As the number of saccos and cooperative societies keeps growing, the oversight role of the Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA) and county cooperative directors becomes a challenge due to the geographic spread of the sector across the country.
Hesbon Karabai, Chair of the Ushirika Day Coordination Committee in Kirinyaga County, said this reality underscores the urgent need for cooperatives to embrace a culture of self-regulation—backed by strong internal controls, regular audits, and proactive governance practices.
He made the remarks during the 103rd International Co-operative Day and the 31st UN International Day of Cooperatives celebrations at Kirinyaga University.
“This time, we move beyond reliance on external intervention and adopt a mindset where we hold ourselves and each other accountable,” Hesbon said.
Hesbon added that cooperative leaders need to take cognisance of sons and daughters who have come of age and are demanding a place at the table, noting youth are no longer willing to be promised the future as leaders of tomorrow, but they would rather co-create the future with us.
“Let us, as the cooperatives and cooperative leaders, have a key focus on the youth agenda and respond with action—by simplifying cooperative membership processes, creating youth-friendly products and services, building youth-led cooperatives, and investing in technology, creative industries, agribusiness, and green jobs. And including youth in decision-making and governance. Let us not just speak of youth empowerment; let us live it.” He noted.
Kirinyaga County Governor underscores the critical role of cooperatives in socio-economic development in a statement delivered on her behalf by Deputy Governor, David Githanda during county celebrations.
Kirinyaga has more than 126 registered cooperatives across nearly every economic sector, including agriculture, finance, transport, housing, and trade. Through them, thousands of jobs have been created, billions in savings mobilised, and tens of thousands of households economically empowered.
The governor noted Cooperatives are well positioned to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as the values that define cooperatives – equality, equity, voluntary participation, democracy, and social responsibility – align with the global vision of inclusive and sustainable growth.
“Poverty eradication and zero hunger through cooperatives such as Saccos, marketing groups, and irrigation associations have helped transform individual risk into collective resilience, as witnessed in success in rice farming, coffee, tomato, avocado, and poultry value chains where organised groups access better prices, inputs, and technologies, turning individual risk into collective risk.” Waiguru said.
In promotion of decent work and economic growth, she said cooperatives continue to absorb vulnerable groups, including youth and women, and offer employment opportunities even during times of economic difficulty. Co-operatives in the county have employed thousands of persons directly across rural agriculture and formal and informal sectors, including production, marketing, service delivery, banking, transport, and housing.
The county government also has registered 20 ward-based Saccos that are giving farmers access to affordable credit.
This year’s theme, “Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World”, highlights the unique position of cooperatives in improving lives, empowering communities, and advancing national and global development agendas.
During the event, various saccos were awarded for excelling in various categories.
By Mutai Kipngetich
