Business
Co-operators in Nandi County Thursday joined the global community in commemorating the 102 International Day of Cooperatives, nationally known as ‘Ushirika Day. Themed ‘Cooperatives Build a Better Future for all’ the day is celebrated to appreciate the role of cooperatives in transforming the economic status, promotion of cohesion and collaborations among communities.
Speaking at Eliud Kipchoge Stadium in Kapsabet town, Nandi Governor Stephen Sang said cooperatives play a very critical role in driving economic growth in the region and improving the livelihoods of majority of residents. “My administration remains committed to supporting cooperative societies through various initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity and sustainability,” he said
Sang urged all cooperators and farmers to embrace modern technologies and innovative practices to remain competitive and resilient in the ever-changing economic landscape.
“I also encourage cooperators to take advantage of our completed Chebonet Coffee Mill factory, Nandi Cooperatives Creameries, Lolduga Avocado Aggregation Park House, and the Kocheng Gei semi-automated chicken processing plant to ensure value addition in their coffee, milk, avocado, and poultry value chains, respectively by using these facilities,” he said
Nandi Governor Stephen Sang launches the Nandi County Cooperatives Development Compliance Guidelines 2024 during the Ushirika Day celebrations at Eliud Kipchoge stadium in Kapsabet town.
The Governor noted that his administration will provide the necessary support in creating a conducive environment and marketing for the growth of cooperatives. During the celebrations, the Governor officially launched the Nandi County Cooperatives Development Compliance Guidelines 2024.
These guidelines will play a vital role in mobilising resources and providing essential services to members of the cooperatives. Nandi County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture and Cooperative Development Kiplimo Araap Lagat said the department remains committed to supporting and strengthening cooperative societies, recognising their role as key drivers of rapid economic growth in the county
He said the county government will review the achievements of these societies over the past year, recognising and rewarding the best-performing cooperators to elevate the movement to greater heights.
“As a county government, we have continued to mobilise our people to join cooperatives and even supported them to register new ones,” he said adding that they have also intensified the auditing and inspections in the cooperative societies to ensure there is compliance with all laws and general meetings are held as prescribed in the Cooperative Societies Act..
The CECM said training was very important in promoting activities of the cooperatives as it creates awareness and enhances understanding of the cooperative’s movement adding: “As a department we have conducted trainings to nearly all the cooperatives in the county and this is a continuous programme.”
The county boasts of 396 cooperatives all with 400,000 members.