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ST. CHARLES LWANGA logoST. CHARLES LWANGASelf-Help Group · Githirioni

Member guide

How to become a member

Everything you need to know before joining, and what is expected of members once you have joined.

Requirements

What you need to join

  • Copy of National ID / Passport
  • Copy of Next of Kin National ID / Passport
  • Coloured passport-size photograph
  • K.R.A. PIN Certificate

Process

Steps to membership

  1. 1

    Prepare Your Documents

    Gather the documents listed in the joining requirements for your membership category.

  2. 2

    Complete the Membership Application

    Fill in the group's membership application form accurately at the office.

  3. 3

    Submit Your Application

    Hand in your application and documents to the group's office at Githirioni Catholic Church Ground.

  4. 4

    Pay the Registration Fee

    Pay KES 300 registration (individual and corporate accounts) plus minimum savings of KES 100. Minor accounts are free.

  5. 5

    Start Saving Consistently

    Contribute at least KES 100 every month — six consecutive months of contributions qualify you for loans.

Membership categories

Three ways to join

The group allows for membership in three categories, each with its own requirements.

  • Individual Account

    • Be 18 years and above with a National ID card or passport
    • A coloured passport-size photo
    • Copy of the ID or passport of your next of kin
    • KRA PIN

  • Minor Account

    • For members under 18, operated by a parent or guardian
    • The guardian's National ID card or passport
    • Birth certificate, notification of birth or baptism card of the minor
    • The guardian must be a member of the group

  • Corporate Membership

    • Minutes of the group authorising the opening of the account
    • A list of all group members
    • Passport photographs of all signatories
    • Photocopy of the National ID or passport of all signatories
    • A registration certificate from a government agency
    • The group's constitution

Your rights

Rights of a member

  • Right to participate in the Annual General Meeting (AGM) with one vote, and in education meetings.
  • Active members are eligible to share surplus after an AGM.
  • Only active members are eligible for loans.
  • Active members have the right to the benevolent fund.

The fine print

Charges, terms and conditions

  1. 1.Registration fee for opening individual and corporate accounts is KES 300, plus minimum savings of KES 100. There is no charge for opening a minor account.
  2. 2.Members with individual accounts pay a benevolent fund of KES 400 every year, commencing from the date of joining.
  3. 3.Minor accounts are exempt from all charges and penalties, including the benevolent fund.
  4. 4.The minor account is a pure savings account and cannot take a loan independently.
  5. 5.Minimum monthly contribution is KES 100.
  6. 6.Failure to submit bank slips on time attracts a penalty of KES 50 – 100 per month.
  7. 7.Minor accounts can only be used to guarantee a school fees or medical loan acquired on behalf of the child.
  8. 8.All new members must contribute consistently and consecutively for the first six months to qualify for loans.
  9. 9.Partial withdrawal of shares is not permitted except during termination of membership.
  10. 10.Dormant members lose all privileges entitled to active members. Members are classified as dormant if no transaction is made on the account for 4 months or more.
  11. 11.Members may withdraw from the group at any time by giving written notice of not less than sixty (60) days. A withdrawal fee of KES 1,000 applies.

Responsibilities

What members commit to

  • Save at least KES 100 every month, consistently
  • Make loan repayments on time
  • Submit bank slips on time to avoid penalties
  • Keep membership information updated
  • Follow group policies
  • Attend the AGM and education meetings
  • Maintain accurate next-of-kin information
  • Ask for clarification whenever you do not understand a financial product

Benefits

What members receive

  • Savings Opportunities

    Individual, corporate and minor accounts designed around member needs.

  • Affordable Loans

    Borrow up to 5 times your shares at 1% per month on a reducing balance.

  • Share of Surplus

    Active members are eligible to share surplus after the AGM.

  • Benevolent Fund

    Active members have the right to the group's benevolent fund.

  • Member Participation

    One member, one vote at the Annual General Meeting.

  • Capacity Building

    Education meetings and training that grow your financial capacity.

Have a question before joining?

The office is happy to explain the savings options, loan products and membership requirements.

Contact UsSee savings accounts