Saccos have long been regarded as key economic enablers and catalysts for social
development, especially among ordinary Kenyans. That message came out strongly during
the 2025 International Cooperatives Day celebrations—popularly known as Ushirika
Day—held on July 5th at Mukomani Showgrounds in Mombasa.
The County Government of Mombasa took the opportunity to acknowledge the
cooperative movement as the backbone of economic growth across various sectors in the
region. Serving members in industries like finance, agriculture, transport, and maritime
business, cooperatives continue to fuel inclusive economic transformation in the county.
Speaking as the Chief Guest at the event, Mombasa Deputy Governor Francis Thoya
lauded the role of Saccos in shaping the county’s economy and uplifting lives. “We have
not only gathered to honor a growing movement that promotes economic solidarity, but
to shine a spotlight on the vibrant cooperative spirit that thrives here in Mombasa
County,” he said.
Thoya revealed that Mombasa is home to over 150 cooperative societies and nearly 20
branches of national cooperatives—further affirming the county’s strategic positioning as
a cooperative and business hub. He outlined key initiatives under the County Cooperative
Bill, which is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Cooperatives. The bill
seeks to enhance value addition, facilitate access to markets, streamline registration and
supervision of cooperatives, promote ethical governance, and provide mechanisms for
dispute resolution within the sector.
Highlighting recent progress, the Deputy Governor announced the registration of 16 new
transport cooperatives and reforms in the county’s fishing sector aimed at boosting blue
economy gains. He urged all stakeholders to embrace sustainable cooperative programs
that strengthen partnerships, empower women and youth, and diversify investment into
areas like healthcare, housing, agro-processing, and social welfare.
Also present at the celebrations was Patrick Kilemi, the Principal Secretary for
Cooperatives and MSMEs, who emphasized the national government’s commitment to
formalizing small-scale economic groups at the Coast—such as artisanal miners and beach
management units—into cooperatives. He noted that forming cooperatives is the most
effective route for such groups to grow sustainably.
To support this, the government has allocated KSh 100 million in the 2025/2026 financial
year to boost cotton farming in the coastal region. “Phase one of a cotton ginnery setup in
Kwale is already complete, and we are now working on reviving cotton farming in Lamu
County, which offers ideal conditions for the crop,” said Kilemi.
Addressing the recent financial mismanagement case involving KUSCCO, Kilemi assured
attendees that the government is working tirelessly to introduce reforms via the
Cooperative Bill to safeguard members’ funds and restore confidence in the Sacco sector.
He noted that the establishment of a dedicated Ministry for Cooperatives by the Kenya
Kwanza government was a clear sign of the administration’s recognition of the movement
as a key driver of financial inclusion.
As is tradition, the Ushirika Day celebrations concluded with awards recognizing
outstanding cooperatives in various categories. In the Best Overall Cooperative Society –
DT Sacco category, Ports DT Sacco emerged victorious, followed closely by Bandari DT
Sacco in second place, and Mafanikio DT Sacco in third. In the Best Cooperative (Non-
WDT) category, Torch Sacco Society claimed the top spot, with Sisi Kwa Sisi Sacco and
Tramom Sacco finishing second and third respectively.
Bandari DT Sacco also shone in the Most Innovative DT Sacco Society category, taking the
first position, while Ports DT Sacco and Tabasuri DT Sacco were awarded second and third
places respectively. Among Non-WDT cooperatives, Zogori Sacco took the innovation
crown, followed by Tramom Sacco in second and Nyumba Generation Society in third.
In the Best Innovative Category Three Cooperatives bracket, Signon Sacco secured first
place, ahead of Hardware Sacco Society and Uchongaji Sacco Society, who came second
and third respectively.
The colorful event also included fun-filled sports activities such as tug-of-war contests,
with male and female teams from various cooperatives participating. Winners of these
contests were honored with certificates for their heroic displays of strength, unity, and
competitive spirit.
