About us
A community saving and growing together
St. Charles Lwanga Catholic Church Githirioni Self-Help Group is one among many in the Archdiocese of Nairobi, Caritas Nairobi Socio-Economic Empowerment Programme. The programme was established in Kiriko Parish in 1983 by the late Rev. Fr. Joseph Mukui and later grew into almost all parishes in the Archdiocese of Nairobi. Together, the self-help groups in the programme have a total membership of over 160,000 and accumulated savings of over KES 10 billion.
Our story
We are a Self-Help Group under Caritas Nairobi, Archdiocese of Nairobi, based at Githirioni Catholic Church Ground. We bring together members of the Catholic church and the surrounding community to save consistently, access affordable member financing, build capacity and support one another through the seasons of life.
The group has served its members since 1992. Initially known as the Githirioni Cooperation Union, it was founded through the vision of Cardinal Maurice Otunga of the Archdiocese of Nairobi and Fr. Mungai, who had gained valuable insight into cooperative movements during a learning trip to Italy. With the support of Fr. George, who established Githirioni Parish in 1994, the group began operations with about 10 committee leaders led by Mr. Edward Kamau.
Membership was open to all, requiring only a nominal registration fee and contribution, with passbooks kept to track contributions and member details. Over time the group expanded significantly, establishing a central counter and extending its reach beyond Nairobi. Caritas introduced annual audits, Annual General Meetings and transparent committee elections to ensure effective governance.
To strengthen the group further, specialised committees were introduced — executive, finance, risk and capacity building — working together to ensure sound financial management, risk mitigation and member empowerment. Building on this foundation, the group developed its first five-year strategic plan following a strategic leadership seminar organised by the Caritas office.
Our motto
Save for the future, borrow wisely and pay promptly.
Office hours
Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 4:30pm · Saturday: 9:00am – 12:00noon · Sundays & Public Holidays: Closed
Mission
To promote social economic empowerment to communities within Githirioni and beyond by mobilizing member savings, providing affordable loans, capacity building, and excellent customer service through efficient and effective service delivery.
Vision
A socio-economically empowered and cohesive community.
Core values
What guides us
Customer-Centricity
Members come first. We deliver superior service through transparent communication, tailored products and proactive support for both members and staff.
Teamwork
We value the contribution of every member, committee member and staff member, creating an inclusive environment where all views are accommodated.
Innovation
We encourage new ideas at all levels and adopt technology that keeps our service relevant, quick and reliable.
Professionalism
We adhere to Caritas guidelines, group by-laws and a clear code of ethics, served by a qualified and competent team.
Stewardship
We are accountable for the resources entrusted to us, and we care for our community and environment in all we do.
Our mandate
The principles we are built on
The group is mandated by the Archdiocese of Nairobi Caritas Registered Trustees, formed to promote socio-economic development based on the following principles.
- Voluntary and open membership
- Democratic member control
- Economic participation by members
- Autonomy and independence
- Capacity building, development and information
- Cooperation among groups
- Concern for the community in general
Core functions
What we do for members
- Encourage members to save money by providing them with an opportunity to accumulate their savings.
- Provide members with an opportunity to improve their socio-economic conditions.
- Provide members with credit to improve their production and/or make improvements.
- Ensure the safety and soundness of members' funds.
- Continuously educate members on the proper use of credit to ensure their progress.
- Perform the functions and exercise the powers designated for a group under the guidelines of the Archdiocese of Nairobi Caritas Registered Trustees, for the benefit of the members.
Governance
How the group is organised
Decision-making flows from the members upwards, with committees and staff accountable to the Annual General Meeting.
Level 1
Annual General Meeting
The supreme decision-making body — every active member has one vote.
Level 2
Patron & Management Committee
Provides oversight, spiritual guidance and overall direction for the group.
Level 3
Sub-Committees
Executive, Finance, Risk & Compliance and Capacity Building committees oversee day-to-day governance.
Level 4
Staff
Accounts and office staff serve members and implement committee decisions.
Strategic Plan 2024 – 2028
Where we are heading
To promote social economic empowerment through membership growth, innovative solutions, strong corporate governance and sustainable initiatives within Githirioni and beyond.
Growth in Membership
Grow membership to 1,750 by 2028 and achieve 70% member retention through marketing, capacity building, reactivating dormant accounts and a member feedback mechanism.
Increased uptake of savings and loans
Enhance and differentiate products, ease guarantorship, build financial literacy, grow savings and reduce dormancy and withdrawals.
Greater use of ICT
Integrate suitable technology to improve service delivery, communication and visibility through the website and social media.
Improved risk management and compliance
Build a robust risk identification and management framework and strengthen committee and staff compliance with policies and procedures.
Stronger governance and internal processes
Ensure a competent management team and build staff capacity to deliver on the plan.
Environmental conservation
Join other organisations in conservation efforts and reduce the group's ecological footprint.
Objectives
What we set out to achieve
- Promote a culture of saving
- Improve members' access to responsible financing
- Encourage financial discipline
- Support members' personal and family development
- Encourage entrepreneurship and investment
- Strengthen community cooperation
- Promote mutual support among members
Leadership
Executive Committee Members
Patron
Fr. James Etiyat Obai
Chairperson
Patrick Kihara Ngene
Vice Chairperson
Peter Njuguna Mbugua
Secretary
Florence Muthoni Njonge
Treasurer
Immaculate Gathoni Kahangara