The government has officially launched the National Service & Walinzi SACCO (NSWS) at the Ulinzi Complex in a major move aimed at empowering private security guards through cooperative and MSME development.
Presiding over the launch, Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives Wycliffe Oparanya emphasized the urgent need for private security companies to prioritize the welfare and financial empowerment of their workers. He noted that financial inclusion is key to protecting guards from predatory lending and enabling them to invest in personal growth and long-term financial goals.
“The private security sector employs over 700,000 personnel, yet many continue to face serious challenges in accessing credit and achieving financial independence,” said CS Oparanya. “Walinzi SACCO is a bold step towards restoring dignity in service and building financial resilience among these workers.”
The newly formed SACCO will tailor its financial products to meet the unique needs of security personnel, providing access to affordable credit, savings, and investment opportunities. It also plans to partner with commercial banks and financial institutions to enhance financial literacy among its members.
Walinzi SACCO aims to rapidly grow its membership from the current 4,000 to 25,000 by the end of the year through the establishment of regional branches across the country. This expansion is expected to enhance service delivery and ensure that guards across Kenya benefit from the initiative.
The launch marks a significant milestone in the push for sustainable livelihoods for one of the country’s most underserved yet essential workforces.