Golden Jubilee: Celebrating Imarika’s five decades of touching countless lives

By John Ziro

It is with much nostalgia that we mark a significant milestone at Imarika Sacco – our 50th anniversary. It is a great moment for us to reflect on our achievements and our shared vision for the future. On behalf of the Board and the management of Imarika Sacco, l wish all our esteemed members happy moments. 

Fifty years ago, our founders started this dream with a mission to provide a safe vehicle for their financial future. Their commitment laid the foundation for what has become a vibrant community institution that has served thousands of members over the decades.

As we look back, we celebrate not just our longevity but the countless lives we’ve touched. From the very first loan issued to a member seeking to purchase a home, to the member education programmes that have empowered our members, Imarika has always prioritised people over profit. This ethos has been our guiding principle, and it has allowed us to flourish even in challenging times.

Our membership, drawn from persons of all walks of life, have been benefitting from our savings and credit products, helping them to realise their life-long dreams.

Today, we are proud to reflect on our growth, in terms of both membership and services. We’ve expanded our offerings to meet the evolving needs of our members, embraced technology to improve accessibility, and consistently reinvested in our members and community at large. Each milestone we’ve reached is a testament to our collective efforts and the unwavering support from all of our esteemed members and other stakeholders.

I express my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated staff – past and present – whose hard work and commitment have been crucial to our success. Your passion and professionalism are the backbone of our Sacco. We owe much of our achievements to you.

To our board members and delegates – both past and present – thank you for your vision and leadership. Your guidance has been invaluable as we navigate challenges and seize opportunities. Together, we have built a resilient co-operative society that stands strong and ready for the future.

And to our members, thank you for your trust and loyalty. You are at the heart of everything we do. You have stood with us in times of difficulties and also of joy. It is your dreams and aspirations that inspire us to work harder, innovate, and strive for excellence every day.

And to our other partners, thank you for your support and co-operation. Just like the old adage that says – “If you want to run fast, run alone. If you want to run far, run together” – our partners, with whom we have been working together over the years, have been of immense importance in our success story. We appreciate you. We continue to request for your great co-operation so that together, we shall grow further.

As we celebrate our past, we must also look forward. The next 50 years will bring new challenges and opportunities, and we are committed to staying ahead of the curve. Our focus will remain on delivering value, enhancing our services, and ensuring that our beloved Sacco continues to be a pillar of support for our community.

Let us remember that this celebration is not just about our Sacco; it’s about the community we’ve built together. It’s about the relationships forged, the dreams realised, and the future we will create hand in hand, remembering the inspiration we derive from our Motto: “Together We Grow”.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to the next 50 years of service, growth, and community. Happy anniversary!

Long live Imarika Sacco. Long live the Co-operative movement!

More stories about Imarika’s milestones and achievements over the years can be downloaded here.

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John Ziro is the Chairman of Imarika Sacco