What the Project Was About

The CAK / DGRV Project was a partnership between the Co-operative Alliance of Kenya (CAK) and the German Cooperative and Raiffeisen Confederation (DGRV) aimed at strengthening governance and management systems in agricultural cooperatives and associated rural SACCOs in Kenya. The project focused on building capacity at multiple levels so cooperatives could serve their members more effectively and sustainably.

Objectives and Focus Areas

The project aimed to improve the productivity, efficiency, and sustainability of cooperatives by enhancing governance and service delivery. Key areas included:

• Conducting sector analysis and identifying pilot cooperatives for targeted support
• Developing and implementing strategies for need-based services and human resource development at CAK
• Training leaders and professionals on governance, management, and internal control systems
• Developing recommendations to improve Kenya’s cooperative governance, finance, and audit frameworks
• Facilitating experience exchange and lessons’ dissemination across the cooperative sector

Key Activities

• Governance and management training for cooperative leaders and staff
• Building CAK’s internal capacity to offer demand-oriented services to member cooperatives
• Establishing systems for better oversight and organizational control
• Strengthening networks within the national and international cooperative landscape

Target Beneficiaries

The project primarily targeted agricultural cooperatives, especially those involved in dairy, and their associated rural SACCOs, equipping them with stronger governance, leadership, and financial management skills.

Strategic Importance

By improving governance structures and management competencies, the project aimed to ensure that cooperatives could operate more efficiently, meet member needs, and contribute to long-term socio-economic development within Kenya’s cooperative sector.