Five years ago, Mary Esther Mwangi was struggling to find her footing in the business world. That is before she met Solution Sacco. She had sweated out to make ends meet, every other day looking bleaker than the previous as her brilliant business ideas quickly melted away in the mists of despair as she could not figure out where she could get capital. She and her husband Charles Wahome had just started a soda distribution outlet, but were stuck at the same volumes while the desire to expand burned deeply. Not knowing what to do, they trudged on in the daily rhythm of stocks, sales and cash. Things were not moving as fast as they would have wished. Then one day as fate would have it, Solution Sacco staff came calling. They had just moved to Meru town because business was more vibrant there as the county headquarters. “We were working elsewhere before we relocated to Meru town. One day the Solution Sacco field officers visited and convinced us to start buying their products including loans and insurance cover,” said Mwangi. They registered, and the rest is history. When the opportunity presented, their entrepreneurial spirit guided them to take a dive. The only regret now is that they never got the idea earlier.

Their interaction with the Sacco staff was God-sent. After understanding what was on offer, their next step was to open an account and start saving. “The soda distribution business journey started proper after joining Solution Sacco. We started saving with them before applying for a loan. The Sacco staff used to come for the savings from our offices every day,” said Mwangi. As they continued to grow, they felt they should venture into new territories, which involved a lot of travelling. “We approached our Sacco again and requested that they buy a vehicle for us, which they readily agreed. Up to date we are using the vehicle to transport soda across the region,” she revealed. “We are currently operating in Meru and Timau towns. I can assure you the business is booming and we have no regrets. I will continue to partner with solution Sacco for financial support,” added the excited business lady. Mwangi said they have diversified their business to include other things like organizing events. She says the reason they love Solution Sacco is the approachability of staff as they can sit down, reason and discuss issues for long hours without signs of apprehension or impatience; with the outcome always being positive. “After joining the Sacco we were able to complete our building located in Samburu County and were also able to save enough funds in our personal account. We enjoy USSD mobile banking services where our clients make payments without any charges,” she confides, adding that they were also able to buy a prime land in Nanyuki, build a permanent house, and buy a car. She notes with appreciation that the Sacco pays double digits in dividends, adding that the dividends can be used as pension after retirement. “We are very proud to be associated with a financier whose products are tailored to customer needs. It has completely transformed my life and they give different business options through which in two years’ time I will reap good fruits,” she said. Being a generous beneficiary, she urges people to join the Sacco and experience what she has experienced. She called on the Sacco Board of Management to ensure that all members are represented in the Board because currently only teachers have a representation.