Cooperators have shoot down the contentious clauses proposed through the Tribunal Act 2014 and forwarded to the Meru County assembly sectoral committee on Trade, Tourism and Cooperatives.
The committee chaired by Nyaki West MCA Kirima Mubichi that held a public participation at Kamundi Hall on Thursday wanted to align the Meru County Cooperative Act, 2025 to be similar to that of the National Cooperatives Act.
The more than 2000 cooperators drawn from over 500 cooperative societies aired mixed views to the amendment Bill.
“The clauses that were contentious and against those of the national cooperatives have been amended. The cooperative Act introduced in 2014 seemed outdated and the only way was for the Meru County Assembly to align it with the current National Cooperatives Act,” Mubichi said.
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Mubichi said Meru is now boosting of a very listening Governor and it is time for farmers to get the best from their produce.
“There should be transparency and involvement to all cooperators. The Act will bring changes and transformation,” Mubichi said.
Ephantus Majau, the Meru Central Coffee Union Chairman said the members were against leadership term limits where interim leaders could have been forced to retire either after serving in the management for only one term of three years or two terms of six years despite exemplary performance of a Sacco or society depending on governing by laws.
“We met here as representatives of over 500 cooperatives. Members have given their views and majority will take it. We have agreed in one accord that leadership will never have any term limit unless and until one die or is incapable,” Majau said.
Meru has the highest number of Cooperatives in Kenya.
Simon Kiruja, the Meru Central Dairy Cooperative Union chairman said it was an honor for Meru County Assembly to collect their views.
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“I thank God for the public participation, and I believe everyone will feel accommodated. I am grateful to have represented over 1300 farmers and they took note of our views,’’ he said.
Majau Miriti said there was a necessity to amend these laws to align with those of the national. We deleted some and agreed all the contentious clauses be deleted and amended there in to fit with the cooperators wishes.
“It was clear that anyone who wants to be in the management committee must have attained a form four certificate for effective running of the society. To work in the management committee, you must be a form four leaver. On supervisory committee one must be a CPA professional,” Miriti said.
By John Majau
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