Deep Dive: Stima DT Sacco disburses Sh4.25bn in mobile loans and Sh435.8m in housing credit in 2025

Stima DT Sacco's disbursement of Sh4.25 billion in mobile loans reflects the rapid digital transformation in Kenya's financial sector, where SACCOs (Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies, member-owned financial cooperatives) play a pivotal role in providing accessible credit to underserved populations. With 141,066 loans processed via mobile app out of 151,800 active members and over 93% adoption of mobile channels, this underscores a shift from traditional banking to fintech-driven services, driven by high smartphone penetration and the legacy of M-Pesa (Kenya's pioneering mobile money platform launched in 2007). CEO Gamaliel Hassan's leadership has positioned the Sacco to expand its portfolio by 4.6% while maintaining strong 93.62% repayment rates, signaling financial stability amid economic pressures like inflation and post-pandemic recovery. The introduction of Sh435.8 million in affordable housing credit aligns with broader sector trends, as 2024 Sacco data shows cooperatives advanced Sh137.1 billion in land and housing financing, addressing Kenya's acute housing deficit in urban areas like Nairobi. Innovations such as Sh53.19 million in Shariah-compliant financing cater to Muslim members, promoting financial inclusion in a country with a significant Muslim population (about 11%), while loans for electric vehicles and energy-efficient upgrades support national goals for sustainable development and reduced reliance on imported fossil fuels. These moves diversify the Sh29.19 billion total credit portfolio, balancing risk and appealing to environmentally conscious borrowers. Cross-border implications are limited but notable in East Africa, where Kenyan SACCO models influence regional cooperatives through shared economic ties in the East African Community (EAC). High repayment rates and digital efficiency could inspire similar fintech adoption in neighboring Uganda and Tanzania, potentially stabilizing regional microfinance amid migration-driven remittances. For global audiences, this exemplifies how grassroots financial institutions in emerging markets drive inclusive growth without heavy reliance on foreign aid or banks.