Boda boda sacco pays fees for 122 less fortunate learners

A boda boda group in Kasipul constituency, Homa Bay County, has paid school fees for 122 students from less fortunate families to help them continue with their education.

The East Kamagak Boda Boda Sacco set aside Sh2.8 million to support the children of its members, many of whom struggle to meet school expenses.

Part of the funds is also being used to build houses for 12 vulnerable people within the group.

Sacco chairman Alex Ogoro said the initiative was funded through members’ savings, contributions from friends, a Sh1 million grant from the Homa Bay County Government, and support from Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo.

He explained that 90 students are pursuing technical courses in various tertiary institutions within Homa Bay County, while the rest are in secondary school.

“Supporting children’s education is one of the key objectives of starting the sacco. We intend to use the group to transform the lives of members,” Ogoro said during their Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Odowa village in East Kamagak Ward.

Ogoro added that Sh480,000 has already been issued as loans to members operating motorcycles and hardware shops.

The sacco is also empowering members to engage in farming activities such as livestock keeping, maize production, and sunflower farming, including processing sunflowers into cooking oil.

“We have ensured that no member remains idle. All members are engaged in income-generating activities to sustain monthly savings,” Ogoro said.

Members Patricia Atieno and Robert Owange testified to the benefits of joining the sacco.

Atieno said she had received a motorcycle on loan and financial support to operate a second-hand clothes business, while her child also benefited from bursary support.

“I do mitumba business and get income courtesy of the sacco,” she said.

Owange said he now engages in sunflower farming and boda boda transport because of the sacco’s support.

“I encourage youths to join because of the many benefits. We are also supporting the construction of houses for vulnerable people in society,” he added.

Kasipul Constituency Cooperative Officer Beatrice Gogo, who attended the AGM, urged members to save more to increase the loan pool and advised officials to maintain transparency and integrity.

“Transparency and honesty are the best policy. That is how members will continue to trust the sacco,” she said.