Abstract:
This study was conducted with the aim of assessing the role of SACCOS in improving
members’ livelihood outcomes in Kasarani Sub County, Kenya. The specific objectives
were to; assess how members participate in financial services offered by SACCOS, to
examine the influence of demographic factors on members’ livelihoods outcomes and
to compare livelihoods outcomes between SACCOS members’ and non-members in
Kasarani. This study adopted a cross sectional research design and targeted both
SACCOS members and non-members in Kasarani Sub County. The study used Fisher’s
formula to determine the sample size which was 385 respondents. The study also
involved 5 key informants made up of 1 district manager, 2 SACCOS employees, 1
SACCOS board member and 1 SACCOS regulator. The study collected primary data
using both questionnaires and KIIs. Data analysis was aided by SPSS software
involving both descriptive and inferential analysis. The findings revealed that majority
of the study’s respondents felt that they had a say in the decision-making of their
SACCOS, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability within these organizations.
Additionally, the study found that demographic factors significantly impact the
livelihood outcomes of SACCOS members in Kasarani Sub County, Kenya.
Furthermore, the independent t-test results showed that there was a significant
difference in the livelihood outcomes between SACCOS members and non-members.
The study concludes that SACCOS are highly relevant in the financial activities of their
members, with a high level of trust in management and a willingness among members
to contribute their time and expertise to enhance financial services. The study therefore
recommends that to improve livelihood outcomes among the population in Kasarani
Sub County, there should be targeted efforts to promote SACCOS membership through
awareness campaigns highlighting the benefits of joining SACCOS, such as access to
financial services, loans, and savings accounts.
