A farmer harvesting macadamia nuts-Photo|Courtesy
Macadamia farmers reject push to join Cooperatives, cite past losses and falling prices
A section of macadamia farmers and traders under the Nuts Traders Association of Kenya (NUTAK) has opposed a government proposal requiring farmers to join cooperative societies, warning that the move could expose growers to financial risks reminiscent of past failures. Speaking during a meeting in Sagana that brought together traders and farmers from seven counties…
Nut Traders Association of Kenya Chairman Johnson Kihara speaking during a previous event-Photo|Courtesy
Macadamia traders accuse government of neglect as farmers count losses
Macadamia traders under the Nuts Traders Association of Kenya (NUTAK) have accused the government of neglecting farmers, warning that restrictive regulations are worsening losses and exposing growers to exploitation by middlemen. Led by Chairman Johnson Kihara, the traders faulted Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe and leaders from the Mt Kenya region for failing to address…
Residents of Taita Taveta County during Finance Bill public participation forum, Photo Courtesy
Scale down tax on digital transactions and phones to support small businesses, MPs urged
Residents of Taita Taveta County have called on the National Assembly to scale down proposed taxes on digital transactions and mobile phones, warning that the Finance Bill, 2026, could stifle innovation, entrepreneurship, and youth employment in the digital economy. Led by representatives from the National Youth Council (NYC) Taita Taveta chapter, the residents who were…
Livestock trading at the Garissa Livestock Market “Soko Ng'ombe”-Photo|Courtesy
Livestock outpaces other agricultural sectors in global growth: FAO study
Livestock has emerged as the fastest‑growing component of global agriculture, according to a new study by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), which highlights rising demand for animal‑source foods such as poultry, eggs and pork. The report shows that the global supply of terrestrial animal‑source foods (TASF) has expanded sharply over the past six decades,…
Isiolo hosts sixth MSME Connect forum to boost small business growth
Isiolo County has stepped up efforts to strengthen small businesses by hosting the sixth edition of the Kenya Public‑Private Sector MSMEs Dialogue- the MSME Connect Forum. The event brought together entrepreneurs, government agencies, financial institutions, and development partners to explore opportunities for enterprise growth and resilience. Hundreds of business owners from across the county attended…
Co-operative leaders chart new governance agenda at Mombasa meeting
The Co-operative Alliance of Kenya (CAK) has concluded a high‑level meeting of chairpersons and vice‑chairpersons of co-operatives and SACCOs in Mombasa, setting a new agenda for governance, unity and sector transformation. The gathering brought together leaders from across the country to deliberate on strengthening accountability and aligning operations with emerging regulatory frameworks, including the New…
Arnold Munene, Managing Director KUSCCO-Photo|Courtesy
Saccos join private sector in opposing KRA’s expanded powers under Finance Bill 2026
Savings and credit cooperative Societies (Saccos) have become the latest institutions to oppose proposals in the Finance Bill 2026 that would allow the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to freeze bank accounts and recover funds even while tax disputes remain unresolved. The Kenya Union of Savings and Credit Cooperatives (Kuscco) told the National Assembly’s Finance and…
Raphael Ng’ang’a a Kenyan teacher.
How SACCOs have become the unsung heroes of teachers’ financial survival stories
If you want to understand the financial life of a Kenyan teacher, think of a candle: always burning at both ends. Teachers are not just the guardians of the classroom; they are breadwinners, community leaders, and the ‘bankers of last resort’ in extended families. Yet, ironically, they are also some of the most financially strained…
Author: Dorcas Nyambura Ndegwa
Is opening of new branches and satellite offices a plus to Saccos?
Initially the Sacco set up in the cooperative movement brought together members of the community with the common need and could only be set up close to its common bond. They were based on the cooperative values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity. This was possible since these cooperative were formed by people…
The National Assembly during a previous session-Photo|National Assembly KE
Housing among biggest winners as MPs approve 2026/27 budget estimates
The National Assembly has approved the revenue and expenditure estimates for the 2026/2027 financial year, passing a budget that places strong emphasis on housing, education, health, and social protection programmes. The framework, presented by the Budget and Appropriations Committee after public participation and sector consultations, was adopted by lawmakers who said the allocations are designed…
