SHE MEANS BUSINESS| From teacher to Mwalimu National DT Sacco vice chairperson – Grace Otom

Otom, the National Vice Chairperson of Mwalimu National DT Sacco, Kenya’s largest Sacco by assets and the biggest in East Africa, traces her story back to her early years in a family of teachers.

Her love for the profession blossomed in childhood, and when she eventually became a teacher, she poured her heart into nurturing her students.

At Highridge Secondary School, where she is the senior principal, Grace’s commitment extends beyond the classroom.

She has worked tirelessly to build her students’ talents in drama, even going as far as borrowing her husband’s clothes for performances when the school could not afford costumes during the early years. When transportation became a hurdle, she mobilised resources to ensure students reached competitions.

Her determination transformed Highridge into a recognisable school, with students excelling in both academics and extracurricular activities.

But Grace wanted more. Her passion for leadership and her ability to lobby for her students naturally transitioned into a broader platform: Mwalimu Sacco.

Stepping into leadership at the Sacco, she rose to become the National Vice Chairperson, breaking new ground as an advocate for financial empowerment among teachers and beyond.

In this She Means Business conversation, Grace emphasises the unique role of saccos in financial empowerment. Unlike informal groups such as chamas, saccos offer members privacy in loan access, the chance to earn dividends, and the security of structured growth.

For Mwalimu Sacco in particular, its scale and strength mean members enjoy benefits that individual savings groups cannot match.