Savings and Credit Co-Operative Societies And Members’ Livelihood Outcomes in Kasarani Sub County, Kenya

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.