Uasin Gishu Pumps KSh86 Million Into Cooperatives as Leaders Push for Accountability and Digital Growth

The County Government of Uasin Gishu has invested KSh86 million in more than 60 cooperative societies through the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), in a major boost aimed at strengthening farmer organizations, improving productivity and raising household incomes.

The investment was highlighted on Saturday during the 104th International Cooperative Day celebrations held at the Uasin Gishu County Headquarters, where leaders renewed their commitment to cooperative development as a key pillar of economic growth, food security and social transformation.

Deputy Governor H.E. Evans Kapkea said the county’s continued investment in cooperative societies is designed to build resilient, sustainable and well-managed organizations that can create employment opportunities, improve access to markets and uplift the livelihoods of members.

Kapkea noted that cooperatives remain central to the county’s development agenda, particularly in supporting farmers, small businesses and community enterprises to access financing, training and better markets for their products.

“The county administration remains committed to strengthening the cooperative movement through increased investment, capacity building and policy support,” he said.

The Deputy Governor further revealed that Uasin Gishu County has so far disbursed more than KSh700 million to cooperative societies through various empowerment programmes.

He urged beneficiaries of enterprise loans to make timely repayments, saying the revolving funds can only benefit more groups if those who have already received support honour their repayment obligations.

Kapkea said prompt loan repayment would enable the county to reach more cooperatives, expand businesses and create more opportunities for residents across the county.

Chairperson of the County Assembly Committee on Cooperatives, Hon. Hillary Kipchumba, pledged to champion legislation aimed at strengthening the cooperative sector.

He said the County Assembly would continue pushing for adequate allocation of resources to support training, lending, institutional development and other programmes that can make cooperative societies more competitive and sustainable.

County Executive Committee Member for Cooperatives Dr. Philip Chebunet challenged cooperative leaders to uphold good governance, transparency and accountability in the management of members’ funds.

Dr. Chebunet said poor leadership and mismanagement have contributed to the collapse of many cooperative societies, warning that the county government would not tolerate corruption or the misuse of members’ savings.

He cautioned officials accused of misappropriating cooperative funds that they would face legal action if found culpable.

The CECM also called on cooperative societies to embrace digitization and automation, saying modern systems would improve record-keeping, enhance operational efficiency and strengthen service delivery to members.

Chief Officer for Cooperatives Elphas Kesio urged farmer cooperative societies to take an active role in agricultural value chains to increase returns, improve competitiveness and create more stable markets for their produce.

Kesio further encouraged farmers to diversify into high-value crops as part of efforts to increase incomes and strengthen the sustainability of cooperative enterprises.

The celebrations were held under the theme, “Cooperatives for a Peaceful World,” bringing together cooperative leaders, farmers, county officials and other stakeholders.

Participants reaffirmed the critical role played by cooperatives in promoting inclusive economic development, food security, employment creation and social cohesion.

Among those present were Director for Enterprise Kipleting Mengich, Director for Cooperatives Drucilla Cherogony, Director for Co-operative Audit Samuel Wambugu and Director for Administration in Cooperatives Wainaina Kimingi.