The effect of member demographics on the savings and investment of individuals in Savings and Credit Co-operatives registered by Sacco societies regulatory authority

Abstract

Kenya’s current saving culture and investment behaviour is a cause for concern, despite the increasing global concern for banks and financial institutions to improve savings among individuals and families. The effect of members’ demographics on saving & investment behavior is not well documented. This research project was carried out in Nairobi and it was aimed at determining the effect of members’ demographics on saving and investment behavior of individuals in SACCOs. Twenty two (22) respondents were involved in the study from a total population of 78 obtained from 39 SACCOs. A number of studies have demonstrated that demographics factors have influence on the savings and investment culture of members in SACCOs. However, inconsistencies in findings exist in the few studies conducted on the differences in general saving behaviors of individuals in SACCOs. The objective of the study was to assess the effects of member demographics on the savings and investment of individuals in Savings and Credit Cooperatives registered by SASRA in Kenya. The researcher used survey design and sample size was determined using Nassiuma (2000),”survey sampling: theory and methods”. The researcher collected data using structured questionnaires. A descriptive analysis of the data was done and involved computing frequencies and percentages with the help of Statistical Package of Social Sciences Software (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel and presented in frequency tables and charts. Marital status of the respondents was found to be statistically significant in terms of the monthly savings. The result implies that a change in marital status will affect the average savings. It is also found out a correlation exists between members’ education level and household size as well as age of individuals in Savings and Credit Cooperatives. Monthly income level is found to be having no direct correlation with the savings and investment behaviour of members. The researcher recommends nurturing of marriage institution and increase trainings on financial management for members as a way of enhancing saving culture members of the SACCOs