By James Wakahiu.
Members of Co-operative Societies have been urged to read and understand their own bylaws as well as the Co-operatives Societies Act so as to avoid bringing unnecessary disputes before the Co-operatives Tribunal.
“There are numerous cases and disputes that will not have ended up at the tribunal if members of co-operatives and their management teams understood the Co-operatives Act or respective bylaws,” said Fred Bosire Ong’era, Co-operatives Tribunal Human Resource Manager.
He made the observation at a workshop in Ruiru Town PCEA Parish Hall, Kiambu County, organized by the Ruiru Sub-County Co-operative Development Committee and chaired by John K. Ng’ang’a.
“Many of the cases brought to the tribunal could have been resolved at the society level if members and officials clearly understood their respective bylaws and the Cooperative Act,” said Ong’era.
Ng’ang’a, who is also the Ruiru District Sacco Chairman and Ruiru PCEA Sacco Vice Chairman, said the purpose of the workshop was to educate both members and management committees on the need to borrow loans and repay promptly. He disclosed that a similar seminar for supervisory committees was scheduled to take place later at the same venue. Over 68 active societies within Ruiru Sub County were represented at the workshop.
In attendance were Pamela Wachira, an official of Kenya Union of Savings and Credit Cooperatives (KUSCCO) and Stephen Mwangi- Ruiru Sub-County Deputy Cooperative Commissioner. Co-operative Societies represented included Mwana Mukia Housing Cooperative Society, Usanii Sacco, Ruiru PCEA Sacco and Pollem Sacco.
