Chairpersons And Vice Chairpersons Convene In Mombasa For Governance And Compliance Discussions

By Admin Wednesday, 3rd June 2026

The Chairpersons and Vice Chairpersons Stakeholder Forum officially commenced today at PrideInn Paradise, Mombasa, bringing together cooperative and SACCO leaders from across the country for a high-level engagement on governance, leadership, and institutional compliance.

The forum has been organized by the Co-operative Alliance of Kenya (CAK) in collaboration with the Institute of Directors Kenya (IODK) under the theme:

“How to Strengthen Board Effectiveness and Institutional Compliance in light of the New Cooperative Bill 2024 and SASRA Regulations.”

The opening session was led by Dr. Victor Wambua alongside the CAK Secretariat, setting the tone for a strategic leadership engagement focused on strengthening governance structures within cooperatives and SACCOs.

In his introductory remarks, CAK CEO Mr. Daniel Marube welcomed participants and emphasized the critical role played by Chairpersons and Vice Chairpersons in steering cooperative institutions through a rapidly evolving regulatory and operational environment.

He noted that the introduction of the New Cooperative Bill 2024 and the increasing focus on compliance under SASRA regulations require cooperative leaders to strengthen accountability, ethical governance, institutional oversight, and strategic leadership.

The morning session, facilitated by Prof. Charles Mayaka, CEO of the Institute of Directors Kenya (IODK), focused on the functions of the Board and board processes. Discussions centered on positioning the board at the pinnacle of leadership, clarifying the roles and responsibilities of directors, and addressing governance and ethical gaps affecting institutions.

Participants explored how effective boards can provide strategic direction while ensuring transparency, accountability, and sustainable growth within cooperative institutions.

Later in the day, Mr. Laban Omangi of IODK led an engaging session on “Leading from the Front,” highlighting the distinct role of the Chairperson in providing leadership, inspiration, and institutional priorities.

The session further examined:

  • Leadership for transformation and competitiveness in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations
  • Risk forecasting and management for resilient cooperatives
  • The importance of visionary leadership in navigating emerging sector challenges

Speakers emphasized that modern cooperative leadership must go beyond traditional governance approaches by embracing innovation, resilience, digital transformation, and proactive risk management.

The forum also provided participants with an opportunity for open networking and peer learning, enabling leaders to exchange experiences, discuss governance challenges, and identify practical solutions for strengthening institutional performance.

The stakeholders’ engagement continues tomorrow with discussions focusing on conducting effective board meetings, managing conflict of interest, responding to dynamic changes in the cooperative sector, and the formation of a cooperative leaders’ caucus to strengthen sector advocacy and representation.

The Co-operative Alliance of Kenya remains committed to promoting effective leadership, strong governance, and sustainable growth within Kenya’s cooperative movement.

CAK (Co-operative Alliance of Kenya)