Meru County has been hailed as a national role model in the cooperative movement, with Cooperatives and and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development, Principal Secretary Patrick Kiburi Kilemi praising the region’s leadership for milestones achieved in strengthening societies and empowering communities.
Speaking at Kaaga Methodist Church grounds during Meru’s Ushirika Day celebrations, Kilemi pledged to spearhead the revival of the once vibrant Afya Millers, saying the initiative would enhance the sector and benefit the wider Meru community and the country at large. He urged residents to support local industries by buying and consuming their products, noting that cooperatives thrive when members embrace homegrown enterprises.
“Meru is a model County in cooperatives movement. My accolades goes to the leadership for the milestone achieved. The government is set to spearhead the revival of Afya millers at all cost. I urge the Meru community to support their own industries by buying and consuming it,” said PS Kilemi.
The PS announced that 2,000 coffee seedlings will be distributed in Meru County, while encouraging farmers to diversify into profitable crops such as cocoa, avocado and coffee. He revealed plans to revive cotton farming, promising reduced production costs and a stronger value chain to benefit households.
ALSO READ:
President Ruto set to sign new Cooperatives Bill into law within one month
Forestry PS Gitonga Mugambi, who shared similar sentiments, lauded Meru for leading in cooperative development nationwide. He urged residents to join organized societies in large numbers to benefit financially, while encouraging tree farming for its economic returns. He reassured farmers that the government will distribute 5,000 avocado seedlings and introduce pioneer cocoa farming in Meru, describing it as highly profitable.
PS Gitonga emphasized that cooperatives remain vital instruments for wealth creation, job opportunities and poverty reduction. He urged leaders in the movement to serve members with integrity, transparency and professionalism to build confidence and attract investment.
By John Majau
Get more stories from our website: Sacco Review.
For comments and clarifications, write to: Saccoreview@
Kindly follow us via our social media pages on Facebook: Sacco Review Newspaper for timely updates
Stay ahead of the pack! Grab the latest Sacco Review newspaper!
