Cooperative PS seeks USA alliances to revolutionise Sacco Sector at 2026 GAC conference

The Principal Secretary (PS) for the State Department for Cooperatives Patrick Kilemi who led a high-powered African delegation at the 2026 Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC 2026), has continued to seek the United State of America USA alliances with credit union leaders to broker reforms that could redefine Kenya’s savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs).

Addressing the world’s most influential gathering of cooperative and credit union pioneers, the PS underscored Kenya’s commitment to utilizing international expertise to upgrade its grassroots financial systems.

On the sidelines of the summit, the PS engaged in high-level talks with the leadership of America’s Credit Unions, hosted by Board Vice Chairperson Jim Morrell. The discussions focused on a “mutual growth” roadmap, aiming to bridge the gap between American credit union frameworks and the African cooperative movement.

“Our discussions centered on strengthening institutional collaboration and deepening cooperation,” the PS remarked. “Knowledge exchange and technical support are the cornerstones of our strategy to transform the Kenyan SACCO sector into a world-class financial ecosystem.”

Through the African Confederation of Cooperative Savings and Credit Associations (ACCOSCA), Kenya is championing a four-pillar agenda which include Governance Excellence: Implementing transparent leadership protocols. Digital Transformation: Transitioning SACCOs into the fintech era. Sustainability: Building climate-resilient financial models and Regulatory Alignment: Harmonizing local standards with international best practices.

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The PS noted that these global alliances are not just symbolic; they are essential for positioning Kenya as a continental hub for cooperative innovation. The goal is to build a sector that is transparent, tech-driven, and robust enough to handle the volatile global economy.

The Principal Secretary reiterated that the ultimate beneficiary of these diplomatic efforts is the ordinary members, adding that by strengthening the cooperative sector, the government aims to expand access to affordable credit and provide a lifeline for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

“As we deepen these global partnerships, our mission is to ensure Kenyan SACCOs are resilient and responsive to their members’ needs, ultimately driving our national economic growth,” the PS concluded.

As GAC 2026 continues, the eyes of the cooperative world remain on Kenya, watching as it builds the bridges necessary to move from a local savings movement to a global financial powerhouse.

By Felix Wanderi

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