- SACCO leaders have been urged to uphold transparency and accountability to strengthen member trust and growth.
- Youth have been encouraged to join Saccos, while leaders were warned against corruption.
- Kisumu County is developing a new cooperative policy to boost the sector’s competitiveness.
Sacco leaders have been urged to be transparent and accountable since building trust is the only way to secure member confidence and drive long-term financial growth.
Addressing stakeholders in Kisumu, Edward Matoke, the Chairman of the Kisumu County Ushirika Council and organizing chairman for World Cooperatives Day, emphasized that Saccos are powerful instruments of economic transformation. However, he warned that their success heavily relies on self-responsibility and ethical values.
“It is through well-run cooperative organizations that vulnerable populations are protected through meaningful financial inclusion,” Matoke said. “Over the years, Saccos have transformed the lives of millions of Kenyans. Saving in these institutions continues to unlock lifea-changing economic opportunities.”
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Matoke strongly dismissed the stereotype that Saccos are reserved only for older generations, actively urging young people to join and drive the cooperative movement forward. At the same time, he issued a stern warning to leadership teams, calling on them to shun corruption, which has historically caused the collapse of many promising cooperatives. He challenged regional leaders to renew their commitment to strengthening local societies.
Supporting these sentiments, the Kisumu County Director of Cooperatives, John Mingala, emphasized the need for local Saccos to become more vibrant and competitive.
Mingala revealed that the county has initiated a comprehensive Cooperative Policy tailored to Kisumu. The policy is designed to enhance the capacity of local Saccos, promote value addition, and establish a highly conducive environment for the cooperative sector to thrive.
Meanwhile, recognizing his dedicated leadership, the organizing committee for World Cooperatives Day in Kisumu County has resolved to retain Matoke as its chairman.
By Fredrick Odiero
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