2026 And Beyond: Advancing Co-operative Values In A Changing World

In 2026, the global co-operative movement stands at a defining moment. Co-operatives are operating in an increasingly complex environment marked by geopolitical fragmentation, economic uncertainty, climate pressures, and widening inequality. Traditional multilateral systems are under strain, and the balance between the “Force of Power” and the “Force of Law” is being tested. In this context, co-operatives are being called upon not only to endure, but to lead.

Across the world, communities are searching for economic and social models that prioritise people, fairness, and long-term sustainability. The co-operative model—rooted in democratic ownership, shared responsibility, and solidarity—remains one of the most credible responses to these challenges. As 2026 unfolds, it marks the beginning of a decisive decade for co-operatives globally and for Kenya in particular.

A Changing Landscape for Co-operatives

ICA Director-General Jeroen Douglas has reflected on a global environment that is becoming increasingly fragmented. The shift away from traditional multilateralism towards a more fractured multipolar order has real consequences for communities, economies, and institutions. In many cases, global cooperation is giving way to narrow interests, weakening the systems that promote equity, inclusion, and the rule of law.

For co-operatives, this environment presents both risk and responsibility. Historically, co-operatives have emerged and thrived during periods of disruption—formed by people responding collectively to exclusion, exploitation, and instability. Today’s challenges echo those origins. As markets become more volatile and trust in institutions declines, co-operatives offer stability through shared ownership and democratic control.

In Kenya, this role is especially significant. The co-operative movement has long been a cornerstone of economic participation, supporting millions of Kenyans across agriculture, finance, housing, trade, and services. At the centre of this movement stands the Co-operative Alliance of Kenya (CAK), providing leadership, coordination, and advocacy for the sector.

From International Recognition to National Action

The International Year of Co-operatives 2025 (IYC2025) renewed global attention on the contribution of co-operatives to sustainable development, inclusive growth, and social cohesion. It reinforced the message that co-operatives are not peripheral actors, but essential partners in national and global development agendas.

For Kenya, IYC2025 was not just a moment of recognition, but a call to action. The challenge in 2026 and beyond is to convert visibility into impact. This means strengthening co-operative institutions, improving governance, enhancing member value, and securing enabling policy environments.

CAK plays a critical role in this transition. As the apex body of the co-operative movement in Kenya, CAK bridges global co-operative vision with local realities. By engaging policymakers, development partners, and co-operatives themselves, CAK ensures that international commitments and principles translate into tangible benefits for Kenyan members and communities.

Co-operative Values as a Strategic Advantage

In an era defined by inequality and concentration of economic power, co-operative values are increasingly relevant. Principles such as democratic member control, economic participation, autonomy, education, and concern for community provide a framework for equitable development.

These values are not abstract ideals. In practice, they mean fairer access to finance through SACCOs, stronger bargaining power for farmers, affordable housing solutions, and enterprises that reinvest in communities. They also foster trust—an increasingly scarce resource in today’s economic and political systems.

CAK’s role in safeguarding these values is fundamental. Through advocacy, capacity building, and representation, CAK helps ensure that co-operatives grow without losing their identity. As co-operatives modernise and scale, maintaining this balance will be critical to their long-term credibility and success.

Innovation with Purpose in the Decade Ahead

The decade beginning in 2026 will be shaped by rapid technological change, climate transition, and demographic shifts—particularly the growing role of young people. For co-operatives, adapting to these realities is not optional.

Digital platforms offer opportunities to improve service delivery, governance, and member engagement. Green co-operatives can drive climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy solutions, and sustainable value chains. Youth-led and women-led co-operatives can unlock innovation while addressing unemployment and social exclusion.

CAK’s responsibility in this space is to support innovation that strengthens co-operatives economically while remaining firmly anchored in co-operative principles. The objective is not to imitate investor-owned enterprises, but to demonstrate that people-centred enterprises can be competitive, resilient, and future-ready.

From Participation to Leadership

As recognition of co-operatives grows, so too must their leadership role. The decade ahead must see co-operatives move from participation to influence—shaping policy, contributing to national development priorities, and engaging confidently in regional and global platforms.

For this to happen, stronger cooperation among co-operatives is essential. The principle of “co-operation among co-operatives” is more than a value; it is a strategic necessity. Through collective action, co-operatives can achieve scale, share resources, and amplify their voice.

CAK is uniquely positioned to convene this collective action. By fostering collaboration across sectors and strengthening partnerships with government, regulators, and development institutions, CAK helps position the co-operative movement as a key pillar of Kenya’s socio-economic transformation.

Claiming the Decade

2026 is not simply another year on the calendar. It marks the beginning of a decade in which co-operatives must define their place in a rapidly changing world. The choices made now—about governance, innovation, advocacy, and cooperation—will shape the movement’s relevance for years to come.

For the Co-operative Alliance of Kenya, this is a moment to lead with clarity and confidence. Grounded in shared values and informed by global solidarity, CAK has a central role to play in guiding the movement through uncertainty towards shared prosperity.

In a world where power increasingly overshadows principle, co-operatives continue to prove that another way is possible.

Our values remain our foundation.
Our future depends on our collective action.
And the decade ahead is ours to shape—together.