Leaders in Kenya’s cooperative movement are considering the establishment of an Economy Advisory Council of Chairpersons to enhance governance, coordination and policy engagement across the sector.
The proposal was tabled during a two‑day meeting convened by the Cooperative Alliance of Kenya (CAK), which brought together chairpersons and vice‑chairpersons from savings and credit cooperatives (Saccos), as well as agricultural, housing, consumer and other subsectors.
Stakeholders said the council, if established, would serve as the highest advisory body to CAK, providing strategic guidance on policy, governance standards and sector‑wide reforms. The initiative is expected to strengthen advocacy, leadership and representation within the cooperative movement.
CAK Chairperson McCloud Malonza told delegates that the discussions focused on improving the relationship between boards and management to reduce friction and enhance service delivery to members. “We are working on strengthening advocacy, governance, and representation across the country’s cooperative movement. Our discussions focused on improving the relationship between boards and management to reduce friction and enhance service delivery to members,” he said.
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Malonza emphasised that a key priority is ensuring cooperatives operate efficiently, with clear separation between governance and management roles, while maintaining accountability to members. He added that the movement is developing a five‑year strategic plan focused on governance reforms, leadership training and improved coordination across key economic subsectors, including agriculture, dairy, coffee, tea, fisheries and construction.
“We are setting a five‑year strategic plan for the movement aimed at governance leadership training and co‑ordination across sectors,” Malonza explained.
He further underscored the need for clearly defined roles for chairpersons, noting that an effective leadership culture is critical in shaping ethical and accountable cooperatives. According to CAK, the proposed council will operate in a consultative capacity, offering policy direction and strengthening the voice of cooperative leaders in national dialogue.
By Masaki Enock
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