By Dorothy Musyoka
Today marked a significant milestone for the cooperative sector in Kenya as the 7th Annual Delegates’ Conference of Stima DT Sacco Society Ltd. was held, graced by the Principal Secretary for Cooperatives, Mr. Patrick Kilemi, and Cabinet Secretary for Micr0,Small and Medium Enterprises Dr. Wycliffe Oparanya.
The event served as a platform to reflect on the progress made by Stima DT Sacco, discuss the challenges faced, and set a strategic direction for the future anchored on sustainable and inclusive economic development.
According to the CS, Kenya’s cooperatives, has consistently played a pivotal role in empowering its members by providing access to essential financial services, promoting savings and investment, and supporting the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
“Over the years, our cooperatives have played a crucial role in empowering millions of Kenyans, providing them with access to financial services, promoting savings and investment, and facilitating the growth of small and medium enterprises,” Dr. Oparanya noted.
“Today, the cooperative sector contributes significantly to our GDP, supports the livelihoods of millions, and serves as a critical driver of economic inclusion, particularly in rural areas,” he added.
Despite its achievements, the cooperative sector is also faced with challenges which require collaboration efforts by the government.
“One of the most pressing issues is the need for regulatory reforms that will enhance governance, transparency, and accountability within our cooperatives,” stated CS Oparanya.
To address these challenges, the government, through the Ministry of Cooperatives, is committed to exploring avenues for increased funding and investment in the sector.
This involves developing innovative financing models to ensure cooperatives have the resources needed to grow and thrive. Strengthening the regulatory framework governing cooperatives is also a priority to ensure they operate with integrity and transparency, fostering trust among members and stakeholders.
Furthermore, the ministry reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the regulatory framework governing cooperatives.
“As a ministry we will strengthen the regulatory framework governing cooperatives, ensuring that they operate with integrity and transparency. Additionally, we commit to support initiatives that promote the adoption of digital technologies in the cooperative sector, from mobile banking platforms to digital credit scoring tools,” noted Dr. Oparanya.
Special commendation was given to Stima DT Sacco Society Limited for its unwavering commitment to the cooperative movement and its dedication to enhancing lives of its members.
The cooperative movement is a cornerstone of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which aims to ensure that all Kenyans benefit from economic growth.
Cooperatives have a crucial role to play in sectors such as agriculture, housing, and renewable energy, where they can drive sustainable and inclusive development.