Banice Mbuki Mburu serves as the director and the secretary of the credit committee at Kimisitu Sacco, a Tier One Sacco.
The 28-year-old noted that she had a mission to accomplish by the time she decided to pursue the top leadership of the Sacco.
Despite failing to clinch the position on her first attempt, she tried again and eventually emerged the victor.
Here is Banice’s story as told by WoK.
Humble beginnings and exposure
Banice was born and raised in Nakuru County and started taking up leadership roles while in high school where she led several clubs.
After completion of her secondary school education, she moved to Nairobi and enrolled at the United States International University (USIU).
Speaking with Nation, she noted that it was while studying at USIU when she was exposed and had life-changing engagements.
“The institution prepared me to be an active citizen. I then transitioned into an activist; championing human rights, access to school, education, and playground through the Shule Yangu Campaign
“This was the beginning of my engagement with senior government officials including Cabinet secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and commissioners,” Banice said.
Banice shared an instance during her time at USIU when she was involved in wavering survey fees for public school land.
She also contributed to to the development of the community land act.
“This built my interest and career in public policy development for social justice,” she said.
Banice has also participated in public demonstrations involving sensitive issues such as land grabbing.
Sacco leadership
While Banice was actively involved in social issues, she was also a member of Kimisitu Sacco.
By the time he joined USIU, she was not a member of any Sacco and she was convinced into it by her lecture.
“…at the very onset, I wasn’t interested to join a Sacco. Or, let’s say, I didn’t know about them. My then-line manager and lecturer instructed me to join one so I can have a saving plan,” Banice said.
She joined Kimisitu Sacco and involved herself in Sacco activities and saving.
While still at it, the Sacco announced vacancies for various positions including the director and she decided to try.
Although she did not succeed in her first attempt, Banice pick herself up and have it another shot the following year.
“I gained a mentor who not only encouraged me to try again but also showed me how to navigate Sacco politics,” she said.
At 28-years-old, Banice was seeking to lead 12,000 people, but the determining factor was her age and whether members of the Sacco could trust her with the top position.
With the help of her mentor, she vied again for the director post and won.
“After the results of the 2021 elections, somebody told me, ‘I knew you would not win. You are too young; leadership is associated with age’
“Others wondered as to the source of my savings, the car I drove. I was profiled in all forms. So, I knew that if I was to win I had to strategise,” Banice mentioned.
Banice was the only woman against 11 men.
Kimisitu Sacco
The Sacco was formed in March 1985 by a group of Staff from ICRAF.
World Agroforestry (ICRAF) is a centre of science and development excellence that harnesses the benefits of trees for people and the environment.
The society was formed to promote thrift among its members by affording them an opportunity for accumulating their savings.
From this, members of the Sacco thereby create a source of funds from which loans can be made to them.
With 400 member organizations, the Sacco has been in existence for the last 38 years and it has a membership of over 9,396.
