This archive report was first published on 26 August 2020.
On August 26, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic was still a major concern in Kenya, with the government implementing various measures to reduce its spread.
At Gusii Mwalimu Sacco, a large number of teachers had gathered at the branch, waiting for their dividends on long cues, despite government directives against gatherings.
Speaking to Kenya Digest, Charles Omwansa, the CEO of Gusii Mwalimu Sacco, expressed concern over the situation, stating that it had become a challenge to handle such a huge crowd of teachers who were not adhering to the government directives.
"I asked teachers to stay at home and do mobile banking instead of coming to queue," Omwanza said.
He noted that the Sacco had taken all the measures outlined by the government to reduce the minimum serious services to serve them, including reducing charges for mobile banking and increasing transactions limits.
According to the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) Governor, Dr. Patrick Njoroge, these measures were aimed at reducing the need for actual cash transactions and minimizing the adverse effects of the pandemic.
At the time, Gusii Mwalimu Sacco had 34,000 members, with at least 12,000 members having received their dividends.
