Kenya should stop over-relying on imports and instead, focus on ways of promoting local manufacturers to boost the economic growth in the Country.
Uasin Gishu County Governor, Jackson Mandago, while handing over a new Tractor to Olendu Elders Cooperative Society, said it was ridiculous for Kenya to continue importing many goods such as matchboxes and toothpicks which can be made locally and help promote local industry.
He said the only way to create jobs and save the economy was to ensure that local innovators are promoted.
Mandago urged youths to join the cooperative movement as a way of improving their livelihood.
“Many youths have information, skills and technology but it is still difficult for them to use the knowledge to empower themselves because majority of them are not patient enough,” he observed.
The Governor added that Cooperatives play a significant role in transforming livelihoods and pledged that his Administration will continue to empower the cooperative movement through the Cooperative Enterprise Development Fund.
He hailed Olendu Elders Cooperative society for the progress they have made since they got their first loan of Sh.2.5million 2016.
The Cooperative has a sawmilling plant, a tree nursery, and an Agrovet situated in Kesses Sub-county.
He, however, asked the members of the society to go a step further and influence the upcoming cooperatives by sharing their knowledge and also venture into agricultural activities that are more profitable such planting Coffee, Macadamia, and Avocado.
By Kiptanui Cherono
