Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs Development, Wycliffe Oparanya, has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening the cooperative movement, describing it as the most effective model for creating wealth, generating jobs, and lifting millions of Kenyans out of poverty.
Speaking during the 2026 National Celebrations of the International Day of Cooperatives (Ushirika Day) in Nairobi, Oparanya said the cooperative model has consistently demonstrated its ability to transform economies across the world and remains central to Kenya’s development agenda.
“The cooperative model is the only model that can take Kenyans out of poverty,” the Cabinet Secretary said, noting that his experience interacting with successful cooperative systems in countries such as Germany had reinforced his confidence in the movement’s immense potential.
He observed that cooperatives empower ordinary citizens by pooling resources, mobilizing savings, expanding access to affordable credit, and creating sustainable economic opportunities for women, youth, farmers, traders, and small businesses.
Government Driving Cooperative Reforms.
Oparanya highlighted the reforms the Ministry has undertaken over the past two years to create a stronger and more enabling environment for cooperatives.
He said the proposed Cooperative Bill, currently before Parliament, will modernize Kenya’s cooperative legal framework by clearly defining the responsibilities of the National and County Governments while strengthening governance and accountability within cooperative societies.
According to the Cabinet Secretary, improving governance remains one of the most important reforms needed to safeguard members’ savings, promote transparency, and enhance public confidence in cooperatives.
He also revealed that the Government, working with development partners, has reviewed the Sacco Societies Act, 2008 to align it with modern financial and regulatory standards.
These reforms, he said, will position Kenya to maintain its status as Africa’s leading cooperative economy and one of the world’s most developed cooperative movements.
Partnerships Accelerating Transformation.
Oparanya commended institutions that have supported the ongoing transformation of the sector.
He singled out ACCOSCA, which assisted in constituting a committee of experts that reviewed the Sacco Societies Act and developed recommendations for legislative reforms.
He also acknowledged the continued support of the Co-operative Bank of Kenya, CIC Insurance Group, and the Co-operative University of Kenya, describing them as institutions born out of the cooperative movement that continue to strengthen the sector through financing, insurance, education, and capacity building.
Revitalizing Agricultural Cooperatives.
Agricultural cooperatives remain at the heart of Kenya’s economic transformation, Oparanya said.
He pointed to the ongoing revival of the coffee sector through cooperative societies, noting that reforms have restored farmers’ confidence and are expected to increase production and improve household incomes.
He also emphasized the growing focus on strengthening livestock value chains through cooperative structures, saying the Government is working to replicate successful models across different agricultural sectors.
Cooperatives as Agents of Peace.
Beyond their economic role, Oparanya challenged cooperatives to become champions of peace and national unity. He noted that cooperative societies bring together people from diverse backgrounds around common economic interests, creating opportunities for dialogue, mutual understanding, and peaceful coexistence.
He urged cooperative leaders to reject divisive politics and instead promote responsibility, unity, and civic engagement among members.
“A peaceful environment is essential for business to thrive, investment to grow, and communities to prosper,” he said.
Supporting Sustainable Development.
The Cabinet Secretary linked the cooperative movement to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), noting that cooperatives contribute significantly to poverty reduction, decent work, gender equality, food security, financial inclusion, and community development.
He warned that climate change continues to threaten agricultural productivity through prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall, shrinking forests, declining biodiversity, and water scarcity.
Protecting the environment, he said, is essential because healthy ecosystems underpin food production, industrial development, and sustainable livelihoods.
He encouraged cooperatives to embrace climate-smart agriculture, environmental conservation, and sustainable resource management to safeguard future generations.
Building the Future Together.
As Kenya continues implementing far-reaching legal and institutional reforms, Oparanya expressed confidence that the cooperative movement will remain a key driver of national development.
He welcomed the ongoing legislative reforms, saying they will strengthen governance, improve transparency, and position cooperatives and SACCOs as even stronger pillars of economic growth.
Concluding his address, the Cabinet Secretary reminded cooperative members that the spirit of Ushirika is founded on collective action and shared prosperity.
He urged the movement to continue promoting peace, environmental stewardship, regional integration, and inclusive economic development, saying these values will ensure cooperatives remain at the centre of building a prosperous Kenya and Africa.
