Parents must instill a saving culture in their children way before their teenage years. This form of financial discipline will save them heartache in the quest for jobs, investment and family life.
This was the advice given by Caroline Gikonyo, the Chairperson of DIMKES Sacco Limited, which grew from a membership of less than 100 to 26,637 members, today.
She said financial indiscipline had caused terror in homes – suicide cases or spousal disagreements and family feuds.
Ms. Gikonyo spoke in Kiambu during the launch of the Sacco’s Mobile loan application; M-Chipuka (slogan Nawe Popote).
The Chairperson assured the members of data protection and security of their funds with the launch of the M-Chipuka platform.
“Our staff are competent in the use of the mobile app, and have a work ethos of upholding trust, faithfulness, and honesty in all transactions,” she said.
In an environment where financial institutions are losing their credibility, DIMKES Sacco seems to be scaling the heights because of its foundation on Christian values.
Ms. Gikonyo has been at the helm of the Sacco’s leadership for the last three years overseeing the overall growth of the Sacco started by Women.
DIMKES Sacco was the brainchild of Mothers Union members of the Anglican Church of Kenya, Mt. Kenya South Diocese. It was initially a woman-only group but has since grown to incorporate men and children in their membership.
Ms. Gikonyo was the Secretary to the Board of Directors before she rose to become Chairperson.
It is during her tenure the Sacco has grown to embrace information technology and compete with other mobile loan platforms.
She encouraged members to make use of the platform since it will save members a lot of time for travel and filling paperwork among others.
The launch was attended by Rt. Rev Bishop Charles Muturi, CEO of CIO East Africa Laura Chite, DIMKES Sacco CEO Benson Macharia, Board of Directors, Sacco members and partners.
Ms. Gikonyo’s three pieces of advice for anyone who wants to succeed in life:
- Anchor your life in God and Christian values
- Develop a saving culture at a young age
- Have a support system; because alone you cannot go far
