County Government of Bungoma is banking on cooperatives to catalyze inclusive economic growth and uplift livelihoods, signaling a renewed push to strengthen the cooperative movement across all 45 wards.
Speaking during the International Day of Cooperatives held in Lukhokhwe, in Tongaren, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture and cooperatives, Herbert Kibunguchy, reaffirmed the administration’s resolve to bolster cooperative societies as engines of rural transformation.
“Our focus is on building resilient, inclusive, and future-ready cooperatives that drive economic empowerment and sustainability,” said Kibunguchy.
The event, which drew delegates from over 400 cooperative societies, spotlighted the pivotal role of cooperatives in promoting socio-economic advancement under this year’s global theme, “Cooperatives: Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World.”
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Kibunguchy called for good governance within cooperatives, urging timely elections and adherence to regulatory frameworks to curb leadership impunity and promote transparency. He also rallied more farmers to join cooperatives, citing their potential to aggregate production, access markets, and negotiate better prices.
In a major policy direction, the CECM revealed that the county, in collaboration with the national government and development partners, is working to unlock affordable credit, expand market access, and drive innovation within the cooperative ecosystem.
Farmers at the event appealed for autonomy in handling payments, proposing that funds be channeled directly through their cooperatives rather than via national government agencies. They argued that this would improve transparency, efficiency, and financial accountability.
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The Department of Cooperative Development outlined plans to digitize cooperative operations, attract youth participation, and tighten regulatory oversight as part of its broader modernization agenda.
The celebrations affirmed the county’s vision of cooperatives not just as financial tools, but as strategic instruments for inclusive development, resilience-building, and poverty reduction.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
