By Felix Wanderi
Cooperative societies in Kiambu County have been urged to have a strong role in creating decent jobs and empower local communities economically and socially.
This was emphasized during the 97th Ushirika day celebrations held at Limuru Model Primary School.
“Co-operatives being value-driven enterprises owned, controlled and run by members should serve to empower society,” said Patrick Gathendu, the county Ushirika Council chairman.
He noted that the contributions of the cooperative movement in Kiambu have significantly helped in the growth of economy.
“Cooperatives play a significant role in employment creation and income generation. More than 100 million jobs exist in the cooperatives globally as cited by ICA,” he said.
According to Metropolitan National Sacco chairman Christopher Karanja they have been able to create jobs for many people by availing affordable credit facilities to members who are able to grow their business and employ more people.
During the day various co-operative societies were feted.
Metropolitan Sacco received award for the best in service delivery, information technology and diversification.
Githunguri Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society won a trophy for the best in value addition and members’ capacity building. Its Board of Directors chair Charles Mukora noted that through value addition they have been able to create jobs to so many youths.
In the medium societies’ category, Limuru and Ndumberi Dairy Farmers Societies were awarded for the highest in percentage rate in payment.
Kiambaa Dairy Society was ranked the best managed while Kiriita Dairy Society was the Most Improved.
In coffee sector most improved in the large category was Komothai Coffee Society. Ndumberi Coffee Society topped in the medium category while Mikari Cofffee Society emerged best in the small category.
Walokana Matatu Sacco was the best in deposit mobilization in transport sector.
K-Unity Sacco was awarded the best rural Society in the super large category in best branch network and savings mobilization. In the large category Dimkes Sacco was rated the best in branch network. GDC Sacco topped in deposit mobilization.
Tai Sacco was awarded for being the best managed in the county.
Joinas Sacco won a trophy for best in product innovation while Fariji Sacco got the accolade for the best in branch network.
In medium category Grafco Sacco was awarded for having the best branch network and Bibirioni Sacco was the best in diversification.
Hasco and Ndeiya Saccos also scooped awards for highest payment interest on deposits and best managed respectively.
Kiambu Inua Maisha Sacco got the award for best in product innovation.
In housing sector large category Vision Housing Society was the best managed and Kibute Housing Society emerged the best in title issuance.
In urban Saccos’ category large category Kiatu Sacco was the best managed and had the highest interest on deposits.
