A number of Jua kali artisans’ welfare groups in Nakuru have come together to form a Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (SACCO) to empower their members financially. The Nakuru Jua kali Artisans SACCO has 460 members drawn from 15 jua kali welfare groups across Nakuru County. Commissioner of Cooperatives Mr Patrick Makanyago, on Monday during the commissioning of the Sacco, said the government supports and encourages collective savings aimed at promoting and empowering grassroots economic activities in the country. He noted that the jua kali sector contributes towards about 30 per cent of job creation among Kenyan youths and hoped that the new sacco will empower its members towards economic emancipation. “This is a very brave and bold move you have made. It is exactly what the government encourages among grassroots people in the country because collective savings is key towards financial and economic empowerment in any society,” said Makanyaga. “I congratulate you for considering coming together to form this sacco and I hope that you will soon start realising the fruits of your collective savings.’’ The Chairman of the newly formed Sacco Joshua Ondari said it will open up membership to other jua kali individuals or groups in the county while also encouraging both individual and group savings and credit opportunities. “We are optimistic that we will grow very fast and meet our goals. Membership to our sacco is open to individual and groups. We will also reach out to other different groups or individuals in business and industry to join us,’’ said Ondari.

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