APA Life and Apollo Asset Management will jointly bring together leaders from across Kenya’s SACCO sector for a high-level leadership masterclass focused on the strategic decisions, emerging opportunities and innovations needed to strengthen cooperative institutions and secure their long-term growth.
Held under the theme Shape What’s Next, the SACCO Masterclass will take place on Thursday, 19 November 2026, at The Shamba Events, Loresho.
It will bring together SACCO chief executives, board members and senior decision-makers for conversations on the changing financial landscape and the strategic priorities shaping the future of the sector.
Kenya’s SACCO sector is at a defining moment. Increased competition from commercial banks, fintechs and mobile money lenders, evolving member expectations, rising credit risks and more demanding regulatory requirements are reshaping the operating environment.
At the same time, digital transformation, product diversification, investment opportunities, strategic partnerships and the growing demand for financial wellness solutions present significant opportunities for institutions willing to rethink traditional approaches and embrace change.
Speaking ahead of the masterclass, Eric Wanting, CEO, APA Life, said SACCO leaders must look beyond traditional savings and lending models and make deliberate strategic decisions that position their institutions for the future.
“Kenya’s SACCO sector has built a strong foundation on member ownership, trust and financial inclusion. But sustaining that success requires a willingness to evolve. The SACCOs that will thrive are those prepared to challenge conventional thinking, embrace innovation and make bold strategic decisions.
“Shape What’s Next is about taking ownership of change, not waiting for it to happen. It means creating a new generation of SACCOs that are digitally enabled, well-governed, member-focused and financially resilient. It is about shifting from preservation to innovation, from competition to collaboration, and from simply providing loans to helping members build and secure their financial futures. This is how SACCOs will remain relevant, deliver greater value to members and achieve sustainable growth.”
Paul Mwai, CEO, Apollo Asset Management, said the future success of SACCOs would also depend on how effectively they mobilise, manage and invest capital to create sustainable value for their members.
“SACCOs have an important role to play in helping members move beyond saving towards building long-term financial security and wealth. This requires a broader understanding of financial growth, including the importance of investment diversification, sound financial planning and making capital work harder,” Mwai said.
“As the sector evolves, SACCOs have an opportunity to strengthen their investment strategies, explore new opportunities and build more resilient institutions. This means making informed decisions today that deliver sustainable returns, protect members’ interests and create lasting value for generations to come. Through this joint masterclass, we want to encourage SACCO leaders to think differently about growth and the opportunities available to them.”
The masterclass will explore the strategic priorities shaping the future of SACCOs, including strong governance and leadership, effective risk management, financial sustainability, investment diversification and regulatory compliance.
Discussions will also examine how technology, product innovation and strategic partnerships can improve operational efficiency, enhance member experience and unlock new opportunities for sustainable growth.
Bringing together industry leaders and experts, the masterclass will provide a platform for sharing insights, challenging conventional thinking and identifying practical strategies to strengthen the sector and shape its next phase of growth.
Through their joint leadership of the initiative, APA Life and Apollo Asset Management reaffirm their shared commitment to supporting Kenya’s SACCO sector, bringing together expertise in insurance, financial protection, investment and wealth creation to help cooperative institutions build stronger, more resilient and sustainable futures.
