Cak Ceo Daniel Marube Urges Co-operators To Actively Shape The Future Of The Sector
By Admin
During the 4th Annual Cabinet Secretary’s Consultative Forum with Co-operative Stakeholders held from 17th to 21st November 2025 in Naivasha, one message stood out strongly — the call by CAK CEO Daniel Marube for the co-operative movement to seize the unprecedented opportunity presented by a government that is genuinely listening. Speaking to delegates from across the country, Marube expressed deep appreciation for the positive environment the co-operative sector is currently enjoying. He noted that it is not common to have a government that is highly responsive, open to engagement, and actively seeking to support the growth of co-operatives. This, he emphasized, is a rare and powerful window of opportunity — one that must be recognized, valued, and fully utilized. According to the CEO, Kenya’s co-operative sector has long battled challenges relating to policy gaps, insufficient support, slow reforms, and governance concerns. For many years, progress has often depended on who was in office, political dynamics, and shifting national priorities. But the current administration, Marube observed, has shown an extraordinary commitment to transforming the co-operative space. For the first time in many years, leaders in government are not only listening but are intentionally providing room for dialogue, feedback, and meaningful policy development. He explained that when a government is willing to engage openly, the journey toward effective sector reforms becomes significantly smoother. It becomes easier to strengthen legal frameworks, easier to pursue supportive policies, and easier for co-operators to secure the institutional backing needed for sustainable growth. This opening, he warned, must not be taken lightly. Marube called on delegates to embrace this moment with seriousness, unity, and long-term vision. “Opportunities like this do not last forever,” he reminded the room. The co-operative movement, he said, must not sit back and expect change to happen on its own. Instead, it must become proactive — pushing ideas, identifying gaps, proposing solutions, and collectively shaping decisions that will influence the trajectory of the sector for generations. A central part of his message focused on the need for unity within the co-operative movement. He urged leaders to speak with one voice, noting that fragmentation weakens negotiations and slows down progress. When co-operators present their issues in a unified and organized manner, he said, the government is far more likely to implement solutions that are practical, aligned with real needs, and beneficial to all. Unity, he stressed, is not just a slogan; it is a strategic tool for influence. Marube encouraged stakeholders to clearly articulate the sector’s priorities during the forum — whether in governance reforms, financial regulations, digital transformation, SACCO compliance, agricultural co-operative support, or the enactment of the Co-operative Bill. The government cannot act on unclear or scattered demands, he said. Clarity and coordination are essential. He also highlighted the importance of building a strong, sustainable co-operative system, noting that reforms being discussed at the forum are not merely administrative; they have direct impact on the daily lives of members. Better governance means better protection of member savings. Improved legal frameworks ensure transparency and accountability. Stronger support systems empower co-operatives to grow their businesses, expand opportunities, and uplift communities. Marube reminded delegates that co-operatives remain a cornerstone of Kenya’s economy, contributing significantly to savings, credit access, agriculture, housing, manufacturing, and trade. With over 14 million Kenyans depending on the movement, he said, the responsibility to steer the sector in the right direction is enormous. The future of families, businesses, and communities is tied to the strength of the sector — which is why meaningful engagement at this moment is crucial. As discussions throughout the forum covered policy gaps, governance reforms, the future of the Co-operative Bill, digital innovations, and sustainability strategies, Marube’s message served as a unifying thread — a call to use the government’s openness as a springboard for transformation. He underscored that the co-operative sector must not let this moment slip away. The reforms under consideration today have the power to shape tomorrow’s co-operatives — making them more resilient, more transparent, more competitive, and better positioned to address the needs of members in a fast-changing economic landscape. In conclusion, the CAK CEO urged participants to leave the forum with renewed energy and commitment. He challenged them to return to their counties, boards, and memberships with a clear purpose: to act, to influence policy, to engage government actively, and to drive the co-operative sector into a future defined by strong laws, empowered citizens, and thriving enterprises. For Marube, this forum was not just another meeting — it was a call to action. A reminder that windows of opportunity open only for a season. And that now, more than ever, the co-operative movement must rise, mobilize, and lead.Seizing a Rare Opportunity
A Government That Listens and Responds
Long-Standing Challenges
A New Era of Policy Engagement
Proactivity Over Passivity
Unity as a Strategic Tool
Clear Sector Priorities
Reforms That Impact Members
The Sector’s Economic Weight
Leveraging This Moment
Building a Resilient Future
A Call to Action