Every great institution begins with an idea. Sometimes, that idea is born in a boardroom. Other times, it takes shape in an ordinary meeting room where a few people dare to imagine a better future.

For Invest and Grow (IG) SACCO, that dream began in 1977 with just 115 teachers in Kakamega who believed that by pooling their resources, saving together and supporting one another, they could change their financial fortunes.

Nearly five decades later, that simple idea has grown into a financial powerhouse with more than 30,000 members and an impressive asset base of KSh16.4 billion.

It is a remarkable journey of trust, sacrifice, ambition and collective determination — one that has transformed not only an institution but also the lives of thousands of families.

Today, IG SACCO is more than a place where people save money or borrow loans. For many, it is a partner in their journey towards homeownership, education, business growth and financial independence.

Originally established as Kakamega Teachers SACCO, the institution rebranded to Invest and Grow in 2015, signalling its ambition to open its doors to a wider membership beyond the teaching fraternity.

That vision has paid off.

With members spread across Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, Nandi and neighbouring regions, IG SACCO has steadily established itself as a trusted financial partner for teachers, civil servants, entrepreneurs and other professionals.

A Growth Story That Speaks for Itself

Perhaps the strongest evidence of this journey is reflected in the SACCO’s 2025 financial performance.

Its asset base grew by 12 per cent, rising from KSh14.64 billion to KSh16.4 billion. Its loan book also expanded by 14.8 per cent to KSh14.1 billion, while total income increased by 14.4 per cent to KSh2.28 billion.

But beyond these impressive figures lies something more meaningful: the ability to put money back into the hands of members and help them realise their dreams.

In 2025, the SACCO declared dividends of 17 per cent on non-withdrawable deposits, 15 per cent on IG SACCO shares and 12.5 per cent on individual shares, with more than KSh1 billion going back to members.

For an ordinary member, such returns are more than percentages on paper. They can mean an additional school fee instalment, a step closer to completing a family home, capital for a small business or money to expand a farming venture.

And that is where the real story of IG SACCO lies — in the lives it touches and the opportunities it creates.

Where Members’ Dreams Find Support

Across the region, members have relied on IG SACCO to take important steps in life.

A teacher who has spent years dreaming of owning a home can finally access financing to acquire land and begin construction. A parent can secure a loan to keep children in school. A young entrepreneur can find the financial support needed to expand a business, while a farmer can invest in dairy, poultry, banana farming or bee keeping.These are the everyday realities that give meaning to the SACCO’s growth.

For thousands of members, the institution has become a dependable financial companion, offering opportunities to turn years of saving and hard work into tangible achievements.

Its success is therefore not measured only by billions of shillings in assets but also by the homes built, children educated, businesses established and livelihoods improved along the way.

A New CEO, A Strong Foundation and Renewed Confidence

As IG SACCO looks towards the future, its leadership journey deserves special recognition.

The immediate former Chief Executive Officer, Mr Peter Vuhya, played an important role in steering the institution and safeguarding the foundation upon which its continued growth is built.

His stewardship deserves appreciation. He leaves behind an institution that has continued to expand its membership, strengthen its financial position and earn recognition within the cooperative movement.

The responsibility of taking the SACCO into its next chapter now rests with the new Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Mary Awino.

Her arrival comes at an important moment when IG SACCO is enjoying strong financial performance, growing membership and an increasingly prominent position in the sector.

There is no doubt that the institution is in safe hands under Mrs Awino’s leadership.

She inherits a strong institution, a loyal membership and a legacy built through years of collective effort. Her opportunity is to build on these achievements, strengthen the SACCO’s service delivery, embrace innovation and take the institution to even greater heights.

The transition from Mr Vuhya’s stewardship to Mrs Awino’s leadership is an important demonstration of continuity and the value of building institutions that outlive individual officeholders.

As members look ahead, there is every reason to be optimistic about the next phase of IG SACCO’s journey.

Bringing Services Closer to Members

Another reason behind the SACCO’s growing appeal is its commitment to making financial services accessible and convenient.

From its headquarters at IG SACCO Plaza along Khalisia Road in Kakamega, the institution has established branches in Malava, Mbale, Mumias, Butere, Lumakanda, Serem and Luanda.

This network means members can access services closer to their homes and workplaces without the inconvenience of travelling long distances.

The SACCO has also embraced technology, recognising that members need financial services that move with the times.

Through E-FOSA Loan, E-Loan, E-Salary and Pension Advance, E-Dividend Advance and E-Guarantorship, members can access a range of services digitally, making transactions more convenient and reducing the need for lengthy queues.

It is a welcome shift towards a modern cooperative institution that values both efficiency and the time of its members.

Growing Members Beyond Savings and Borrowing

IG SACCO’s commitment to its members does not end with providing loans and paying dividends.

Through regular training and member education programmes, the institution equips its members with practical knowledge in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, business management and agricultural value chains.

The objective is simple: to ensure members do not just access money but also understand how to invest it wisely, grow their businesses and create sustainable sources of income.

Its commitment to good governance has also earned it recognition, including the Champions of Governance (COG) Award for the cooperative sector and the Best Overall Cooperative Society in Kakamega during Ushirika Day celebrations.

Looking beyond its immediate financial mandate, IG SACCO is also working towards establishing an independent foundation to support education, environmental conservation, healthcare and disaster relief.

The proposed initiative reflects a growing understanding that successful institutions have a responsibility to give back to the communities that support them.

The Dream Is Still Growing

From 115 teachers in 1977 to more than 30,000 members today, the story of Invest and Grow SACCO is a powerful reminder of what people can achieve when they believe in one another.

It is a story of ordinary people who chose to save together and, in the process, built an institution that has become an important part of the region’s economic story.

As Mrs Mary Awino takes the reins, with the foundation strengthened by the stewardship of her predecessor, Mr Peter Vuhya, the journey continues with renewed promise.

For the teacher planning to build a home, the parent determined to educate a child, the farmer looking to expand production and the entrepreneur dreaming of a bigger business, IG SACCO remains a partner in turning those ambitions into reality.

Nearly 50 years on, the original dream of 115 teachers is still alive — only bigger, stronger and touching more lives.