Governor Otuoma urges Faridi DT SACCO to partner with county in driving economic growth

Busia County Governor Paul Otuoma has called on Faridi Deposit Taking Savings and Credit Co-operative Organization (DT SACCO) Limited to partner with the county government in developing a strategic business framework aimed at accelerating economic growth and improving livelihoods across Busia County.

Speaking during the SACCO’s 49th Annual General Meeting (AGM) attended by 300 delegates, Dr. Otuoma said the cooperative, whose membership exceeds 25,000 people, largely drawn from the teaching fraternity and other stakeholders hold enormous potential to drive grassroots economic transformation if its vast network is strategically harnessed.

The governor urged the SACCO leadership and members to explore collaborative initiatives with the county government that would strengthen local value chains, expand production, and create sustainable economic opportunities for residents.

He noted that one key area of collaboration could involve members supplying raw materials, particularly edible oil crops, to the County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP) located in Nasewa.

According to Dr. Otuoma, linking cooperative members and farmers to the aggregation and industrial park would significantly promote value addition, boost agricultural productivity, and support the county’s broader industrialization agenda.

“By leveraging the large membership base of Faridi DT Sacco, we can create a strong supply chain that feeds into the County Aggregation and Industrial Park. This will not only strengthen our local economy but also expand opportunities for our people,” he said.

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In a move aimed at strengthening collaboration between the county government and the cooperative movement, the governor also announced that he had officially enrolled as a member of the SACCO.

Dr. Otuoma said his decision to join the cooperative was intended to deepen engagement with its leadership and members while contributing fresh ideas that could enhance the SACCO’s role in advancing economic growth within the county.

“I have today registered as a new member of Faridi DT SACCO. My intention is to contribute new ideas and strengthen cooperation between the SACCO and the County Government as we continue implementing development programmes that benefit our communities,” he said.

The governor noted that the proposed partnership aligns with the county’s Ward-Based Economic Revitalization Programme, a flagship initiative designed to unlock grassroots economic potential by encouraging communities to pool resources and invest collectively.

The programme seeks to stimulate local enterprise development, enhance agricultural productivity, and strengthen cooperative movements as engines of sustainable economic growth.

Dr. Otuoma commended the sacco for its long-standing contribution to financial empowerment in the region, describing it as one of the oldest and most successful cooperative societies in the country.

He said the SACCO has played a significant role in supporting teachers and other professionals by providing accessible financial services, credit facilities, and investment opportunities that have improved the economic well-being of thousands of members.

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The governor also applauded the SACCO leadership for organizing a successful AGM that brought together delegates to review the cooperative’s progress and chart its future direction.

“I wish to thank the SACCO Chairman, Godfrey Saidi, and the entire leadership for organizing a successful annual meeting. FARIDI DT SACCO remains a shining example of how cooperative societies can empower communities and promote financial inclusion,” he said.

Dr. Otuoma further acknowledged the continued support his administration has received from the teaching fraternity in the county, noting that teachers remain a key pillar in community development.

In recognition of their contribution, he said his administration appointed members of the teaching profession to serve in the county cabinet, where they continue to play critical roles in governance and service delivery.

Among those appointed are County Executive Committee Members Paul Ekwenye Olung’a and Olakacuna Omuse, both of whom are active members of FARIDI DT SACCO.

The governor said their inclusion in the county leadership reflects the administration’s confidence in the professionalism and leadership capacity of educators.

Delegates attending the AGM welcomed the governor’s call for deeper collaboration between the SACCO and the county government, expressing optimism that such partnerships will unlock new investment opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the region.

With strengthened cooperation between FARIDI DT SACCO Limited and the Busia County Government, stakeholders believe the region could witness enhanced agricultural production, stronger value chains, and improved livelihoods for thousands of residents.

By Godfrey Wamalwa

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