Updated 2 November 2026
Stima vs Tower Sacco: Tower Sacco paid savers more for 2025, with a 20% dividend on share capital and a 13% rebate on deposits, against Stima DT Sacco’s 16% and 11%. Stima is clearer for borrowers, because it publishes its loan rates (from 12% a year on the Normal loan), while Tower does not list rates on its product pages. Tower’s strengths are very long repayment periods (up to 132 months on the Vuka loan) and products for farmers and business owners.
Updated November 2026 from Tower Sacco’s 2026 Annual General Meeting booklet and loan product pages, and Stima DT Sacco’s member FAQ and 2026 dividend announcement. Stima rates are per year on a reducing balance.
Stima vs Tower Sacco: side by side
| Item | Stima DT Sacco | Tower Sacco |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend on share capital (FY2025) | 16% | 20% (KSh 20 per share) |
| Interest / rebate on deposits (FY2025) | 11% (Alpha deposits) | 13% (non-withdrawable deposits) |
| Total payout | KSh 788.7m dividend + KSh 4.32bn rebate | KSh 327.2m dividend + KSh 2.56bn rebate |
| Main loan | Normal loan, 12%, 4x deposits, 60 months | Normal loan, 5x deposits, 84 months (rate not published) |
| Longest loan | Makaazi Poa home loan, up to KSh 15m, 144 months | Vuka loan, KSh 100,000 to 5m, 132 months |
| Highest multiplier | 5x (Premium and Make Over loans) | 6x (FOSA loan) |
| Mobile loan | Mpawa, up to KSh 120,000, 6 months (*489#) | Salary advance up to KSh 50,000 (salary via FOSA) |
| Head office | Stima Sacco Plaza, Mushembi Road, Parklands, Nairobi | Tower Sacco Plaza, Ol Kalou, Nyandarua |
| Phone | 0703 024 000 | 0792 333 111 |
Dividends: what Stima vs Tower Sacco pays you
Tower Sacco kept its FY2025 rates the same as FY2024: 20% on share capital and 13% on non-withdrawable deposits. Its AGM booklet reports 247,858 active members, total assets of KSh 34.56 billion and a loan book of KSh 25.15 billion. Stima Sacco declared 16% on share capital and 11% on Alpha deposits for 2025.
For a member with KSh 25,000 in shares and KSh 500,000 in deposits held all year:
- Tower: KSh 5,000 dividend plus about KSh 65,000 rebate, roughly KSh 70,000 before withholding tax.
- Stima: KSh 4,000 dividend plus about KSh 55,000 interest, roughly KSh 59,000 before withholding tax.
Rebates are worked out on monthly balances, so steady deposits through the year earn the full rate. Try your own figures in the Tower Sacco dividend calculator and the Stima Sacco dividend calculator.
Loans: Stima publishes rates, Tower does not
Stima’s rate card is public: Normal loan 12% (4x, 60 months), Premium loan 13% (5x, 96 months), Mwangaza loan 13.9% to 14% (up to 78 months for check-off members), SOSA loan 15% (4x, 24 months) and Make Over loan 18% (5x, 48 months, up to KSh 1 million). On KSh 1 million over five years, the Normal loan costs about KSh 22,244 a month.
Tower Sacco’s product pages set out tenors, multipliers and security but not interest rates. Its Normal loan is 5x share deposits over 84 months, the FOSA loan 6x over 96 months, and the Vuka loan lends KSh 100,000 to KSh 5 million over up to 132 months without guarantors for permanent and pensionable staff. Ask Tower for the rate and total cost in writing before you sign. Read the full Tower Sacco loans guide and estimate Stima repayments with the Stima Sacco loan calculator.
For farmers and business owners
Tower Sacco is built for rural and business members. Its Kilimo Advanced loan serves dairy and horticulture farmers over 3 to 36 months, and its Premium, Fosa Flex and Asset Finance loans serve businesses that have traded for at least six months. Stima’s Mwangaza loan is open to members outside the check-off scheme for up to 48 months and KSh 5 million.
Joining requirements
- Stima: KSh 500 registration, KSh 25,000 share capital (can be built over time), at least KSh 1,000 a month in savings (KSh 500 for business accounts) and a KSh 125 monthly risk fund. Loans need three months of membership and full share capital.
- Tower: share capital of KSh 2,000 is the minimum for business loans. Vuka applicants who are new members have a KSh 20,000 minimum deposit and KSh 10,000 share capital deducted upfront.
Confirm current fees with each Sacco and check both are on the SASRA list of licensed deposit-taking Saccos. Branches are listed in our Tower Sacco branches guide.
Which is better: Stima or Tower Sacco?
- For the best return on savings: Tower, with 20% on shares and 13% on deposits.
- For borrowers who want known costs: Stima, because its rates are published.
- For a long, guarantor-free salaried loan: Tower’s Vuka loan.
- For a mortgage-style home loan: Stima’s Makaazi Poa loan, up to KSh 15 million over 144 months.
- For farmers: Tower’s Kilimo Advanced loan.
Comparing Saccos with banks? See bank vs Sacco loans in Kenya.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Does Tower Sacco pay more dividends than Stima Sacco?
Yes, for 2025. Tower paid 20% on share capital and 13% on deposits, while Stima paid 16% and 11%.
What is Tower Sacco’s loan interest rate?
Tower does not publish rates on its loan pages. Call 0792 333 111 or visit a branch for the current rate and use the Sacco’s calculator before applying.
How long must I be a Stima Sacco member before borrowing?
Three months, with full share capital of KSh 25,000 in place.
Which Sacco has the longest loan?
Stima’s Makaazi Poa home loan runs up to 144 months. Tower’s Vuka loan runs up to 132 months or until retirement, whichever comes first.
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