By The Weekly Vision Team
The management of the Kenya National Police Deposit Taking Sacco is under fire, with over 10,000 members accusing it of corruption and financial mismanagement. The members, through Rene and Hans Advocates LLP, have called for an investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA) into what they describe as rampant misappropriation of funds and unethical behaviour within the Sacco’s leadership.
Central to their grievances is the demand for the resignation of top Sacco officials, whom they accuse of gross mismanagement. This alleged incompetence, they say, has driven several members to withdraw from the organisation entirely. Ranked as the third-largest Sacco by asset base after Mwalimu and Stima Saccos, Kenya Police DT Sacco is now embroiled in allegations of overspending on a faulty mobile banking system, M-TAWI. Members claim the system, which costs millions, is of poor quality and frequently crashes, especially at the end of the month when they attempt to check their salaries.
Members from the Kenya Police Service, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Administration Police Service, General Service Unit (GSU), and Anti-Stock Theft Unit report being charged Ksh 10 whenever the M-TAWI system fails and they attempt a transaction. This recurrent issue has fuelled anger, with claims that a former ICT general manager was dismissed for opposing the board’s decision to implement this cheaper, unreliable system alongside another platform called Acolyte.
In a letter dated September 3, 2024, Rene and Hans Advocates LLP highlighted serious concerns about governance, transparency, and accountability within the organisation. The members demand an investigation into staff qualifications, allegations of nepotism, and a thorough audit of Sacco’s financial and ICT systems. They specifically request the EACC to verify the accuracy of Sacco’s financial statements, assess the effectiveness of its internal controls, and ensure the integrity of its accounting practices. Additionally, they seek to uncover any falsified accounts or hidden funds.
These revelations paint a picture of a Sacco in turmoil, with allegations of mismanagement and corruption leading to financial difficulties that have left members frustrated, particularly when seeking loans or financial assistance during emergencies.
