- Government is seeking stronger cooperation between agricultural institutions and farmer organisations.
- Proposed reforms aim to strengthen cooperative governance, management and accountability.
- A dedicated sector working group has been proposed to improve coordination and mobilise resources.
The government is stepping up efforts to position cooperatives at the centre of Kenya’s agricultural transformation. It has renewed calls for stronger partnerships between the agriculture and cooperative sectors to improve farmers’ incomes and expand market opportunities.
Principal Secretary for Cooperatives Patrick Kilemi made the remarks during the Agriculture Joint Sector Working Group (JSWG) meeting held at the Royal Danish Embassy in Nairobi. He highlighted the critical role of cooperatives in organising farmers, aggregating produce, facilitating market access and promoting value addition.
Principal Secretary for Livestock Development Jonathan Mueke and Jelmer van Veen, First Secretary for Water, Food Security and Climate at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, co-chaired the meeting. The Agriculture and Rural Development Partners Group (ARDPG) hosted it.
Kilemi noted that cooperatives provide an important platform for farmers to market their produce collectively. In doing so, they strengthen their bargaining power and benefit from improved returns across agricultural value chains.
He also outlined ongoing reforms aimed at modernising the cooperative sector. They include the development of the Kenya Cooperative Transformation Strategy 2027–2037, the implementation of the Cooperative Management Information System (CMIS) and legislative changes to strengthen governance and accountability.
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On legislative reforms, Kilemi noted that the National Assembly had passed the Co-operative Bill. It was awaiting consideration by the Senate, where it had been listed on the following day’s Order Paper.
The proposed legislation is expected to strengthen the legal and institutional framework governing cooperatives. It would also provide a foundation for improved management and oversight of the sector.
The PS called for closer alignment between agricultural programmes and cooperative development initiatives. Stronger coordination, he said, would help build resilient farmer organisations, sustain investments in value chains and open up new markets for agricultural producers.
He further proposed the establishment of a dedicated Cooperative Sector Working Group. Its role would be to strengthen policy dialogue, improve coordination among stakeholders and mobilise resources to support the wider cooperative movement.
The meeting brought together government representatives and development partners. They deliberated on strategies for strengthening agricultural development through collaboration and coordinated investments.
Meanwhile, the State Department for Cooperatives reaffirmed its commitment to institutional reforms and strategic partnerships. These aim to make cooperatives stronger drivers of inclusive economic growth, better farmer livelihoods and sustainable agricultural transformation.
By Lizzy Aluga
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