Deputy President Kindiki Calls For Stronger Cooperatives To Drive Kenyas Economic Transformation
By Admin Saturday, 4th July 2026
Photo courtesy: Photo courtesy
Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki has reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening Kenya's cooperative movement, describing it as one of the country's greatest economic success stories and a critical pillar in driving inclusive growth, wealth creation, and national development.
Speaking during the 104th National Ushirika Day Celebrations held at Uhuru Park, Nairobi City County, Kindiki said Kenya's cooperative sector continues to stand out globally due to its extensive membership, strong savings culture, and significant contribution to the country's economy.
The Deputy President represented President William Ruto, who was the Chief Guest but was unable to attend the celebrations marking the World Day of Cooperatives. The event brought together government leaders, cooperative officials, SACCO executives, farmers, development partners, and thousands of cooperative members from across the country under the theme "Cooperatives for a Peaceful World."
Kenya's Cooperative Movement Among the World's Best
Addressing participants during the celebrations, Kindiki highlighted the remarkable growth of Kenya's cooperative sector, noting that it ranks among the most successful cooperative movements globally.
According to the Deputy President, the country currently has approximately 14 million cooperative members, demonstrating the enormous role cooperatives continue to play in improving livelihoods and expanding economic opportunities.
He further noted that eight million Kenyans are members of Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs), whose combined savings now exceed KSh1 trillion, making the cooperative movement one of the country's most powerful financial ecosystems.
The impressive figures, he said, illustrate the confidence that millions of Kenyans have placed in cooperative institutions as vehicles for savings, investment, and economic empowerment.
"The cooperative sector has become one of the strongest foundations of Kenya's economy by mobilizing domestic savings and supporting productive investments across various sectors," Kindiki observed.
Cooperatives Empower Communities Through Collective Action
The Deputy President emphasized that cooperatives remain effective instruments for empowering ordinary citizens by enabling them to pool resources, reduce financial risks, and collectively build sustainable enterprises.
Whether in agriculture, housing, transport, manufacturing, or financial services, cooperatives have enabled millions of Kenyans to access opportunities that would otherwise remain beyond their individual reach.
By working together, members are able to increase productivity, improve access to affordable credit, negotiate better market prices, and build wealth collectively.
Kindiki noted that this cooperative model has continued to strengthen communities while promoting financial inclusion and economic resilience across the country.
He added that cooperative societies have become indispensable institutions in supporting smallholder farmers, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), salaried workers, and entrepreneurs seeking affordable financial services.
Government Rolling Out Comprehensive Reforms
Recognizing the strategic importance of the cooperative sector, Kindiki said the government has embarked on comprehensive reforms aimed at strengthening cooperative institutions and positioning them for long-term sustainability.
He said the reforms are focused on creating more transparent, better-governed, professionally managed, financially resilient, and technology-driven cooperative institutions.
The government believes that strengthening governance structures will improve accountability, protect members' savings, and enhance public confidence in cooperative societies.
Modern management systems, enhanced oversight, and digital transformation are expected to improve service delivery while enabling cooperatives to compete effectively in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
The Deputy President noted that the reforms will also help cooperative societies adapt to changing economic realities while remaining responsive to the evolving needs of their members.
Technology to Shape the Future of Cooperatives
Kindiki observed that embracing technology will be central to the future growth of Kenya's cooperative movement.
As digital financial services continue transforming the economy, cooperative societies are expected to adopt modern technologies that improve efficiency, strengthen governance, and enhance customer experience.
Technology, he said, will enable cooperatives to expand financial inclusion, streamline operations, improve transparency, and provide faster, more reliable services to millions of members.
Digital innovation is also expected to strengthen cybersecurity, improve record management, facilitate mobile financial services, and expand access to cooperative products in both rural and urban areas.
Building Financially Resilient Institutions
The Deputy President emphasized that financial resilience remains a priority for the government as it seeks to protect cooperative members and ensure long-term sustainability.
He said stronger institutions will be better equipped to withstand economic shocks while continuing to support members through affordable credit, savings products, insurance services, and investment opportunities.
Professional leadership, prudent financial management, and effective regulatory oversight will remain essential in ensuring cooperatives continue serving their members with integrity and efficiency.
Kindiki said the government's ongoing reforms are designed to create institutions capable of adapting to future challenges while maintaining financial stability.
Cooperatives Central to Kenya's Economic Transformation
The Deputy President reiterated that the government's long-term vision is to position cooperatives as stronger drivers of Kenya's economic transformation.
He noted that cooperative societies already play an essential role in agriculture, manufacturing, housing, transport, trade, and financial services, making them key contributors to employment creation and national economic growth.
By strengthening cooperative institutions, the government hopes to unlock additional investment opportunities, stimulate enterprise development, and improve household incomes across the country.
Kindiki observed that a vibrant cooperative movement aligns with the government's broader agenda of promoting inclusive economic growth and empowering citizens through sustainable development.
He expressed confidence that continued reforms would enable cooperatives to contribute even more significantly to Kenya's future prosperity.
Ushirika Day Celebrates a Century of Cooperative Progress
The 104th National Ushirika Day Celebrations served as an opportunity to celebrate more than a century of achievements by Kenya's cooperative movement while recognizing its enduring contribution to national development.
Held annually to coincide with the World Day of Cooperatives, the event brings together stakeholders from across the country to reflect on progress, share experiences, and discuss strategies for strengthening the sector.
This year's theme, "Cooperatives for a Peaceful World," highlighted the role cooperatives play in promoting social cohesion, economic inclusion, and shared prosperity.
Leaders attending the celebrations emphasized that economically empowered communities are better positioned to foster peace, reduce inequality, and create sustainable livelihoods.
Renewed Optimism for the Sector
As the celebrations concluded at Uhuru Park, stakeholders expressed optimism that the government's ongoing reforms will usher in a new era of growth for Kenya's cooperative movement.
With millions of members and more than KSh1 trillion in SACCO savings, the cooperative sector remains one of the country's most important economic pillars.
Deputy President Kindiki reaffirmed that the government will continue working with cooperative leaders, regulators, and development partners to strengthen governance, accelerate digital transformation, and build resilient institutions capable of meeting the needs of future generations.
He concluded by emphasizing that stronger cooperatives will remain central to Kenya's journey toward inclusive economic transformation, wealth creation, financial empowerment, and sustainable national development, ensuring that the cooperative movement continues to improve the lives of millions of Kenyans for decades to come.