Ushirika Day 2025: Celebrating Unity, Inclusivity, And Sustainable Growth At Kicc Grounds, Nairobi

By Admin

On Saturday, 12th July 2025, thousands of cooperative members and stakeholders from across Kenya convened at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) Grounds in Nairobi to celebrate the National Ushirika Day. This grand event, marked by unity, purpose, and a shared commitment to cooperative values, brought together representatives from diverse cooperative societies, government officials, and key leaders within Kenya’s vibrant cooperative movement.

A Thoughtful Shift in Celebrations to Foster Greater Participation

While the official global Ushirika Day was commemorated on 5th July 2025, several counties in Kenya held their celebrations on the same date. The national event, however, was intentionally scheduled for the 12th of July to provide cooperative members with the opportunity to participate fully in both the county-level and national celebrations. This staggered approach was designed to maximize attendance and inclusivity, ensuring that members from all corners of the country could engage meaningfully in these important commemorations.

This year’s scheduling not only allowed for broader participation but also helped strengthen national unity within the cooperative movement. It underscored the spirit of collaboration and mutual support that forms the foundation of Kenya’s cooperatives, encouraging cooperative societies to work hand in hand towards shared development goals.

Theme Reflects the Cooperative Movement’s Vital Role in Kenya’s Future

The 2025 Ushirika Day celebrations were held under the inspiring theme: “Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World.” This theme was carefully chosen to highlight the increasingly significant role cooperatives play in fostering social inclusion, economic equity, and environmental sustainability.

Cooperatives have long been recognized as powerful vehicles for economic empowerment and community development. By pooling resources and sharing risks, cooperative members are able to access financial services, improve livelihoods, and build resilient communities. The theme reflected a forward-looking vision that positions cooperatives at the heart of Kenya’s efforts to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs), including poverty alleviation, gender equality, and climate action.

The National Ushirika Day Celebration: An Event of National Significance

The event was graced by some of Kenya’s top government officials and cooperative sector leaders, signaling strong political will and commitment to nurturing the cooperative movement.

His Excellency the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Musalia Mudavadi, was the chief guest at the celebration. In his keynote address, Hon. Mudavadi emphasized the transformative power of cooperatives in uplifting communities across Kenya. He stressed how cooperative societies are fundamental in advancing the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which aims to drive inclusive economic growth by empowering grassroots communities.

Hon. Mudavadi highlighted that cooperatives create opportunities for wealth generation, improve access to essential services, and foster social cohesion. He called on cooperative members to harness the collective power of their societies to innovate and deliver solutions that are sustainable and inclusive. By doing so, he said, cooperatives would not only strengthen the Kenyan economy but also contribute to building a better world.

Other Key Dignitaries in Attendance

The celebration also saw the presence of several other distinguished guests who play critical roles in the cooperative ecosystem:

  • Hon. Wycliffe Oparanya, Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives, who reiterated the government’s unwavering support for cooperatives as engines of socio-economic transformation.
  • Hon. Hanna Cheptumo, Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture and Children Services, emphasized the importance of integrating gender inclusivity and protecting vulnerable groups within cooperative frameworks.
  • Permanent Secretary Carren Ageng’o, from the Children Welfare Services, highlighted the role of cooperatives in creating better futures for children by improving family incomes and social safety nets.
  • Permanent Secretaries Aurelia Rono (Parliamentary Affairs) and Patrick Kilemi (State Department for Cooperatives) further underlined the collaborative effort between different government departments and the cooperative sector.
  • Commissioner for Cooperatives, David Obonyo, who spoke on the regulatory and developmental role of his office in ensuring that cooperative societies remain transparent, accountable, and responsive to members’ needs.
  • Leadership from the Cooperative Alliance of Kenya (CAK) and other key strategic partners were also present, reaffirming their commitment to promoting cooperative principles and ensuring sustainable growth.

      • The Role of Cooperatives in Kenya’s Socio-Economic Development

      Cooperatives in Kenya have a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. Originally established to support farmers and artisans by pooling resources and providing access to markets and credit, cooperatives have evolved into diverse entities that span sectors such as agriculture, finance, housing, education, and health services.

      Today, Kenya boasts a vibrant cooperative movement with millions of members and thousands of registered cooperative societies. These societies contribute significantly to the country’s GDP, create employment opportunities, and facilitate inclusive access to financial and social services.

      The government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which focuses on empowering grassroots communities through inclusive economic policies, aligns closely with the cooperative movement’s objectives. Cooperatives serve as practical platforms for implementing BETA’s vision by mobilizing savings, providing credit, and enabling members to participate actively in the economy.

      Driving Inclusivity and Sustainability: Key Focus Areas

      This year’s Ushirika Day theme also spotlighted the need for cooperatives to embrace sustainability — not just economic sustainability but also environmental and social sustainability.

      • Inclusivity: Cooperatives are uniquely positioned to promote inclusivity by ensuring that marginalized groups such as women, youth, persons with disabilities, and rural populations have equitable access to opportunities. The event highlighted ongoing efforts to mainstream gender equality and youth empowerment within cooperative societies.
      • Sustainability: Cooperatives are encouraged to adopt environmentally responsible practices to safeguard natural resources for future generations. This includes supporting climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy projects, and waste reduction initiatives.

      The synergy between cooperative principles and sustainable development goals offers Kenya a powerful pathway to achieving long-term prosperity and social justice.

      Celebrating Success and Looking Ahead

      The 2025 Ushirika Day celebration was more than a ceremonial gathering; it was a platform to share success stories, recognize outstanding cooperative leaders, and forge stronger partnerships. The day featured presentations, exhibitions, and panel discussions that showcased innovative cooperative models and best practices from across the country.

      Participants left the event energized and motivated to strengthen their societies, expand membership, and implement impactful projects that align with the national development agenda.

      Gratitude and the Path Forward

      The organizers extended heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated and contributed to the success of the national celebration — from government officials and cooperative leaders to the countless members whose dedication keeps the movement alive.

      As Kenya continues on its journey towards an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future, cooperatives remain a beacon of hope and empowerment. The message from Ushirika Day 2025 was clear: Together, we grow stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient.