Inside the First UASA-K Members' Assembly

Weeks after the launch, members met again — this time to do the unglamorous work that gives a co-operative its backbone: agreeing the rules by which it will be run.

By-laws first

The assembly worked through the draft by-laws covering membership eligibility, share capital, the loans policy, the conduct of general meetings and the removal of officials. Members insisted on provisions that protect ordinary savers: caps on insider lending, mandatory disclosure of arrears and an annual external audit.

Leadership and committees

Delegates confirmed the national office bearers and constituted the committees that carry the Sacco's day-to-day mandate — credit, supervisory, education and recruitment. Sub-county representation was introduced so that members outside Nairobi have a direct voice.

The message from the floor

The clearest instruction from members was to keep the Sacco lean and transparent. Money saved on overheads, the assembly argued, is money available to lend.