By Dennis Bett.
The County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet has announced plans to revive dormant cooperative societies in the region.
Mrs. Anita Kimwatan, Keiyo South Sub-county Trade and Cooperatives Chief Officer said at a function held at Lelboinet, that farmers should joining co-operative societies to boost their earnings. She promised to provide more financial support to co-operatives that belong to farmers.
“If farmers join co-operative societies, they will get better returns for their produce because of their bargaining power. We have a program that targets to offer support in all the 20 wards across the county. This program will ensure that dormant cooperatives are revived and assisted to become operational,” said Mrs Kimwatan.
She said that farmers have suffered huge losses in the past due to poor market prices and exploitation by middlemen. In order to change this situation, Mrs Kimwatan said that farmers will undergo training in capacity building and best farming practices as well as get exposed to benefits of becoming Sacco members.
“In order to benefit from their undertaking, farmers should form of join Saccos where they can put in their earnings and take out loans. We will also ensure that farmers get better prices by organizing them through co-operatives,” said Mrs Kimwatan.
