Harnessing East Africa's Potential Through Regional Co-operatives Collaboration To Uptake Opportunities Of East African Community To Be Held On 20th - 24th September, 2022 At Mt. Meru Hotel Arusha - Tanzania

Receive warm cooperative greetings from the Co-operative Alliance of Kenya. Co-operatives are unique economic and social enterprises that are established by people based on cooperative principles, values, and philosophy. In Africa, cooperatives were introduced during the colonial administration, primarily to modernize and commercialize colonial economies. Unlike other forms of enterprises, they are member-owned, member-driven, and democratically managed organizations that provide solutions to their members and their communities. These cooperatives cut across all sectors of our economies and hence play a key role in attaining the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Based on cooperatives’ two principles of Cooperation among cooperatives and Education, Training and information, CAK has scheduled to hold The East African Cooperatives Conference in Arusha. The theme for the conference will be “Regional cooperative collaboration to build sustainable cooperative enterprises” It is in the spirit of accelerating economic growth and development for the common market in the regional block of the East Africa Community member states, that regional integration, a global development strategy adopted by most African states aimed at harmoniously working together to improve the livelihoods of its people has been the cornerstone of EAC. This resonates well with who we are as cooperatives and hence, the need to be part of this journey. The key objectives of this high valued conference include: 1. To provide an avenue for East African cooperatives to establish linkages, networks, and areas of collaboration and cooperation. 2. To share knowledge and experience in proven best practices to improve our processes and optimize resources to serve our members better. 3. To discuss the opportunities, challenges, and risks facing cooperatives in East Africa and how they can be addressed. 4. To deliberate on improving the competitiveness of the cooperative to take advantage of the expanded market within the Community riding on the integration pillar of the common market. 5. To adopt common approaches towards the disadvantaged and marginalized groups, including women, children, the youth, the elderly, and persons with disabilities aimed at employment creation, poverty alleviation, and improving working conditions. The vibrant and dynamic cooperative movement in Kenya has thrived through the unrelenting support of the government and use of best practices in the industry and greater support from the national apex body whose mandate has been to lobby and advocate for a favorable legal and policy environment. We believe we have much to share as well as learn from other member states to establish baselines, define best practices, identify improvement opportunities and create a competitive environment within the organization. As our pertinent members, we humbly request that you join us in this noble endeavor as we learn and exchange ideas as well as network within the regional block for the advancement of the cooperative movement in Africa at large. Arusha being the headquarter for EAC, we shall have the privilege to learn and visit the EAC organs which are: the East African Court of Justice, the East African Legislative Assembly, and the Secretariat. The forum targets the following: Board of Directors of Co-operative Societies, Chief Executive Officers, County Executive Committee members (CEC), County Chief Officers of Co-operatives, County Directors of Co-operatives, and Senior management staff The charges for this investment are Kshs.188,000/= per participant. Confirmations should be made by 10Th September 2022. This cost is subjected to USD exchange rates valid up to this specified date. It is COMPULSORY that all participants should have a COVID-19 vaccination certificate and preferably get the booster shots as well as YELLOW FEVER certification for entry at the border point. You are reminded to carry your National ID card/Passport. The cost will cater for; Full board accommodation in the prestigious Mount Meru Hotel, Meals on full board for 4 days with a soft drink per meal, Conferencing materials, Services of a professional tour guide driver from Arusha, pick up and drop off within the Nairobi area. Co-operative Alliance of Kenya will provide transport from Nairobi on 20th September 2022 at 7.00 am and back on Saturday 23Rd July 2022. Those who wish to use their private transport should let us know in advance. For those willing to fly, we will readily book the air tickets on your behalf and facilitate air transfers. All payments are to be made to Co-operative Alliance of Kenya Ltd Account No.01120161356900 Coop Bank, Karen branch, strictly on or before 15th September 2022, and Confirmation is by payment. Hotel room allocation will be on a first come first serve basis. Mount Meru has limited rooms, and late confirmations will lead to bookings done in nearby hotels.