The County government of Bomet and the national government has joined hand in strengthening governance and promote accountability in Bomet County’s cooperative societies.
The engagement, held on Friday at the Department of Cooperatives offices, brought together officers from the Bomet County Department of Cooperatives and the Ministry of Cooperatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) under the State Department for Cooperatives Audit Directorate.
The consultative review session focused on assessing compliance with the Cooperative Societies Act and developing a detailed audit report to guide future reforms in the sector.
According to officials, the comprehensive audit seeks to identify active, dormant, and inactive cooperatives within the county.
The findings will form the basis for revival strategies and capacity-building programs aimed at strengthening governance, transparency, and efficiency across all cooperative societies.
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Chief Officer for Cooperatives CPA Benard Koros said the county administration is committed to improving management structures to ensure that cooperative members receive maximum benefits from their contributions.
“Cooperatives are a vital part of our local economy, and their sustainability depends on sound governance and accountability. Through this exercise, we will identify gaps and develop targeted interventions to revive struggling cooperatives,” said Koros.
He added that the audit report will also help in designing capacity-building programs to equip cooperative leaders with financial management and compliance skills.
The meeting was also attended by Chief Officer for Agriculture Dr. Kibet Sitienei, County Cooperatives Auditor CPA Maritim, Assistant Director of Cooperative Audit Charles Mbatha, and Cooperative Auditors Agnes Machora and Pamela Morema from the State Department for Cooperatives.
Dr. Sitienei noted that the cooperative movement plays a crucial role in supporting the agricultural sector by enabling farmers to access credit, markets, and farm inputs at affordable rates.
He emphasized that stronger governance frameworks would ensure the cooperatives remain sustainable and member-driven.
“By promoting accountability and transparency, we are building trust among cooperative members and ensuring that their contributions are managed prudently,” he said.
The review marks a renewed effort to revive dormant societies and enhance the performance of active ones.
The officials have expressed optimism that the exercise will revitalize the cooperative movement in Bomet, creating opportunities for economic empowerment and sustainable development.
By Philip Koech
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