The Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSME Development Wycliffe Oparanya on Wednesday presided over a training session for delegates of Shirikiana Sacco at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), as preparations intensify for the Sacco’s official launch later this week.
The training programme, held ahead of the Sacco’s launch by President William Ruto on June 13, was designed to equip delegates with the knowledge and skills needed to advance the institution’s mission of promoting cooperative development, financial inclusion, and sustainable economic growth.
In a statement shared on X, Oparanya said Shirikiana Sacco is anchored on the coffee value chain and is strategically positioned to unlock economic opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs, professionals, and other productive sectors across the Western Kenya region.
“With coffee as the anchor value chain, Shirikiana SACCO is designed to unlock the immense economic potential of farmers, entrepreneurs, professionals and other productive sectors across the Western region,” he said.
The Cabinet Secretary noted that the Sacco will offer affordable credit facilities to its members, support industrial growth, enhance agricultural productivity, and accelerate the expansion of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). He added that the initiative is expected to create employment opportunities and boost wealth creation across the region.
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Beyond financial services, Oparanya said the Sacco will strengthen social protection for members through tailored education and healthcare support programmes. These will include assistance with school fees and Social Health Authority (SHA) contributions for members and their dependants.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to building resilient communities and leveraging the cooperative movement as a catalyst for inclusive economic development and shared prosperity,” he said.
Shirikiana Sacco is expected to play a key role in driving economic transformation across Western Kenya. The institution currently boasts a membership of about 100,000 drawn from Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma, and Trans Nzoia counties, with a target of growing its membership to 250,000 by the end of the year.
By Frank Mugwe
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