By Musyoka Kaleti
County Cooperative societies have urged the government to consider channeling the social protection funds for the aged through Saccos to make it easy for them to access their funds.
This was said by Diana Wawira Mbogo, Chief Executive Officer of Daima Sacco Society during this year’s 100th Ushirika Day celebrations at Kangaru Girls Secondary School in Embu County.
She said Saccos are within communities yet old people have to travel long distances to withdraw their benefits.
“These people are very old and they go very far to collect their money. I think this distance can be reduced if the funds are disbursed through Saccos,” said Mbogo.
She attributed the growth of Daima Sacco to quality services that they offer, saying the promotional products they offer to new members pull many to join the society.
Geoffrey Njang’ombe, who is a retired commissioner of Cooperatives said the sector contributes 45 per cent of Kenya’s GDP.
He said through good governance, locals have learnt to trust cooperatives.
“Many cooperatives are being led well and they are helping residents get quick loans for their businesses,” said Njang’ombe.
Mary Wanja, Embu County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in charge of Agriculture and Cooperatives said the County Assembly was making policies that will support the Cooperatives sector in the county.
Emilio Kathuri, former Neno Sacco chairman, urged locals who are members of different Saccos to ensure they elect leaders of who have clean records.
“When we accept people who lack integrity to lead us in our Cooperatives, we shall go nowhere,” said Kathuri.
The regional Saccos were awarded trophies in various categories of performance during the event.
