Sacco boss with undying passion for law

We’re sitting in his large office at Stima Investment Plaza on Mushembi Road, Parklands, and Chris Useki, the Chief executive of Stima Sacco Society (Ltd) swiftly signs off some papers on his table then neatly crinkles both his arms across his chest and jokingly asks us, “How can I help you gentlemen?”

My photographer and I had paid him an early morning visit for what I customarily prefers to call a ‘chat.’

Useki presently at the helm of the second largest Savings and Credit Cooperative Society in Kenya by asset, is a soft-spoken 49-year old accountant whose voice ironically commands authority. So I am in the presence of a leader.

His passion and enthusiasm for law is evident despite having practiced accounting for nearly all his adult life – a pioneer in his field with nearly two-decade experience.

Previously the Chief finance manager at the firm’s head office in Nairobi before his confirmation as the Stima Sacco Chief executive officer in 2017, Useki is eyeing bigger and ambitious targets upon his retirement. His eyes light up as he explains how he handles work pressure and future plan to pursue law.

Excerpts:

In 2017 you were confirmed Stima Sacco CEO, you are now starting your third year, from where you sit, what do you think has been your greatest achievements thus far?

My greatest achievement when I came in was to stabilize the system which previously had affected customer services, so we came up with a new centralized operation which remedied the problem that eventually contributed to the growth of our branch-network now with 9 branches up from 6 branches when I came in.  When I came in we were doing Sh21Billion at the time, now were are at Sh32Billion worth of asset just under two years. But there is still more to do.

We also reviewed our strategic plan from 2019-2024 that is extremely focused on customer service, business growth and strengthening our capital base. We are certain this will strengthen the Sacco.

Where do you want to see the Sacco during that period?

During that period the Sacco will have Sh75Billion worth of asset, the revenues will be in the range of Sh15Billion, currently we are doing Sh4.6Billion according to 2018 reported results.  Deposits we are predicting will be in excess of Sh70billion. Therefore we are expecting twice the growth of the current size. It is a big leap that we are forecasting.

Is this achievable judging by the current challenges and macro-economic conditions in the industry?

It is achievable, the challenges come with opportunities. By the way I have noticed that every challenge comes with an opportunity. With the kind of staff, mental strength and system we have in place, I believe we are going to achieve our targets.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy the diversity of the people I work with. Each and every one of them has a set of qualities that are unique and beneficial to the company’s growth. And as the team leader I set them free to execute their duties. By doing so you learn so much on the job as you need to understand each member of your staff and their strengths and weaknesses. You can never get bored in this job and you will never stop learning.

How would you describe your leadership style?

It is simple, when you look around me, you will notice something unique (drawing out a small bible). This (Bible), keeps me calm. I seek to understand what I can do and what I can’t. By worrying I realised I cannot add an inch to your height.

I believe that law is a people’s business. When you are younger, you think that law is a lot about just reading and arguing, but at the end of the day, your staff are people, with problems, and the team you work with consists of people. I get a lot of advice from them. I realize I am not a Mr. know it all. So I would describe my style as people focused.

I am also direct in the way I approach people and situations. Time is the rarest commodity in the world and I am mindful of the fact that we all have time limitations.

Have you put together your retirement plan in terms of life after Stima Sacco?

What a good question. Actually I think it is a question and a challenge to me. I have realised business is challenging so I am considering a little farming and a little things here and there. In truth it is something I am actually drawing up.

Once I am done, which is fast approaching. I will certainly need a rest but a relaxed one.

It is impossible to do everything and you need to understand that something is going to have to give. It is a matter of priorities on how you spend your time. Well-being comes in different forms for different people. For me want, I also want to take a course in law, a degree in law not for a specific reason I just want to conquer it. I am tired of hearing people calling themselves ‘learned’ they make us feel less learned. I do not want to practice it, but just to get the satisfaction of having pursued it. I will also go into consultancy.