Welcome and Opening Remarks

Introduction of the event and welcoming guests

Harry Hare

Chairman, dx5Group

speaker

Intro to Keynote Speaker 1

Why the Data Protection Act Matters to Saccos

Keynote speaker from the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner

Oscar Otieno

Director, Office of the Data Protection Commissioner

speaker

Intro to Keynote Speaker 2

Keynote Address

Keynote speaker from the Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA)

Prester Mbiwa

Team Leader - Data Analytics and Digital Finance Services, SASRA

speaker

Intro to Main Keynote

How Saccos Are a Source of Affordable Credit and Financial Services for MSMEs’ Growth and Expansion

SACCOs can be a valuable source of affordable credit and financial services for MSMEs looking to expand their operations or invest in new products or equipment. One of the primary challenges faced by MSMEs in accessing finance from traditional financial institutions is the lack of collateral and credit history, which results in higher interest rates and more stringent loan terms. SACCOs may be more willing to extend credit to MSMEs based on factors such as their creditworthiness, business plan, and personal relationships with members. They can also provide MSMEs with a range of financial services where by depositing their funds into a SACCO, MSMEs can earn interest on their savings and build up their financial reserves to support future growth and expansion. SACCOs also typically offer more personalized service than traditional financial institutions. SACCOs can provide MSMEs with access to financial education and training, which can help them to better understand financial management..

Coffee Break

Intro to Key Panel 1

Dual Transformation in the Sacco Sector: What Are the Challenges & Opportunities?

SACCOs are an essential part of the financial inclusion landscape in Africa. They serve a large segment of the population that is underserved by banks and other financial institutions, providing an alternative source of credit. Yet these organisations face many challenges—particularly in terms of cash flow management and liquidity management—that can lead to operational inefficiencies, higher costs, and overall poor service quality for members. In order to meet these needs, microfinance institutions have started adopting new technologies such as digital wallets or biometrics authentication systems in order to provide their members with more convenient ways to access funds when needed. As the volume of transactions grows and more customers demand more features, SACCOs will be increasingly driven to improve their digital offerings.

Harry Hare

Chairman, dx5Group

moderator

Prester Mbiwa

Team Leader - Data Analytics and Digital Finance Services, SASRA

panelist

Sidney Louis Shilako

Chief Manager - ICT and Operations, Stima Sacco Society Ltd

panelist

Kelvin Ebole

ICT and Business Innovations Manager, Safaricom Sacco Ltd

panelist

Fidelis Muia

Director, Technical Services, Kenya Bankers Association

panelist

Intro to Speaker 4

How Well is Your Data Protected?

Paul Njuguna

CIO, Villasezi Resources

speaker

Why Core Banking Is the Heart of dx for Your SACCO

Core banking is critical to the success of SACCOs, as it provides a comprehensive system for managing financial transactions, member data, and other critical information. With a robust core banking system in place, SACCOs can streamline their operations, improve efficiency, and enhance the member experience. Core banking systems provide a range of features and functionality that are specifically designed for SACCOs, including online banking, mobile banking, and payment processing...

Wambui Mbesa

CEO - East Africa, Netcompany-Intrasoft

speaker

Intro to Speaker 5

Building a SACCO in the Cloud

David Murimi

Co-Founder and CEO, Cloudoon

speaker

Intro to Speaker 6

Use Predictive Analytics to Forecast Default Rates and Manage Risk

Joel Onditi

CEO, Pathways Technologies

speaker

Lunch and Networking

Intro to Speaker 7

Security Considerations When Thinking About Dx

Joseph Mathenge

COO, Serianu Ltd.

speaker

Introduction to Panel 2

Change Starts With You: Why dx Resistance Is Such a Challenge for SACCOs

Resistance to change can be a significant obstacle for SACCOs looking to adopt digital technologies. The traditional methods of operation that SACCO staff and members are used to can create a culture of resistance to change, making it difficult for them to adapt to new systems and processes. One of the main reasons for resistance to change in SACCOs is a lack of understanding or knowledge of the benefits of digital transformation. Staff and members may not fully appreciate the potential benefits of digital technologies, or they may not be aware of the risks and costs associated with maintaining traditional systems. This lack of understanding can lead to skepticism and mistrust, making it challenging to gain support for digital initiatives. One factor contributing to resistance to change is fear of the unknown. Digital transformation can involve significant changes to established processes and workflows, which can create anxiety among staff and members...

Carol Odero

dxContent Head, dx5

moderator

Robert Mogoi Karioki

CIO, Mombasa Port Sacco Ltd

panelist

Henry Abea

CIO, Kimisitu Sacco

panelist

Melissa Hoffman

Advisory and Transformation

panelist

Introduction to Case Studies

Case Study 1: How Banks Can Support Saccos

Kelvin Njoka

Head of Digital and Innovation, Diamond Trust Bank

speaker

Case Study 2: Digitising Your Sacco

Tom Kimani Muriranja

Co-Founder and Managing Director, Presta Capital Ltd

speaker

Introduction to Panel 3

Banks vs SACCOs: Who Is Actually Winning?

The answer to this question can vary depending on various factors such as geographical location, customer demographics, and the specific products and services offered by the banks and SACCOs. In general, banks tend to have a wider range of financial products and services, including credit cards, personal loans, mortgages, and investment accounts. They also have a larger branch network and more ATMs, which can make it more convenient for customers to access their accounts and conduct transactions. However, SACCOs often have a more personal touch and are often more community-oriented, which can be attractive to customers who value a strong sense of community and connection with their financial institution. SACCOs also tend to have lower fees and interest rates compared to banks, which can be appealing to customers looking for more affordable financial products. Customers are also considering the security features behind their money, access to mobile banking and other forms of technology..

Becky Njagi

Senior Manager - Strategic Initiatives, Diamond Trust Bank

moderator

Winnie Sergon

CIO, Boresha Sacco Ltd

panelist

Kelvin Saitoti

Head of Information Security and Technology, Maisha Bora Sacco

panelist

Peter Wafula

Manager - Infrastructure and IT Security, Harambee Sacco

panelist

Introduction to the Final Panel

Why Your Sacco Needs to Move Into the Cloud

This is why your sacco needs to consider moving into the cloud:
Cost savings: Moving to the cloud can significantly reduce IT infrastructure costs, such as hardware, software licenses, and maintenance fees. Instead of buying and managing their own servers, Saccos can leverage cloud services that offer pay-as-you-go pricing models, allowing them to scale up or down based on their needs.

Increased scalability and flexibility: Cloud platforms can provide Saccos with the ability to quickly scale up their resources when needed, without the need for additional hardware investments. This can be especially useful during times of high demand or rapid growth.

Improved data security: Cloud providers invest heavily in data security and privacy measures, which can help Saccos protect their members' data. Cloud providers also offer built-in data backup and disaster recovery solutions, which can help Saccos ensure business continuity in the event of a system failure or natural disaster....

Kevin Namunwa

Tech Journalist, dx5

moderator

Steve Migoye

CIO, Kenya Bankers Sacco

panelist

David Murimi

Co-Founder and CEO, Cloudoon

panelist

Peter Muchemi

Co-Founder and CEO, FaidiHR

panelist

Coffee Break and Networking