Kilifi Governor Gideon Maitha Mung’aro has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making cooperatives the engine of economic transformation, announcing increased investment, new funding and policy reforms aimed at expanding the sector across the county.
In a speech read on his behalf by the County Executive Committee Member of Trade, Tourism and Cooperatives Development Mr. Raymond Ngala during the 104th International Day of Cooperatives (Ushirika Day) celebrations on July 4, Governor Mung’aro said cooperatives remain critical in creating jobs, reducing poverty and promoting peace through economic empowerment.
Addressing this year’s theme, “Co-operatives for a Peaceful World,” the Governor said sustainable peace can only be achieved when communities have access to economic opportunities, financial security and equitable development.
“Cooperatives are not merely business enterprises; they are institutions of hope, unity, shared prosperity and social transformation,” he said.
The Governor revealed that Kilifi now has 431 registered cooperative societies operating across agriculture, fisheries, transport, tourism, trade, mining, housing, financial services and the boda boda sector. He noted that his administration has facilitated the registration of 133 new cooperatives since taking office, bringing thousands of residents into organized economic activities.
According to Mung’aro, the county’s cooperative movement has accumulated assets worth more than KSh15 billion and a loan portfolio exceeding KSh13.5 billion, demonstrating the sector’s growing contribution to local economic development.
He described the figures as evidence of families accessing affordable credit, businesses expanding, farmers investing in production and young people establishing enterprises.
Agriculture, he noted, remains the backbone of Kilifi’s economy, but farmers continue to face challenges including fragmented markets, limited access to affordable financing and inadequate value addition. He said stronger farmer cooperatives and Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs) offer the best solution by improving access to markets, technology and affordable loans while strengthening farmers’ bargaining power.
Governor Mung’aro highlighted the County Government’s investment through the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), saying 35 Ward Community SACCOs and seven Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) have already received KSh39.5 million in inclusion grants.
He also announced that 12 SACCOs have qualified for Matching Grants worth KSh6 million under the County’s “Shilingi kwa Shilingi” initiative, where the County matches every shilling invested by participating SACCOs. An additional KSh15 million has been allocated in the current financial year to expand the programme and increase affordable financing for farmers.
Beyond financial support, the Governor said the initiative has created employment for 35 bookkeepers, while cooperative leaders continue receiving governance and management training to strengthen accountability and professionalism.
He added that enterprise development grants are enabling cooperatives to invest in aggregation centres, irrigation systems, value addition facilities and post-harvest infrastructure, laying the foundation for increased agricultural productivity and resilient rural livelihoods.
The county has also rolled out a subsidised e-Voucher Livestock Vaccination Programme, with plans to implement similar agricultural support programmes through organised farmer cooperatives to improve efficiency and outreach.
On the policy front, Mung’aro cited the enactment of the Kilifi County Cooperative Act in August 2025 as a major milestone in strengthening the legal framework governing cooperative societies. He urged the National Government to fast-track amendments to the Co-operative Societies Act and the SACCO Societies Act to modernise regulation and improve oversight of the sector.
Looking ahead, the Governor unveiled an ambitious vision of ensuring every resident belongs to a cooperative.
He said the County intends to channel more economic empowerment programmes through registered cooperatives, adding that participation in government empowerment initiatives will increasingly require membership in an actisve cooperative society.
Governor Mung’aro, however, challenged cooperative leaders and members to uphold sound governance, financial discipline and accountability, noting that strong cooperatives are built through responsible leadership and active member participation rather than government support alone.
He concluded by reaffirming his administration’s commitment to supporting cooperative development through policy reforms, capacity building, financial inclusion, value chain development and strategic partnerships.
The Governor said the progress made over the past four years demonstrates the transformative role cooperatives can play in improving livelihoods and driving inclusive economic growth across Kilifi County.
