Kajiado County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Cooperatives, Culture, Tourism and Wildlife Janet Serio has revealed that plans are underway for the county to introduce a revolving fund to boost cooperatives and revive dormant Saccos.
Speaking during the regional Ushirika Day celebrations, Serio said the government is committed to supporting cooperatives since they plan an important role in boosting the lives of members.
“We are working towards developing policies and regulations that will enable us to come up with revolving funds to help cooperatives,” she stated, revealing that the county has 914 registered cooperatives and that almost three-quarters are active.
The CECM said they’ll be celebrating Ushirika Day annually and hold quarterly meetings to enable cooperatives to exchange ideas and review ways to improve the sector.
“My department will work hand in hand with other departments such as Agriculture, Water, and Natural Resources to ensure every cooperative runs successfully,” she said, further urging women to join cooperatives for socio-economic development.
Agnes Parsei, one of the officials from Osurwa Ngong’ Housing Cooperative, said the society has improved the livelihood of members who have ended up being self-reliant.
She noted with pride that she now owns her own house just like other members of the cooperative society.
She further noted that the Ushirika day celebrations taught them how to run projects and motivate members on the importance of savings in the society.
Nkanano Gitashu, one of the officials from Namanga Cooperative Dairy, appealed to the county government to support farmers buy equipment that can be used to harvest hay.
“Organize more capacity-building sessions for farmers on modern farming to help be able to survive during low seasons,” she said.
Ngong’ Bodaboda Sacco Vice Chairperson Jared Monte Charles urged the county government to offer them low-interest loans.
He said the Sacco currently has 400 boda boda riders and has managed to purchase 15 acres of land. The Sacco is planning to buy another parcel of land for development.
By Michael Opiyo
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