Turkana Governor’s Spouse Lilian Ekamais has called on women to embrace cooperative societies as a pathway for economic empowerment.
Speaking at the launch of “Aberu Aloima SACCO” in Namoruputh, Mrs. Ekamais emphasised the transformative potential of cooperatives in fostering financial independence, a savings culture, and credit access.
“Through cooperatives, women can pool resources, access affordable loans, and launch sustainable businesses. This is a step towards true empowerment for women in Turkana,” the governor’s spouse said during the event, where she was the guest of honour and patron of the newly inaugurated SACCO.
The event saw Aberu Aloima SACCO receive its official certificate, a milestone celebrated as a boost to grassroots economic development.
Ekamais commended the election of the management and supervisory committees, expressing optimism about their capacity to lead the SACCO to success.
“With this certificate and a dedicated leadership team in place, I am confident Aberu Aloima SACCO will transform lives and catalyse long-term development in this region,” she said.
The launch also provided a platform for sensitisation on cooperative governance and sustainability.
Shemmy Ebulon, the Director of Cooperatives and Marketing, underscored the importance of compliance with cooperative laws and effective governance.
“For the SACCO to achieve its full potential, the leadership must ensure adherence to regulations. Members, too, must embrace a culture of savings and take advantage of loans to start or grow their businesses,” Director Ebulon advised.
The new SACCO leadership also benefitted from the input of cooperative officers, including Ekipor Sofari, Maureen Awoi, and James Akorot, who highlighted opportunities for support from the county government, financial institutions, and SACCO regulatory authorities.
The launch of Aberu Aloima SACCO aligns with the county’s broader agenda of promoting cooperative societies as engines of economic growth.
Over the past two months, the Directorate of Cooperatives and Marketing has issued certificates to several SACCOs, including Lodwar Town Centre Youth SACCO, signalling a growing momentum in the sector.
Cooperatives play a key role in Kenya’s economy, with over 22,000 registered SACCOs contributing approximately 45% of the national GDP.
Additionally, SACCOs have mobilised over Sh1.5 trillion in savings and advanced more than Sh500 billion in loans, enabling thousands of Kenyans to invest in businesses, education, and property.
“The continuous formation of saccos in Turkana is meant to create a platform for the local residents to benefit from the entities and make a contribution to further strengthening the movement in the county,” Director shemmy Ebulon said.
According to Ebulon, the involvement of the spouse of the governor brings significant advocacy weight to the county’s efforts to expand SACCO membership and establishment.
“Her leadership is expected to inspire more women to join the cooperative movement, leveraging its benefits to improve their livelihoods,” she added.
By Peter Gitonga
