SACCO Registration in Kenya – Requirements, Process & Benefits

Why SACCOs Matter

A SACCO (Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization) is a member-owned financial institution that allows individuals to come together, save regularly, and access affordable loans. SACCOs play a huge role in financial empowerment for Kenyans, especially in communities where access to traditional banking is limited.

At Luvisia Digital, we guide Kenyans and diaspora communities in registering SACCOs legally under the Cooperative Societies Act and, where necessary, with SASRA (Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority).

What Is a SACCO in Kenya?

A SACCO is a cooperative society where members:

• Save money collectively.
• Access credit at lower interest rates.
• Build a community around shared financial goals.

SACCOs are regulated by:

• The Cooperative Societies Act – for ordinary SACCOs.
• SASRA – for deposit-taking SACCOs (those that handle member deposits and loans at scale).

Reference: SASRA Kenya

Requirements for SACCO Registration in Kenya

To register a SACCO, you need:

• At least 10 founding members.
• A constitution or by-laws outlining objectives, governance, and financial rules.
• Elected officials (chairperson, secretary, treasurer, etc.).
• Minutes from the meeting approving the SACCO’s formation.
• Proposed name(s) for approval under the Cooperative Societies Act.

The SACCO Registration Process in Kenya

1. Mobilize Members
   • Gather at least 10 committed individuals with a shared financial goal.
2. Draft By-laws
   • By-laws define savings rules, loan procedures, interest rates, and governance.
3. Hold a Founding Meeting
   • Elect officials, adopt the by-laws, and record the minutes.
4. Submit Documents
   • File the application with the Commissioner for Cooperative Development.
   • If deposit-taking, apply for licensing through SASRA.
5. Approval & Certificate of Registration
   • Once approved, your SACCO receives a certificate of registration.

Reference: Ministry of Cooperatives, Kenya

Benefits of Joining or Starting a SACCO

Affordable loans compared to banks.
A culture of saving and financial discipline.
Community empowerment and social bonding.
Collective investment opportunities.
Legal recognition to operate across Kenya.

Mistakes to Avoid in SACCO Registration

• Weak governance structures that lead to mismanagement.
• Incomplete or vague by-laws that create conflicts later.
• Failing to comply with Cooperative Societies regulations.
• Ignoring SASRA requirements if deposit-taking is involved.

How Luvisia Digital Helps

At Luvisia Digital, we simplify SACCO registration by:

• Helping you draft compliant by-laws.
• Preparing all the necessary documents.
• Guiding you through registration under the Cooperative Societies Act.
• Supporting deposit-taking SACCOs with SASRA licensing.
• Assisting Kenyans in the diaspora to register SACCOs remotely.

Payment: M-PESA Till 9484430 (Luvisia Digital)
Note: Government fees apply separately. Luvisia charges only facilitation fees.

A SACCO is one of the most effective ways for Kenyans to achieve financial independence, affordable credit, and community-driven development. With the right guidance, the process is straightforward and rewarding.

At Luvisia Digital, we ensure your SACCO is registered legally and quickly, helping you build a strong financial foundation.

What’s Next?

This article is part of our Kenya Registration Series. In upcoming posts, we’ll cover:

• Trust Registration in Kenya
• Foundation Registration in Kenya

Stay tuned to the Luvisia Digital Blog for step-by-step guides.