President William Ruto will preside over the official launch of Shirikiana SACCO at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) in Kakamega County on Saturday, June 13, 2026.
The event, hosted by Cabinet Secretary for Co‑operatives and MSMEs Development, Wycliffe Oparanya, marks a significant milestone in advancing financial inclusion and strengthening the cooperative movement across the Western region.
Ahead of the launch, CS Oparanya toured the university to assess preparedness, confirming that the venue is ready to host the high‑profile occasion.
Oparanya welcomed the public to attend and urged residents to join the SACCO, noting that it has already recruited 12,000 primary promoters drawn from five counties in Western Kenya.
“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,” Oparanya said.
He added that the SACCO will enhance access to affordable credit, support industrialisation, strengthen agricultural productivity and facilitate the growth of MSMEs, thereby creating more opportunities for wealth creation and job generation.
Beyond financial services, Oparanya explained that Shirikiana SACCO will provide a strong social protection framework for members through tailored education and health products. These include support for school fees and contributions to the Social Health Authority (SHA) for members and their dependants.
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“This initiative reflects our commitment to building resilient communities and leveraging the cooperative movement as a catalyst for inclusive economic development and shared prosperity,”
CS Wycliffe Oparanya
The launch is expected to draw national and county leaders, cooperative stakeholders, and thousands of residents.
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 Masaki Enock
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