Anglican Bishop tells banking institutions to rope in the youth

Banking institutions have been asked to come up with products that attract young people so as to encourage them to develop a money-saving culture.

Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Mt Kenya South Diocese Bishop Rev Charles Muturi noted that the youth make up 64 percent of the country’s population and therefore cannot be ignored.

He regretted that most financial institutions tend to pay more attention to older persons and in the process sideline young people who have a huge potential to help develop the country.

Bishop Muturi spoke when he officially opened and consecrated the newly established branch of Dimkes DT Sacco in Ruiru town, Kiambu County. It becomes the 14th outlet of the savings and credit society which operates in three counties.

Noting that Ruiru constituency has a huge population of over 1 million, majority of whom are aged below 40, the cleric particularly appealed to sacco societies to reach out to the young people in order to help them grow and build themselves a solid financial future.

“Ruiru constituency for instance has a population of 1 million plus, majority of whom are young people. I’m asking saccos like Dimkes to go for them because many of them are working and have money. You have a responsibility to encourage them to save,” said Bishop Muturi.

Dimkes DT Sacco Chief Executive Benson Maina concurred with the clergyman and said they are targeting young people and small traders as well as boda boda operators.

“Over the next five years, we shall be focusing on young savers and the sacco has introduced digital programs geared for the youth. We appreciate the fact that the future belongs to them,” Maina pointed out.

He added that the Sacco which currently has 14 branches in Kiambu, Nairobi and Kajiado counties with an asset base of Sh4. billion and over 40,000 members, intends to spread out to other parts of the country.

Ruiru Deputy County Commissioner Julius Too appealed to more investors to take advantage of the high population in the sub county to create more job opportunities, noting that there is a conducive environment for doing business.

He also took the occasion to appeal to revellers not to over indulge during the Christmas festivities and also asked motorists to drive with caution and adhere to traffic regulations to avoid accidents.

The Head of marketing, Salome Muthike said the Sacco which is under the patronage ACK Mt Kenya South Diocese has products tailored for farmers, traders, salaried workers and even members of other churches.