It teaches delayed gratification. And these habits spill over into other areas of life—helping you avoid unnecessary debt and make wiser financial decisions. The discipline you build today becomes the wealth you enjoy tomorrow.
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Savings Grow Your Wealth
At Shelloyees SACCO, your savings do more than sit in an account. They earn dividends and rebates. And if you choose to reinvest those earnings—which I highly encourage—you benefit from the magic of compounding.
In simple terms:Your money starts making money for you. And that’s how wealth is built.
A Challenge to the Young Generation
Young people, age is on your side. Save. Take a loan and buy that plot. Save some more. Take another loan and build that house. Imagine reaching retirement as a homeowner rather than a lifelong tenant. That dream is possible.
Remember: Loans are not meant to tie you down. They are tools for growth.
Use them wisely. And above all DO NOT BE AFRAID TO DREAM BIG.
Did You Know?
The SACCO has products designed around your goals.
Planning a family holiday?
With Likizo Savings, you can save consistently throughout the year and enjoy that well-deserved vacation without financial strain. Imagine saving towards a Kshs. 400,000 holiday over 11 months and taking your family on that dream getaway in the 12th month. That’s not just saving. That’s planning happiness.
And speaking of dreams…
Have you explored our Makao Loan?
The SACCO is evolving, and so are our products.
Makao Loan offers:
✓ Lower interest rates- Now 12% p.a.
✓ Up to 100% financing of your home’s purchase price
✓ Improved security terms- Financing based on 90% of your property’s market value
✓ Loan amounts of up to Kshs. 25 million
✓ Repayment periods of up to 15 years, reducing balance
Some may ask, “Are there better mortgage plans out there?” Perhaps. But how many people actually qualify for them? At Shelloyees SACCO, we are committed to making homeownership accessible and affordable for our members.
My Parting Shot
My challenge to each one of you is this: Get informed.
Attend education forums. Join our member sessions. Visit our website. Call us when you have questions. And most importantly, give us feedback. Because the more informed you are, the better financial decisions you make.
Remember:
The more you save, the better your returns.
Dream big. Start small if you must, But start!
Because at Shelloyees SACCO, we believe Pamoja Twajijenga!
