Best SACCOs to Buy Shares in Kenya 2026: A Guide to High Dividends and Financial Growth

In the current Kenyan economy, savvy investors are moving away from traditional bank savings and looking toward Sacco shares and share capital. Unlike a standard savings account, buying shares in a SACCO makes you a co-owner, entitled to a slice of the annual profits through dividends. But with hundreds of options, which is the best SACCO to join in Kenya 2026?

In this article, we break down the top-performing SACCOs based on dividend rates, asset stability, and digital accessibility.

Why Invest in SACCO Shares?

Before looking at the "who," let’s look at the "why." Investing in SACCOs offers three primary benefits:

1. High Dividend Rates: Many top Kenyan SACCOs consistently pay dividends between 10% and 18%, significantly higher than bank interest.

2. Access to Cheap Loans: Your shares act as a multiplier for credit, often allowing you to borrow up to 3 or 4 times your savings.

3. Co-ownership: You have voting rights and a say in how the society is managed.

Top 5 Best SACCOs to Buy Shares in Kenya (2026 Rankings)

1. Stima DT SACCO

Stima SACCO remains a powerhouse in the Kenyan cooperative sector. Known for its stability and aggressive digital transformation, it is a favorite for those looking for consistent returns.

• Target: Energy sector and the general public.

• Key Feature: High interest on deposits and competitive dividend payouts.

2. Kenya National Police DT SACCO

Consistently ranked as one of the most liquid and best-managed SACCOs, the Police SACCO recently made headlines with a 17% dividend rate for 2025/2026.

• Target: Law enforcement and civilians (open membership).

• Key Feature: Extremely high dividend-to-share ratio and reliability.

3. Safaricom SACCO

As a tech-forward institution, Safaricom SACCO is perfect for the "digital nomad" or corporate professional. Their mobile app (i-Sacco) makes buying shares as easy as sending an M-Pesa.

• Target: Corporate employees and SMEs.

• Key Feature: High technological efficiency and quick loan processing.

4. Tower SACCO

Based in Nyandarua but with a national footprint, Tower SACCO has shown explosive growth in its asset base, reaching over Ksh 28 billion in 2024.

• Target: Civil servants and the business community.

• Key Feature: Robust growth in share capital value.

5. Sheria SACCO

If you are looking for ethical management and a focus on real estate, Sheria SACCO (originally for the judiciary) is a top contender.

• Target: Legal professionals and general public.

• Key Feature: Excellent housing schemes and consistent annual bonuses.

How to Buy Shares in a SACCO: Step-by-Step

1. Registration: Most SACCOs allow you to join online or via a USSD code (e.g., *638# or *483#).

2. Minimum Share Capital: You must pay a one-time minimum share capital (usually between Ksh 10,000 and Ksh 30,000), which is non-withdrawable but transferable.

3. Monthly Deposits: Continue making monthly contributions to increase your borrowing power.

4. Dividends: Wait for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) to see the declared dividend rates.

Conclusion

Buying shares in a SACCO is one of the most reliable ways to build wealth in Kenya. While the Kenya Police SACCO and Stima SACCO offer some of the highest dividends, your choice should align with your long-term goals, whether that is buying land, school fees, or retirement.