A two-year program by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in Kenya has concluded, demonstrating how rural Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs) can significantly reduce remittance costs and expand financial inclusion for families outside urban areas. The initiative aimed to connect more rural Kenyans to affordable financial services through their local SACCOs.

• Over 112,000 people received financial literacy training, and over 1,800 remittance receivers opened accounts for the first time, exceeding the target of 1,500.
• The project partnered with Credit Bank PLC, RIA Money Transfer, and Interswitch East Africa to facilitate lower remittance costs and increased financial access.
• David Berno, who leads remittances and inclusive digital finance at IFAD, emphasized that remittances are a "lifeline for millions of Kenyans," and SACCOs are bridging the "last mile."