The cooperatives sub-sector in Kilifi County has been hailed as a powerful socio-economic equalizer, significantly uplifting the livelihoods of local communities. During this year’s International Cooperatives Day, popularly known as Ushirika Day in Kenya, various cooperative societies, Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (Saccos), and chamas domiciled in the county were praised for their instrumental role in driving economic transformation across the region.
The celebrations, saw the county leadership, spearheaded by Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro, commend the cooperatives for their immense contribution to improving the living standards of the county’s residents.
Addressing the gathering as the guest of honor, he underscored the importance of Ushirika Day as a platform for reflection and review.
“This day is crucial for cooperatives as it gives us the opportunity to review our achievements, assess challenges, and strategize on how to further enhance the cooperative movement,” said the governor. He noted that the cooperative sub-sector has become a key pillar in the county’s development agenda, helping to reduce poverty, create jobs, and promote financial inclusion.
Cooperatives as Catalysts of Economic Growth
Governor Mung’aro acknowledged the tremendous growth of cooperatives in Kilifi, recognizing them as a priority in building a sustainable economy emphasizing the county’s government’s full committed to supporting the sub-sector in its mission to improve the socio-economic lives of the people.
“Saccos are crucial in establishing a sustainable economy in the county,” he remarked, encouraging residents to join the cooperative movement by forming or joining Saccos tailored to their needs.
He highlighted how his government has been working hand in hand with cooperatives to rejuvenate key aspects of Kilifi’s economy including agriculture, fishing, housing, and mining sectors. Several cooperatives involved in dairy and poultry production have received modern farming equipment from the county government, enabling them to increase productivity and improve their livelihoods.
Moreover, he announced that the county government, in collaboration with international development organizations such as USAID, is rolling out initiatives to boost cashew nut and cassava farming, fish farming, and dairy production in Kilifi.
Leveraging the Wezesha Fund
In his speech, the governor called on cooperatives and small business owners to take full advantage of the Wezesha Fund, a business loan program established by the county government. The fund, which offers loans with no interest, is designed to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses and, in turn, create more employment opportunities.
“This fund is a golden opportunity for all entrepreneurs in the county to expand their businesses without the burden of high-interest loans,” said Governor Mung’aro. “By doing so, we will build a stronger, more resilient economy that benefits everyone.”
Kilifi currently boasts of over 383 registered Saccos, which have been at the forefront of empowering members, particularly from the informal sector, by providing financial management education and easy access to credit. These efforts have helped boost savings and investments, fostering financial independence among many residents.
The Role of Regulation and Transparency
In his concluding remarks, Governor Mung’aro urged Sacco leaders to adhere to cooperative laws and regulations to ensure transparency and the smooth running of the sector. He reiterated that compliance with regulations is vital in maintaining the trust of Sacco members and safeguarding the integrity of the cooperative movement.
“The cooperative movement will grow even stronger once the Cooperative Act is passed into law,” he said, noting that the enactment of this legislation will provide a solid legal framework for the future of cooperatives in Kilifi and Kenya as a whole.
Celebrating Excellence: Awards for Top Performing Cooperatives
This year’s Ushirika Day in Kilifi County culminated in an awards ceremony that recognized the exemplary performance of various cooperatives in different categories. The awards honored the best-managed cooperatives, the most improved Saccos, and those excelling in areas such as member education and training.
The winners in the various categories were as follows:
Best Managed Sacco (Tier 1 Category):
Lengo Sacco (1st place)
Imarika Sacco (2nd place)
Best Managed Regulated N.W-DT Sacco (Tier 2 Category):
Mariakani Mabati Regulated Sacco (1st place)
Kutafuti Regulated Sacco (2nd place)
Best Managed Marketing Cooperative:
Jakamba Ballast Cooperative Ltd (1st place)
Malindi Farmers’ Cooperative Society Ltd (2nd place)
Best Housing Cooperative
Jumuika Housing Cooperative Society Ltd (1st place)
ENTAIRO Housing Cooperative Society Ltd (2nd place)
Most Improved Sacco:
Saruji Sacco
Best in Members’ Education and Training:
Imarika Sacco (1st place)
Lengo Sacco (2nd place)
The vibrant Ushirika Day celebrations in Kilifi served as a testament to the growing influence and impact of cooperatives in the county.
