By Our Reporter.
As various Saccos alter and amend their by-laws to allow members to be represented through a delegates system, a section within the co-operatives system are not uncomfortable with this emerging trend.
The question is whether members should retain Annual General Meetings (AGMs) as the supreme authority of a Sacco or pass this authority to delegates in the Annual Delegates Meeting (ADM).
With members of co-operatives getting empowered and seeking more representation in AGMs, there are fears that ADMs are being supported by certain Sacco officials who find it easier to manipulate and influence delegates than ordinary members.
These concerns comes at a time the co-operative movement in Kenya is entering the AGM season where members will once again exercise their supreme authority on how they want their societies run this financial year.
Nakuru Co-operatives Director Patrick Mak’ Onyango said there is need for consultation on the issue.
“The law is clear that the supreme authority of a co-operative is vested in its members, who exercise this right during the AGM,” he said.
He noted while the law was clear on members authority there is no clarity on representation. “This is why we need experts in law to educate stakeholders in the co-operative movement on this matter,” he said.
