01
Chama
Pooled savings
& member lending
Chama or
merry-
go-round—
your group
decides.
Two time-tested ways to save together. Choose the one your group already trusts; the platform handles the rest.
ONE PLATFORM, TWO MODELS
02
Merry-go-round
Rotating payouts,
turn by turn
Built for trust. Designed for your group.
01 Pooled savings
Chama
Pool savings and lend to members. Build a strong pot together, create access to affordable loans, and grow your group’s financial future.
01 Build a strong pot
↗
02 Lend and borrow
↗
03 Grow together
↗
02 Rotating payout
Merry-go-round
Rotate the whole pot each cycle. Take turns receiving, keep contributions predictable, and make sure everyone benefits.
01 Take turns receiving
↗
02 Predictable cycles
↗
03 Everyone benefits
↗
✓
Private
Your data. Your group. Always private and secure.
✓
Control
You’re in control. Decisions stay within your group.
Compare the models
Which model fits your group?
Both models help groups save together. The difference is how contributions are pooled, managed, and paid out.
|
Compare
At a glance
| Chama Table banking · pooled savings & lending | Merry-go-round ROSCA · rotating payout |
|---|---|---|
| What happens to the pool | Lent back to members as loans | The whole pot rotates to one member |
| Earns interest | Yes — interest grows the pool | No — pure rotation, no lending |
| Lending | Members can borrow with rules | No lending involved |
| Payout | Share-out at the end of the cycle | One member each cycle, in turn |
| Order | Not applicable | Fixed list or random draw |
| Best for | Saving and borrowing together | Disciplined saving for a lump sum |
Chama
Table banking · pooled savings & lending
Merry-go-round
ROSCA · rotating payout
What happens to the pool
Chama
Lent back to members as loans
Merry-go-round
The whole pot rotates to one member
Earns interest
Chama
Yes — interest grows the pool
Merry-go-round
No — pure rotation, no lending
Lending
Chama
Members can borrow with rules
Merry-go-round
No lending involved
Payout
Chama
Share-out at the end of the cycle
Merry-go-round
One member each cycle, in turn
Order
Chama
Not applicable
Merry-go-round
Fixed list or random draw
Best for
Chama
Saving and borrowing together
Merry-go-round
Disciplined saving for a lump sum
Both models are widely used across Kenya. There is no universally better choice — it depends on how your group wants to save.
Chama Merry-go-round
Just want to organise, not save?
Start a social group for the roster, announcements, and events — no money involved. When your group is ready to start saving, upgrade to a chama or merry-go-round without losing your members.
