Uasin Gishu governor Jonathan Bii has reiterated his administration’s commitment to support the cooperative movement which creates employment and steers social, economic and development programmes in every sector of the economy.
Speaking during the 101 International Cooperatives Day themed Cooperatives for Sustainable Development, Governor Bii said that his administration is collaborating with the national government and other stakeholders such as the Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture programme and the Agriculture Sector Development Support Program to improve milk production and support maize farmers.
“We are committed to reviving the dairy sector by operationalizing the 46 milk coolers. Our goal is to improve milk production and enhance value addition ensuring fair value for farmers’ produce,” said the governor.
He noted that the county government has supported maize farmers through the Moi Soy Famers Cooperative Union by allocating Ksh285 million from the County Enterprise Development Fund and engaging development partners to establish a maize mill that will help farmers secure better prices for their produce and increase their incomes.
“My administration has implemented various programmes including promoting and registering new cooperatives, reviving dormant ones, facilitating value addition, conducting capacity building initiatives, providing affordable loans, improving governance through audits, and ensuring compliance with cooperative legislation,” he added.
Bii noted that his administration has also conducted 81 pre-cooperative training and sensitization meetings and raised awareness to encourage public investments.
The county boss said that his administration is also working with the Presidential Economic Transformation Secretariat on the creation of one vibrant cooperative society per ward to handle various value chains.
Deputy Governor Eng John Barorot challenged the societies to take advantage of the upcoming Industrial Park for value-addition purposes.
County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Industrialization, Tourism, Cooperatives and Enterprise Development Martha Cheruto said her docket currently has correct Acts and Regulations that will necessitate operationalization and implementation of its mandate.
Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs Ismail Madey and his counterpart for Sports and Arts Eng Peter Tum pledged to help the governor revive dormant cooperatives across the county.
During the celebration, various cooperative societies and Saccos were awarded certificates for their exemplary services.
Noble Sacco was ranked the best overall cooperative society, Shamiri Sacco the best-managed employee Sacco, Mwakamo Sacco the best-managed matatu Sacco, Chemarer Sacco the most improved Sacco, Rivertess Sacco the second best-managed Sacco, Cheptiret Farmers’ Cooperative Society the third best market managing society, Koilonget Sacco the third best-managed boda boda Sacco, Eldo-Hawkers Sacco the most improve Sacco and Tuyo Sacco the third-best automated Sacco.
Kokwatai Sacco was awarded for being the best-managed investment cooperative society and Ainabkoi Farmers Society was awarded for being the best marketing cooperative society, best managed Rural Sacco and the most diversified Cooperative Society,
Others were: Kibagenge as the best managed boda boda Sacco, Uasin Gishu Sacco as the best-managed business Sacco, Kuinet Sacco as the best Sacco with educational services, Pesapot Sacco as the best in automation, Imarisha Sacco the best Sacco countrywide and Olendu Elders Sacco as the best in servicing County enterprise development loan.
Mwakamo, Shamiri and Kokwatai Saccos received trophies for giving out high returns.
Eldoret Funeral Service Sacco, Ngokim Sacco, Testimony Staff Sacco, Ilula Sacco, Burnt Sacco, Olendu Elders Sacco and Eldoline Shuttle Sacco received cheques for good performance.
By Wasike Elvis
Get more stories from our website: Sacco Review
Kindly follow us via our social media pages on Facebook: Sacco Review Newspaper for timely updates.
