Meru leaders back Cooperatives as key driver of agricultural growth and enterprise development

Leaders in Meru County have renewed their commitment to strengthening cooperative societies as a cornerstone of agricultural transformation, enterprise development, and economic empowerment.

Speaking during a high-level engagement with leaders of the Meru County Cooperatives Forum on Friday, Meru County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Trade, Tourism and Cooperatives, Rev. Carol Kaberia, reaffirmed the county government’s support for initiatives aimed at enhancing cooperative governance, improving market access, expanding affordable financing, and promoting sustainable growth of cooperative societies.

The meeting brought together Principal Secretary for Cooperatives Kiburi Kilemi, Principal Secretary for Forestry Gitonga Mugambi, cooperative leaders, and other key stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening the cooperative movement and accelerating enterprise development across the county.

Participants underscored the vital role played by cooperatives in driving economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and improving the livelihoods of farmers, traders, and entrepreneurs. They noted that a vibrant cooperative sector remains critical to achieving sustainable development and inclusive prosperity in the region.

PS Gitonga Mugambi highlighted the economic potential of avocado farming, announcing plans to distribute five million avocado seedlings to farmers across the county. He urged residents to embrace avocado cultivation as a reliable source of income and a key contributor to the growing avocado processing industry.

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Mugambi also encouraged cooperative societies to champion the introduction and expansion of cocoa farming as an alternative income-generating venture capable of diversifying farmers’ earnings.

On his part, PS Kilemi revealed that the government will invest KSh1 billion in coffee planting initiatives in Meru County. He said the investment is expected to boost coffee production and enhance farmers’ earnings through increased productivity.

Kilemi further called on miraa farmers and traders to strengthen their bargaining power and work collectively within existing market structures to secure better returns for their produce.

The leaders reiterated their commitment to fostering strong and accountable cooperative governance, improving access to markets and financial services, and supporting the long-term sustainability of cooperative societies.

Also present at the meeting were Meru County Commissioner George Omollo, Director of Protocol in the Office of the Deputy President Gideon Kimathi, Trade, Tourism and Cooperatives Acting Chief Officer Sandi Mugambi, and chief executive officers from various cooperative societies.

The engagement marked a renewed collaboration between the national and county governments aimed at harnessing the power of cooperatives to transform livelihoods, strengthen agricultural value chains, and drive inclusive economic growth in Meru County.

By Juma Ndigo

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