Cooperative leaders from across Mombasa County convened at Chandaria Hall on March 21, 2025, for the Annual General Meeting and Leaders’ Forum to review the sector’s performance and address pressing legislative concerns. The meeting, organized by the Mombasa County Cooperative Development Committee (MCCDC) in partnership with the Directorate of Cooperatives, served as both a reflection on past triumphs and a strategic session for the year ahead.
Reflecting on a Year of Growth and Service.
The MCCDC Chairlady, Anastacia Cherono, opened the session by acknowledging the collective efforts that sustained the sector over the past year. Notable achievements from the previous period included:
- Successful Celebrations: The successful execution of International Cooperative Day (Ushirika Day) at the Mkomani ASK Showground and International Sacco Day at English Point Marina.
- Educational Advancements: The successful return of the education seminar at Royal Court, the first such event held in several years.
- Community Impact: Robust participation in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives at the Mombasa Hospice, involving dozens of local Saccos and corporate partners.
- Collaborative Success: Strong representation at the ASK Show and Cooperative Day, co-sponsored by major entities like Bandari Regulated DT and Ports DT Saccos.
The 2026 Strategic Calendar.
The committee outlined an ambitious schedule for 2026, aimed at fostering further professional development and community engagement:
- Education Seminars: Two major seminars are planned for May and September.
- International Observances: Ushirika Day is tentatively set for July 4, 2026, followed by International Sacco Day on October 30.
- CSR and Trade: A community-focused CSR initiative is scheduled for June 27, with continued participation in the ASK Show this September.
Navigating Regulatory and Legislative Hurdles.
Despite the sector’s operational successes, the Chairlady issued a call to action regarding several “significant challenges” threatening the movement’s independence. Leaders expressed deep concern over the ongoing Cooperative Bill and recent regulatory shifts by SASRA, which have created uncertainty around financial approvals and Annual General Meetings.
Specific legislative proposals, including term limits for board members, increased taxation, and the potential creation of multiple regulatory bodies, were cited as risks that could overburden Saccos and reduce their competitiveness. “Saccos are independent institutions and should not be subjected to unnecessary interference,” Cherono stated, emphasizing that regulation should support stability rather than hinder growth.
The KUSCCO Inquiry.
The leadership also sought clarity regarding KUSCCO payments. While reports suggested that disbursements to Saccos had begun nationally, the meeting noted that institutions within the Coast region have yet to receive their shares, prompting a demand for greater transparency.
A Call for Professionalism. In her closing remarks, Cherono urged all leaders to maintain the highest levels of professionalism to safeguard public confidence. The meeting concluded with a plea for unity among Mombasa’s cooperatives to advocate for a fair regulatory environment that honors the seventh cooperative principle: concern for the community.
