Deputy President William Ruto on Tuesday pledged government support and guidance to local churches in setting up structures that would enable pastors and churches to have a constant source of income.
Ruto was addressing leaders and believers at the Africa Devine Church in Nairobi where he handed over to the Church a certificate of registration of the Africa Divine Church Sacco.
The DP stated that his sister is a preacher and as such understands the life and struggles of pastors.
Ruto sold the Sacco idea to the church three months ago as a vehicle to empower clergy and help them participate in national development and play their role in rolling out the Big Four Agenda.
"We know pastors have very low income. They do not earn like MPs or MCAs. In order to help find a reliable support system, they need a place to find support through making savings because away from preaching. We're still on earth with many needs such as parenting," stated the DP.
The Sacco, he said, would help the clergy in their advancement on a personal level and as religious groups.
"We want churches to join in the mobilisation of local resources so that they can have access to credit and help in the country's development. Through such an initiative, we can all invest in agriculture and other sectors," he advised.
According to the Deputy President, Saccos in the country had mobilised at least Sh500 billion, part of which had been instrumental in the government's development.