Opinions & Commentaries - Sacco Review | The Leading Newspaper for Co-operative Movement in Kenya

What stands in the way for self regulation in the cooperative sector?

Sacco ReviewSeptember 2, 202608 mins

Self regulation could give cooperatives greater flexibility to compete and innovate. Weak leadership and reliance on rigid rules remain major barriers to reform. Stronger federations and technology could help the sector embrace self regulation. The National Cooperative Policy that has since transmuted into Sessional Paper No 4 of 2020 advocates for, among other things, the…

Let KUSCCO’s fall become a lesson, not a funeral

Sacco ReviewSeptember 1, 202609 mins

KUSCCO’s collapse raises fresh concerns over members’ money and accountability. Liquidators face pressure to recover assets and answer key financial questions. The crisis offers lessons on governance, investment controls and transparency. The giant Kenya Union of Savings and Credit Co-operatives (KUSCCO) has reached a dramatic turning point after members resolved on Friday, August 28, 2026,…

Mitumba vs manufacturing: Kenya’s clothing dilemma

Sacco ReviewAugust 27, 202607 mins

Mitumba remains a lifeline for affordable fashion and millions of livelihoods in Kenya. Rebuilding local textile manufacturing requires tackling high costs, weak supply chains and limited financing. Experts favour coexistence rather than a ban, with Kenyan products competing through quality, price and design. Walk into almost any Kenyan home, and you will likely find at…

Teacher Saccos must prioritise members’ mental health

Sacco ReviewAugust 26, 2026010 mins

Financial pressure is taking a toll on teachers’ wellbeing Teacher Saccos urged to offer counselling and wellness support Responsible lending could help members avoid debt distress Kenya’s teachers are facing an increasingly difficult economic reality. With the ever-increasing cost of living, many teachers are struggling to make ends meet. The result is not only financial…

Is AI adoption in SMEs bringing about measurable returns?

Sacco ReviewAugust 25, 202604 mins

Kenyan SMEs are moving beyond AI adoption to focus on measurable business returns. AI is helping businesses cut costs, speed up operations and access specialised capabilities. SMEs that use AI effectively could gain an edge in productivity, competitiveness and growth. Artificial intelligence is moving deeper into Kenyan small and medium enterprises (SMEs), but the next…

Why Kenya’s $17bn Lamu refinery deal demands scrutiny

Sacco ReviewAugust 25, 202607 mins

Dangote’s proposed Lamu refinery could transform Kenya into a major regional petroleum hub. Kenya’s potential $500 million stake raises questions over public money, returns and investment risks. Local jobs, environmental protection and Kenyan participation will be key to determining whether the project delivers lasting value. Kenya could be on the threshold of one of the…

Cheaper seeds, fertiliser to ease costs for farmers

Sacco ReviewAugust 24, 202607 mins

Cheaper farm inputs could encourage farmers to expand acreage and improve crop yields. Higher maize production could ease food supply pressures and potentially moderate prices. The impact will depend on timely input distribution, reliable markets and fair farm gate prices. President William Ruto’s latest announcement on reducing the cost of maize seeds and subsidised fertiliser…

Why global reputation alone doesn’t win African tenders

Sacco ReviewAugust 19, 2026010 mins

Global reputation alone may not be enough to win African tenders if a company lacks local credibility and market understanding. Companies that engage policymakers, regulators and industry forums early can build the visibility and trust needed when major opportunities arise. Sharon Cheramboss argues that sustainable growth is built years before a tender through consistent local…

Why Saccos must protect the statutory reserve

Sacco ReviewAugust 18, 2026014 mins

Xavier Lugaga urges members to prioritise long term wealth over short term spending. He says statutory reserves are key to strong and resilient Saccos. Lugaga calls on members to protect cooperative wealth for future generations There is a powerful biblical warning that should resonate deeply with every member of Kenya’s cooperative movement: do not sell…

Public participation Bill puts Kenya’s civic voice to the test

Sacco ReviewAugust 14, 202608 mins

Kenya has taken a significant step towards strengthening citizen participation in governance following the National Assembly’s approval of the Public Participation Bill, 2025. Public participation is already anchored in the Constitution as one of the national values and principles of governance. Article 10 requires public participation to be observed whenever State organs, State officers, public…