By Tito Tavasi
The Kakamega County Minister for Agriculture and Co-operative Development. Kulati Wangia has said that Co-operative Societies including Savings and Credit-operatives (SACCOs) can be crucial economic transformers in the County. He made these remarks while launching the formation of Shinyalu, Ikolomani and Khwiserotea co-operative societies.
“We will continue to facilitate formation of more co-operative societies through funding and ensuring that those elected to be in charge adhere to laws as stated in the law,” said Mr Wangia. Figures indicate that there are over151 co-operative societies spread across 12 sub counties of Kakamega County.
Acting Kakamega County Senior Assistant Commissioner of Co-operatives Mr. Andrew Obanda revealed that the total asset base of all Saccos in the area is Sh 7 billion.
“This increase in asset base of the sacco industry in the county is due to intervention by the County Government in streamlining operations of the societies”, said Mr Obanda.
He added that the new cooperatives law now makes it mandatory for officials of these societies to declare their wealth upon assumption of office.
“While we only had one sugar factory as the main employer, we now have numerous organizations that offer employment to locals who are then able to form Saccos,” said Mr Obanda. Figures indicate that some152 Saccos have since been registered in Kakamega County with115 of these Saccos being active and 39 remaining dormant.
The list of Saccos in this County that has since re-branded include Invest and Grow (formerly KATECO), Nitunze (formerly Mossacco) and Kakamega Vuma Daima, previously known as Kakamega Municipal Council Sacco.
Some of the most active Saccos in Kakamega County include IG Sacco, Bukhungu Sacco, Dominion Sacco Ikolomani Women Sacco, Idhakho Sacco,Wekol Sacco, Bodaboda Sacco, Mufude Sacco, Shinyalu Jua Kali Sacco, Lugari Youth Sacco, Matete Sacco, Butere Penda Sacco,Butere 2015 Sacco and Khwisero Sacco
