Stima vs Mwalimu Sacco 2026: Dividends and Loan Rates

Updated 2 November 2026

Stima vs Mwalimu Sacco: Stima DT Sacco paid the higher return for 2025, with a 16% dividend on share capital and 11% on deposits, against Mwalimu National’s 13% dividend and 10.05% on deposits. Stima also lends a little cheaper on its main loans (12% a year on the Normal loan against 14.5% on Mwalimu’s Development loan). Mwalimu’s edge is reach among teachers and civil servants, a 120-month Ufanisi loan and the Wezesha loan that new members can take after their first savings deduction.

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Updated November 2026 from Stima DT Sacco’s member FAQ and 2026 dividend announcement, and Mwalimu National DT Sacco’s product pages and 2026 Annual Delegates Meeting results. Rates are per year on a reducing balance unless stated.

Stima vs Mwalimu Sacco: side by side

Dividends: Stima vs Mwalimu Sacco returns

For the year to 2025, Stima Sacco declared a 16% dividend on share capital (a KSh 788.7 million payout) and an 11% interest rebate on Alpha deposits (KSh 4.32 billion). Mwalimu National declared a 13% dividend on shares, unchanged from 2024, and raised interest on deposits to 10.05% from 10%.

Here is what that means for a member holding KSh 25,000 in shares and KSh 500,000 in deposits all year:

• Stima: KSh 4,000 dividend plus about KSh 55,000 on deposits, roughly KSh 59,000 before withholding tax.
• Mwalimu: KSh 3,250 dividend plus about KSh 50,250 on deposits, roughly KSh 53,500 before withholding tax.

Deposit interest is usually worked out on monthly balances, so money added late in the year earns less. Run your own numbers with the Stima Sacco dividend calculator and the Mwalimu National Sacco dividend calculator. For past Stima payouts, see Stima Sacco dividends 2024 and 2025.

Loan rates and what they cost

On a KSh 1 million loan over five years, Stima’s Normal loan at 12% costs about KSh 22,244 a month (KSh 334,700 interest in total). Mwalimu’s Development loan at 14.5% costs about KSh 23,528 a month (KSh 411,700 interest). That is a gap of roughly KSh 77,000 over the life of the loan.

For longer terms, Stima’s Premium loan at 13% over 96 months works out to about KSh 16,807 a month on KSh 1 million. Mwalimu’s Super loan at 15% over 84 months is about KSh 19,297 a month. Mwalimu’s Ufanisi loan stretches to 120 months at 17%, and it is recovered at a flat monthly rate, which costs more than a reducing balance at the same headline rate.

Short loans flip the picture. Mwalimu’s Emergency and School Fees loans are 1% a month (12% a year) over 24 months with a 5x multiplier, cheaper than Stima’s SOSA loan at 15% and 4x. Check figures for your own amount with the Stima Sacco loan calculator and the Mwalimu National loan calculator.

Processing fees and rules

• Mwalimu charges a 0.5% processing fee on Development and Super loans and 2% on the Wezesha loan. Its Ufanisi loan carries a 10% share-boosting fee when the Sacco boosts your shares.
• Mwalimu loans are subject to the one-third salary rule: your take-home pay after deductions must stay at least a third of your basic pay.
• Stima loans need at least three months of membership and full share capital of KSh 25,000. Members also pay a KSh 125 monthly risk fund.
• Both Saccos need guarantors or deposits to secure most loans. Guarantors are liable if you default.

Mobile and digital loans

Stima’s Mpawa mobile loan goes up to KSh 120,000 over six months through USSD *489#, and its MStima app works on *492#. Stima also offers Funika, a 30-day loan of up to KSh 15,000 at 1% a day, which is expensive and best kept for real emergencies. Mwalimu National runs a members’ portal and mobile channels for loan applications and balances.

Which is better: Stima or Mwalimu Sacco?

1. For savers chasing returns: Stima paid more on both shares and deposits for 2025.
2. For a cheap main loan: Stima’s 12% Normal loan beats Mwalimu’s 14.5% Development loan.
3. For school fees and emergencies: Mwalimu’s 12% loans with 5x multipliers are cheaper than Stima’s SOSA loan.
4. For new members who need money fast: Mwalimu’s Wezesha loan is open once your first deduction goes through, while Stima asks for three months and full share capital.
5. For teachers on TSC payroll: Mwalimu’s check-off system and branch network in counties are built around you.

Many people belong to more than one Sacco. If you are weighing a Sacco against a bank, read bank vs Sacco loans in Kenya, and see the full Tower Sacco loans guide for a third option.

How to join either Sacco

1. Fill in the membership form online or at a branch, with a copy of your ID, KRA PIN and a passport photo.
2. Pay the registration fee and start buying shares (Stima allows share capital to be built up over time).
3. Set up your monthly deposit by check-off, standing order or M-Pesa.
4. Wait out the qualifying period before applying for loans (three months at Stima; Mwalimu’s Wezesha is the exception).

Sources

• Stima DT Sacco: products and member FAQ
• Mwalimu National: Development loan, Super loan, Ufanisi loan and Wezesha loan
• SASRA: licensed deposit-taking Saccos

Frequently asked questions

Which pays more dividends, Stima or Mwalimu Sacco?

Stima. For 2025 it paid 16% on share capital and 11% on deposits, against Mwalimu National’s 13% on shares and 10.05% on deposits.

Which Sacco has cheaper loans?

Stima’s main Normal loan is 12% a year against Mwalimu’s 14.5% Development loan. Mwalimu’s Emergency and School Fees loans at 12% a year are cheaper than Stima’s 15% SOSA loan.

Can a new member borrow straight away?

At Mwalimu National, yes, through the Wezesha loan once the first savings deduction goes through, with a quarter of the loan kept as savings. Stima needs three months of membership and full share capital first.

Can I join Stima or Mwalimu Sacco if I am not a teacher or in the energy sector?

Both Saccos have opened membership beyond their founding sectors. Confirm the current joining rules and fees with the Sacco before you apply.