New Cooperatives Act to be launched during the 2025 Ushirika Day, PS Kilemi reveals

The Principal Secretary for the State Department for Cooperatives Patrick Kilemi has assured the public that the long-awaited Cooperatives Bill No. 7 of 2024 will be launched during the 2025 Ushirika Day which will be held on June 12, 2025.

The PS who was speaking before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) at Bunge Towers, Nairobi said the bill has been approved by the National Assembly, is currently before the Senate for consideration and subsequent assent by the President.

Kilemi said the bill seeks to provide a comprehensive legal framework for the registration, governance, and oversight of cooperative societies, with the objective of enhancing their sustainability, competitiveness, and contribution to Kenya’s socio-economic development agenda.

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The Bill operationalizes Article 186 and the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution by clearly delineating the functions of the national and county governments in cooperative development. This alignment aims to streamline the sector within the devolved system of governance established by the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.

A key highlight of the Bill is the re-establishment of the Office of the Commissioner for Cooperative Development (OCCD) at the national level.

The OCCD will be mandated to advise the Cabinet Secretary on national cooperative policies, develop uniform standards, build capacity, and oversee the registration of cooperatives, among other functions. At the county level.

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The Bill proposes the establishment of the Office of the County Director for Cooperatives (OCDC), which will be responsible for implementing cooperative policies, ensuring compliance, and promoting registration of cooperatives at the county level.

The Bill also provides for the establishment of the Cooperative Technical Relations Coordinating Forum to facilitate coordination between the National Government and county governments on technical matters relating to cooperatives among other key issues.

By Obegi Malack

obegimalack@gmail.com

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