Cooperative Alliance of Kenya (CAK) Chief Executive Officer Daniel Marube has cautioned the government against rushing reforms in the cooperative sector, warning that hurried implementation of the proposed delegate system could undermine governance and erode member confidence. He called for more time to allow public participation and member education, particularly in rural and agricultural cooperatives.
Speaking recently during the launch of preparations for this year’s International Co‑operative Day celebrations, commonly known as Ushirika Day, Marube emphasised that while the delegate system is a welcome reform designed to promote quality discussions and better governance, members must be given adequate time to understand how it works and why it is necessary.
“We support the idea because it promotes quality discussions and better governance. But members need enough time to understand how the system works and why it is necessary,” he explained.
Marube urged that reforms be gradual, cautioning that rushed changes could destabilise institutions. He encouraged smaller SACCOs to consider mergers as a way of improving sustainability and competitiveness.
“We may have too many cooperatives in the country. The future lies in fewer but stronger and more viable institutions,” he said.
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He noted that an estimated 20 million Kenyans belong to at least one cooperative society or SACCO, with about 75 per cent of the population depending directly or indirectly on cooperative activities. This, he said, reflects the sector’s vast reach and importance to the economy.
Marube pointed out that cooperatives have provided affordable financial services, supported small businesses, financed housing, and improved livelihoods for millions of Kenyans. He added that they have also enabled small‑scale farmers to aggregate and market their produce more effectively, boosting incomes and enhancing food security.
This year’s Ushirika Day celebrations will be held under the theme “Cooperatives for a Peaceful World” and will culminate in a national event on July 4 at Uhuru Park, following county‑level activities across the country.
By Masaki Enock
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