The County Government of Nyeri will soon start registering cooperative societies for avocado farmers and quarry workers in a bid to support them financially.
Speaking to Cooperative Leaders’ Forum at the Nyeri County Culture Centre, Nyeri Governor, Mutahi Kahiga, said that the move was informed by the lack of an exclusive society championing the welfare of the big number of quarry workers in the county.
The Nyeri County boss noted that despite being recognized as a leading avocado producer, avocado farmers in the region were yet to register a functional society.
“We will continue registering new societies since we do not have the avocado farmers’ societies, despite the fact that we have supplied a lot of avocado seedlings to those farmers. We also want to register one for the quarry workers, as we continue to support the already registered societies,” Kahiga said.
Nyeri is among five counties that doubled areas under avocado in 2021. Murang’a is the country’s leading producer of avocado for export.
The County produces 31 per cent of the 84.5 million kilograms produced annually.
The Governor said that his government has so far registered 38 new cooperative societies totaling, 179 active cooperative societies in the County.
Kahiga also disclosed that the County Government spends Sh 3 million annually in training the cooperative members on leadership and management of the societies, to ensure a smooth operation in the said societies.
The training takes place at the Dedan Kimathi University where after completion, one is awarded a certificate.
The Governor commended on the social economic empowerment role the 179 active cooperative societies have played among the Nyeri residents ,while assuring that the County government will continue supporting cooperatives through the provision of extension services, cooperative audit at affordable rates, assistance in registration of new cooperatives and continued capacity building programs.
By Ann Ngure
