Kenyans have been urged to safeguard the growth of cooperative movements by electing credible leaders capable of championing farmers’ welfare at both the national and local levels.
The call was made by Gideon Kimathi, Head of Protocol in the Office of the Deputy President, during the Meru Ushirika Day celebrations held at Kaaga Methodist Church grounds, an annual event marking the milestones achieved by the cooperative movement since its establishment.
Kimathi challenged Meru residents to join registered Saccos operating in the coffee, tea and avocado sectors, saying membership offers farmers a direct path to financial benefit. He cautioned that a single error in choosing leadership could trigger the collapse of otherwise economically vibrant sectors, pushing communities into poverty.
Coffee is currently fetching a historic payment per kilogram of cherry, a development that has left farmers in the region smiling all the way to the bank, according to the celebrations held to mark the sector’s progress.
Turning to security, Kimathi raised concerns over the frequent loss of coffee to theft while in storage at factories or in transit, calling for closer collaboration with security agencies to protect the crop.
“Let us end unnecessary drama of losing coffee to theft. This vice must now come to an end by working together with the security agencies. I will prioritise the farmers’ interest by ensuring that any outstanding issue raised is promptly and amicably resolved,” said Kimathi.
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He insisted that coffee should receive police protection both at factory storage points and while in transit for sale, and called on all coffee stakeholders to work together to safeguard the commodity against theft.
Kimathi lauded Deputy President Kindiki and Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma for their support of the cooperative movement and farmers’ welfare, crediting their leadership with the sector’s continued growth.
This year’s Ushirika Day celebrations were held to mark the milestones attained since cooperative movements were established in the country, with organisers noting that sustained political and institutional support remains central to the sector’s future growth.
By John Majau
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