By Tsozungu Kombe
Kilifi County Government will continue to support Co-operatives in the region to enable them to offer quality services to members and the general public.
Speaking during the 96th International Co-operative Day celebrations held at Kilifi Primary School playing ground in Kilifi town recently, County Government Executive Committee Member for Co-operative Development, Trade and Tourism Nahida Mohammed said that co-operative business model is best placed to fight poverty and ensuring that there is sustainable development in the region.
She added that co-operatives bring people together to take control of their socioeconomic development and ensure that economic and social benefits stay in the communities where they are established.
The Executive Committee Member said that the Department of Co-operative Development will co-ordinate with other departments in the county to advocate the co-operative business model which is more sustainable.
Mohammed revealed that Saccos form the bulk of registered co-operatives in the region, arguing that they have the potential of mobilising the much needed savings for investment.
“To inculcate the saving culture and create employment opportunities, the County Government and likeminded partners will roll out training programmes targeting the youth and women Saccos”, she explained.
Turning to Matatu and Transport Saccos in the county, the Executive Committee Member said that the County Government will work closely with the department of Roads, Transport and Kenya National Highway Authority to streamline the sector.
She noted that the performance of agricultural marketing co-operatives in the region is dismal.
“In partnership with the department of agriculture, the County Government plans to roll out a revitalisation programme targeting co-operatives dealing in coconut and cashew nuts”, she said.
“Part of the strategies to be used is to channel the agricultural inputs through co-operatives”, Mohammed disclosed.
She stated that Dairy co-operatives will be supported to add value to their produce so as to get better results.
Kilifi County Government, Co-operative Development, Trade and Tourism Ministry Chief Officer Mary Mkare said that a total of Sh6, 146,209,617 was disbursed as loans to sacco members in 2017.
