Day Three Of The Co-operative And Sacco Sector Chairpersons Stakeholders Meeting Focuses On Governance, Leadership And Sector Transformation

By Admin Thursday, 4^th June 2026

The third day of the Co-operative and SACCO Sector Chairpersons Stakeholders Meeting at PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort, Mombasa, was marked by intensive discussions on governance, leadership effectiveness, regulatory compliance and the future direction of Kenya’s co-operative movement. Bringing together chairpersons and vice chairpersons from co-operatives and SACCOs across the country, the forum continued to provide a valuable platform for learning, collaboration and collective problem-solving.

Facilitated by Zack Omukala of the Institute of Directors Kenya (IoDK), Dr. Victor Wambua and a Co-op Legal Expert, the day’s sessions focused on strengthening board performance, addressing governance challenges and laying the foundation for a unified leadership structure that will champion the interests of co-operatives nationwide.

Strengthening Board Effectiveness Through Good Governance

The morning session was led by Zack Omukala of the Institute of Directors Kenya (IoDK), who shared experiences from select case studies of leading co-operatives and successful governance models.

Mr. Omukala emphasized that strong governance remains the foundation of sustainable and successful co-operative institutions. He noted that boards play a critical role in shaping organizational direction, safeguarding member interests and ensuring accountability in decision-making.

Participants explored the principles of conducting effective and efficient board meetings, with discussions focusing on how boardrooms can become centers of strategic leadership rather than routine administrative engagements.

According to Mr. Omukala, productive board meetings require proper planning, clear agendas, timely circulation of board papers and disciplined discussions focused on strategic priorities. He encouraged leaders to ensure meetings are purposeful, action-oriented and aligned with organizational goals.

The Strategic Role of Board Committees

A significant part of the session focused on the role of committees in enhancing board effectiveness.

Mr. Omukala explained that well-structured committees enable boards to perform detailed oversight in key areas such as finance, audit, risk management, governance and human resource management. Through committee work, boards are able to undertake deeper analysis and make more informed decisions.

Participants discussed how effective committees contribute to accountability, transparency and improved organizational performance. They were encouraged to strengthen committee structures and ensure that committee recommendations support overall board objectives.

Managing Conflict of Interest and Boardroom Dynamics

Governance challenges associated with conflicts of interest also featured prominently in the discussions.

Mr. Omukala stressed that directors have a responsibility to uphold integrity and transparency in all board decisions. He encouraged board members to openly declare potential conflicts of interest and avoid situations that may compromise objective decision-making.

The session further examined the challenge of managing disruptive and uncooperative board members. Participants acknowledged that differences of opinion are inevitable in leadership structures but should be handled professionally and constructively.

Drawing from practical case studies, Mr. Omukala advised chairpersons to address disruptive conduct promptly while promoting a culture of respect, accountability and adherence to governance principles.

Creating Inclusive and Effective Boardrooms

The importance of creating a safe environment for objective and inclusive participation was another key theme of the morning session.

Mr. Omukala observed that boards achieve better outcomes when directors are encouraged to contribute diverse perspectives without fear of intimidation or exclusion. He urged leaders to foster open dialogue, active listening and mutual respect in board deliberations.

Participants agreed that inclusive boardrooms encourage innovation, strengthen decision-making and contribute to stronger governance outcomes.

Responding to Dynamic Changes in the Co-operative Sector

Following the tea break, participants engaged in an interactive session facilitated by Dr. Victor Wambua and the Co-op Legal Expert, focusing on how co-operative leaders can effectively respond to the rapidly evolving environment within the sector.

The session examined the changing landscape facing co-operatives and SACCOs, including technological transformation, increasing regulatory requirements, changing member expectations and emerging economic realities.

Chairpersons and vice chairpersons reviewed both the challenges and opportunities shaping co-operative leadership in Kenya today. Through open dialogue and experience sharing, participants explored practical approaches to strengthening resilience and adaptability within their institutions.

Addressing Outstanding Issues Affecting the Movement

A key objective of the session was to provide leaders with an opportunity to articulate challenges that continue to affect the co-operative movement.

Participants openly discussed governance concerns, policy gaps, operational constraints and sector-wide issues that remain unresolved. The discussions underscored the need for stronger advocacy mechanisms and enhanced engagement with policymakers and regulators.

Delegates emphasized the importance of speaking with a united voice when addressing matters that impact the growth, sustainability and competitiveness of co-operative enterprises.

Understanding Governance Directives and Regulatory Requirements

The facilitators also guided discussions on how co-operatives should respond to governance directives issued by the Ministry responsible for Co-operatives, County Governments and the SACCO Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA).

Participants explored practical experiences in implementing governance directives and complying with evolving regulatory requirements.

The discussions highlighted the importance of balancing regulatory compliance with organizational efficiency while ensuring that member interests remain protected. Leaders were encouraged to maintain proactive engagement with regulators and continuously strengthen governance systems within their institutions.

Challenges in Interpreting and Implementing New Laws

Another important area of discussion centered on obstacles and challenges encountered in interpreting and implementing new laws affecting the co-operative sector.

Participants identified legal ambiguities, implementation costs, capacity limitations and the need for continuous governance training as some of the key challenges faced by organizations.

The facilitators emphasized the importance of building leadership capacity and enhancing legal awareness to enable co-operatives to effectively navigate changing regulatory frameworks.

Formation of the Co-operative Leaders’ Caucus

The afternoon session marked a significant milestone with deliberations on the formation of the Co-operative Leaders’ Caucus.

Facilitated by Dr. Victor Wambua and the Co-op Legal Expert, the session focused on establishing a leadership platform that will strengthen advocacy, representation and coordination within the co-operative movement.

Participants discussed the election of chairpersons’ representatives who will work closely with the Co-operative Alliance of Kenya (CAK) in supporting advocacy efforts, prioritizing sector concerns and promoting key initiatives emerging from the forum.

The proposed caucus was widely viewed as an important mechanism for ensuring that the voices of co-operative leaders are effectively represented in national discussions affecting the sector.

Endorsement of Caucus Leadership and Working Framework

Delegates also considered the presentation of caucus members for endorsement and the nomination of the caucus chairperson.

Discussions focused on ensuring broad representation, inclusivity and effective leadership capable of advancing the interests of co-operatives across different regions and sectors.

The meeting further reviewed a draft caucus working framework, including proposed Terms of Reference (TORs), governance structures and operational responsibilities. Participants examined how the framework could support coordinated advocacy, policy engagement and implementation of sector resolutions.

Determining the Next Steps

As discussions progressed, delegates identified the next steps necessary for operationalizing the caucus and ensuring its effectiveness.

Participants emphasized the importance of sustained engagement, regular consultations and structured communication among co-operative leaders. There was broad agreement that the caucus should serve as a strategic platform for promoting good governance, strengthening leadership and advancing sector priorities.

The formation of the caucus was viewed as a major achievement of the forum and a critical step toward building a stronger and more coordinated co-operative movement.

Conclusion of the Forum

The third day also marked the formal conclusion of the Chairpersons and Vice Chairpersons Forum 2026.

Participants reflected on the valuable lessons, insights and experiences gained throughout the three-day engagement. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening governance, enhancing accountability and advancing leadership excellence within their organizations.

Closing remarks were delivered, followed by a vote of thanks and a prayer that officially brought the forum to an end.

Looking Ahead

With the forum successfully concluded, participants are expected to travel back to their respective co-operatives and homes on June 5, 2026.

They leave Mombasa equipped with new knowledge, practical governance tools and strengthened networks that will support their leadership responsibilities. The resolutions, partnerships and leadership structures established during the meeting are expected to contribute significantly to the continued growth, resilience and transformation of Kenya’s co-operative and SACCO sector.

As the sector continues to evolve, the discussions and commitments made during the Co-operative and SACCO Sector Chairpersons Stakeholders Meeting are expected to play a critical role in shaping a stronger, more accountable and more responsive co-operative movement for the benefit of millions of members across the country.