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"I remember one day I went to visit a town where the sacco wanted to set up a branch. When I was introduced as the new chair person, the disapproval was loud. Some could be heard wondering aloud: Are there no more men left? ―We went ahead to successfully open the branch. And today, my staunchest supporters are from that branch.‖ Unlike employee saccos where members tend to know each other, this is a complex sacco where the high and mighty meet with the lowly and humble. There are all kinds of experts too. So every idea you put forward is weighed and critiqued and challenged by people with knowledge and skills. Even people with vested interests, after all they are members of the business community. "For example when we were renovating the sacco premises here, men who didn't know my background in the construction industry didn't at first take my suggestions seriously. But, I am always aware that I am talking to people who may have the expertise, vested interest or influence". To demonstrate the economic influence of the sacco, Mrs Rajab Ali quotes the example of the KenGen shares. The sacco had just shifted to its current prestigious location in the town centre. "There were always people filling our benches, waiting to buy shares. We sold the highest number of shares in Machakos,‖ she says. In fact, the sacco led with sales worth Shs 3.3 million followed by Kenya Commercial Bank with Sh 1.8 million. ''One of the benefits of our new location has been a tremendous increase in the confidence members have in the sacco,‖ says Mrs. Rajab-Ali. "I am proud that the improvements I have made have contributed in confidence building. I have ensured that the sacco has a five year strategic plan and policy guidelines covering investments, human resources, IT, loans and so on. These improvements have raised the morale of workers and the sacco is now attracting some of the best personnel."
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