- Coffee societies, SACCOs, housing and dairy cooperatives were honoured for delivering strong member returns during the 104th International Day of Cooperatives, as Governor Mutahi Kahiga urged transparency, accountability, digital innovation and youth leadership to sustain the sector
Cooperative societies in Nyeri County were honoured for delivering some of the highest returns to members during the 2026 Ushirika Day awards, with coffee factories and SACCOs recognised for strong financial performance across the coffee, savings and credit, transport, dairy and housing sectors.
The awards were presented as part of the 104th International Day of Cooperatives celebrations in Nyeri, an event that organisers said underscored the growing competitiveness and resilience of the cooperative movement. This year’s celebrations were held under the theme “Cooperatives for a Peaceful World,” and drew cooperative leaders, county officials and members from across the county.
Coffee cooperatives featured prominently among the winners, reaffirming the sector’s central role in Nyeri’s economy, with several factories singled out for delivering strong cherry and mbuni coffee payments to farmers.
SACCOs also produced notable performers, with institutions across the large, business, agriculture-based, employee-based and transport categories recognised for paying competitive dividends and interest on member deposits. Leading housing and a dairy cooperatives were also honoured, the latter for recording the highest average milk payment rate, reflecting the sector’s continued contribution to household incomes.
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Speaking during the celebrations, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga said the awards were meant to recognise excellence while encouraging cooperative societies to strengthen governance, improve service delivery and increase value for members.
“Cooperatives play a vital role in fostering peace and inclusivity through their people-centred approach. As we mark the 104th anniversary of this day, we not only celebrate history but renew our commitment to unity, shared prosperity and community empowerment,” he said.
Kahiga said transparency and accountability must remain the foundation of the cooperative movement, noting that members expect timely payments, prudent management of their savings and consistent returns on their investments.
“Transparency and accountability must remain at the heart of our cooperatives, ensuring every member receives timely and accurate payments. Just as important is welcoming our youth so leadership can pass smoothly to the next generation,” he added.
The governor urged cooperative societies to embrace digital innovation to improve efficiency and strengthen member services in an increasingly technology-driven financial sector. He also emphasised the importance of attracting young people into cooperative leadership, saying succession planning and innovation would be critical in sustaining the movement’s future resilience.
By Amos Kiarie
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