Cs Oparanya Reaffirms Governments Commitment To Strengthening Cooperatives At 104th Ushirika Day Celebrations
By Admin Saturday, 4th July 2026
Photo courtesy: Photo courtesy
Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs Development, FCPA Wycliffe Oparanya, has reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening Kenya's cooperative movement through legislative reforms, improved governance, and strategic investments aimed at expanding economic opportunities for millions of Kenyans.
Speaking after attending the 104th Ushirika Day Celebrations at Uhuru Park Grounds in Nairobi, Oparanya said the event underscored the central role that cooperatives continue to play in promoting financial inclusion, wealth creation, and sustainable development across the country.
The celebrations, held under the theme "Cooperatives for a Peaceful World," brought together cooperative leaders, government officials, development partners, farmers, SACCO members, and stakeholders from across the country. The event was presided over by Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, who represented President William Ruto, the Chief Guest, who was unable to attend.
Ushirika Day Celebrates the Power of Cooperatives
The annual Ushirika Day celebrations provided an opportunity to recognize the achievements of Kenya's cooperative movement while highlighting its contribution to economic growth and social transformation.
In a message shared on his social media platforms after the event, Oparanya described the celebrations as a significant occasion that reaffirmed the importance of cooperatives in improving the lives of millions of Kenyans.
"Honoured to join the Deputy President, H.E. Prof. Kithure Kindiki, for the 104th Ushirika Day Celebrations at Uhuru Park, Nairobi City County, under the theme, 'Cooperatives for a Peaceful World.'"
He noted that the event emphasized the critical role cooperatives play in promoting economic inclusion, creating opportunities for citizens, and fostering shared prosperity across the country.
Government Pursuing Major Cooperative Reforms
Oparanya said the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs Development has embarked on far-reaching reforms aimed at strengthening cooperative societies and increasing their contribution to Kenya's economic development.
Among the key initiatives is the Cooperative Bill, which is currently at the mediation stage in Parliament. The proposed legislation seeks to modernize the legal framework governing cooperative societies by enhancing transparency, improving governance, and strengthening oversight across the sector.
According to the Cabinet Secretary, the reforms are designed to ensure cooperative institutions remain accountable, efficient, and responsive to the needs of their members.
The ministry is also spearheading amendments to the SACCO Bill to improve governance, accountability, innovation, and institutional resilience.
The proposed changes are expected to strengthen savings and credit cooperative societies by promoting prudent management practices while protecting members' savings and investments.
Stronger Governance to Build Public Confidence
Oparanya emphasized that effective governance remains the foundation of a successful cooperative movement.
He observed that stronger regulatory frameworks will help cooperative societies embrace innovation while maintaining high standards of accountability and transparency.
As cooperatives continue adopting digital technologies and expanding their services, improved governance will enhance public confidence and ensure members receive quality financial and business services.
The Cabinet Secretary noted that well-managed cooperatives are better positioned to attract investment, expand their operations, and create more opportunities for members.
Revitalizing the Coffee Subsector
The Cabinet Secretary also highlighted the government's ongoing efforts to revitalize Kenya's coffee industry through stronger cooperative societies.
Coffee remains one of Kenya's leading cash crops, with thousands of smallholder farmers relying on cooperative societies to process, market, and sell their produce.
Oparanya said the ministry is strengthening coffee cooperatives to ensure farmers receive better returns, improved services, and sustainable livelihoods.
Through improved management, better marketing systems, and enhanced value addition, the government hopes to increase farmers' incomes while restoring the competitiveness of Kenya's coffee sector in international markets.
He noted that empowering coffee cooperatives will contribute significantly to rural development and improve the livelihoods of farming communities.
Cooperatives Remain Drivers of Inclusive Growth
The Cabinet Secretary reaffirmed that cooperatives remain among Kenya's most effective vehicles for promoting inclusive economic growth.
Across the country, cooperative societies enable millions of members to save, access affordable credit, market agricultural produce, invest collectively, and improve household incomes.
From SACCOs and dairy cooperatives to housing, transport, and producer cooperatives, the movement continues to play a central role in supporting livelihoods and expanding financial inclusion.
Oparanya observed that strengthening these institutions will contribute directly to wealth creation, job opportunities, and poverty reduction.
He added that the government's broader economic agenda recognizes cooperatives as critical partners in achieving sustainable national development.
Theme Highlights Peace Through Economic Empowerment
This year's theme, "Cooperatives for a Peaceful World," emphasized the important role cooperatives play in fostering peaceful and resilient communities.
By creating economic opportunities, reducing inequality, and encouraging collective responsibility, cooperatives contribute to social cohesion and national unity.
Stakeholders attending the celebrations noted that economically empowered communities are better equipped to resolve challenges peacefully while building sustainable livelihoods.
The theme also underscored the global recognition of cooperatives as institutions that promote democracy, equality, solidarity, and shared prosperity.
Deputy President Represents President Ruto
The celebrations were officiated by Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, who represented President William Ruto as the Chief Guest.
The Deputy President joined cooperative leaders, government officials, development partners, and members of the cooperative movement in celebrating more than a century of cooperative growth in Kenya.
His presence reaffirmed the government's continued support for the sector and its commitment to implementing reforms that will enable cooperatives to remain competitive and sustainable.
Renewed Commitment to the Cooperative Movement
As the 104th Ushirika Day Celebrations concluded, Oparanya reaffirmed the government's dedication to building a stronger, more accountable, and innovative cooperative sector.
He expressed confidence that the ongoing legislative reforms, improved governance, and strategic investments will position cooperatives to contribute even more significantly to Kenya's economic transformation.
With millions of Kenyans depending on cooperative societies for savings, credit, farming, housing, and business development, the Cabinet Secretary said continued collaboration between government, cooperative leaders, and members will ensure the movement remains a powerful driver of inclusive growth and shared prosperity.
He concluded by emphasizing that a vibrant cooperative movement remains one of Kenya's strongest pathways to wealth creation, employment generation, financial inclusion, and poverty reduction, making it an indispensable pillar of the country's long-term development agenda.