The government has stepped up efforts to reform Kenya’s cooperative movement, with Cooperatives and MSMEs Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya leading a renewed push for structural changes aimed at strengthening the sector.
Oparanya said the proposed reforms are designed to make Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) more self-sustaining while safeguarding members’ savings. Central to the plan is the implementation of recommendations from a committee tasked with overhauling the Cooperatives Act to better support growth and stability.
Addressing concerns circulating on social media, the CS dismissed claims that the government intends to exert control over cooperatives. He clarified that the objective is to create a more enabling legal and operational environment. According to Oparanya, the reforms are meant to enhance transparency, boost confidence, and ensure long-term sustainability within the movement.
He made the remarks after speaking at the African Confederation of Cooperative Savings and Credit Associations Eastern regional bloc forum held in Mombasa County. The event brought together cooperative leaders, policymakers, regulators, and industry experts from 19 countries, as well as participants from the United States, Australia, and Europe.
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Oparanya was accompanied by Principal Secretary Patrick Kilemi, ACCOSCA Executive Director George Ombado, and board chairperson Jeanette Makgolo, among other officials.
Participants emphasized the vital role cooperatives play in advancing financial inclusion, noting that public trust remains a cornerstone of their success. Makgolo underscored the importance of collaboration between governments and cooperative bodies, calling for policies that support growth and inclusivity across the continent.
The forum, attended by nearly 250 delegates, highlighted the evolving role of cooperatives in a rapidly changing economic landscape. It also reinforced ACCOSCA’s leadership in promoting financial inclusion and empowering institutions to better serve their members.
As Kenya’s cooperative and credit union sector undergoes significant transformation, the proposed reforms signal a broader effort to strengthen governance, protect investments, and position cooperatives as key drivers of inclusive economic development.
By Juma Ndigo
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