Social Welfare Activities Will Take Place Around The Country For Two Months, Culminating In Co-operative Day Festivities

Date: May 17, 2022

The cooperative movement in Kenya is set to host a series of social welfare activities across the country over a period of two months, culminating in the highly anticipated Co-operative Day festivities. These activities, aimed at giving back to communities, were announced by PS Ishmail Abdi Noor of the Cooperatives during a recent briefing.

This year’s celebrations mark a significant milestone as they come after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The return of the International Month of Co-operatives, popularly known as Ushirika Day, signals renewed energy within the sector and a commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.

1. Ushirika Day 2022 Theme: Cooperatives Build a Better World

The theme for this year’s Ushirika Day, “Cooperatives Build a Better World”, underscores the cooperative movement’s central role in promoting sustainable development, social cohesion, and economic empowerment. Cooperative leaders emphasized that the theme reflects the sector’s mission to enhance livelihoods, create opportunities, and address societal challenges.

During a meeting held on Thursday at the Kenya Bankers Building, movement leaders outlined the planned activities and emphasized that cooperatives are more than financial institutions—they are vehicles for social change and community development.

2. Planned Activities During the Two-Month Period

A diverse range of activities is planned over the two-month celebration period. These initiatives aim to engage members, communities, and stakeholders in meaningful ways. Key highlights include:

• Leaders Forum: A platform for cooperative leaders to share best practices, exchange ideas, and discuss strategies for sector growth.
• Blood Donation Campaign: Mobilizing members and communities to contribute to public health and emergency preparedness.
• Community Outreach: Visits to schools, hospitals, and local communities to support education, health, and livelihood initiatives.
• Capacity Building Workshops: Training sessions aimed at improving governance, financial literacy, and cooperative management.
• Promotional Campaigns: Sensitizing the public about the benefits of joining cooperatives and promoting financial inclusion.

These activities are designed not only to celebrate the cooperative movement but also to create tangible benefits for communities and strengthen the visibility of cooperatives in Kenya.

3. Sector Achievements Amid COVID-19

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, PS Ishmail Abdi Noor highlighted that the cooperative sector has demonstrated remarkable performance over the past two years. “Even with nearly two years of disruptions, the cooperative movement has remained resilient and innovative,” he remarked.

Innovative products and services targeting education, health, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have contributed to the sector’s strong performance. Cooperatives have leveraged their member networks to ensure continuity of services, support local businesses, and maintain economic activity despite restrictions.

4. Policy Reforms and Governance Enhancements

PS Noor highlighted several policy and regulatory achievements that have strengthened the sector. Notably, the review of the National Cooperative Policy resulted in a 2020 sessional document that provides updated guidance on governance, compliance, and sector growth. These reforms ensure that cooperatives remain accountable, transparent, and responsive to member needs.

In addition, conscious efforts have been made to address the issue of non-remittance to cooperatives. Outstanding sums owed to cooperatives are being systematically reduced, ensuring stronger financial health and member trust in the system. This measure is critical for improving operational efficiency and building sustainable cooperative institutions.

5. The Role of Cooperatives in National Development

Cooperatives play a pivotal role in Kenya’s social and economic development. They provide affordable financial services, support enterprise development, and empower communities through collective action. The social welfare initiatives during the Ushirika Day celebrations are a practical demonstration of cooperatives’ commitment to national development and community well-being.

By engaging in health campaigns, educational support programs, and other community-based projects, cooperatives enhance social cohesion and create opportunities for marginalized groups. These initiatives align with Kenya’s broader development goals, including poverty reduction, financial inclusion, and sustainable growth.

6. Looking Ahead: Strengthening the Cooperative Movement

The two-month series of social welfare activities leading up to Co-operative Day 2022 is expected to inspire greater participation among members and communities. PS Noor emphasized that the cooperative movement will continue to innovate, strengthen governance, and explore new avenues for community impact.

He also noted that the cooperative sector is well-positioned to drive economic recovery post-COVID-19. By combining financial services with social responsibility initiatives, cooperatives can enhance member welfare, promote entrepreneurship, and create inclusive growth opportunities.

Conclusion

Co-operative Day 2022 and the associated two-month social welfare activities represent a renewed commitment by Kenya’s cooperative movement to community development, social responsibility, and sector growth. With the theme “Cooperatives Build a Better World”, the celebrations are a reminder that cooperatives are more than financial institutions—they are engines for social change, economic empowerment, and national development.

As Kenya’s cooperatives engage in community outreach, blood donation drives, leadership forums, and capacity-building initiatives, the sector continues to demonstrate resilience, innovation, and a commitment to improving the lives of its members and the broader public.