The County Government of Uasin Gishu, through the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), has invested KSh 86 million in more than 60 cooperative societies in a move aimed at strengthening farmer organizations, improving productivity and enhancing household incomes.

Speaking on Saturday during the 104th International Cooperative Day celebrations held at the county headquarters, Deputy Governor H.E. Evans Kapkea said the investment underscores the county’s commitment to empowering cooperatives as key drivers of economic growth and social transformation.

Kapkea said the initiative is intended to build resilient and sustainable cooperative societies capable of creating employment opportunities, improving market access and uplifting the livelihoods of members.

He noted that the county administration remains committed to strengthening the cooperative movement through increased investment, capacity building and policy support.

The Deputy Governor further revealed that the county has so far disbursed more than KSh 700 million to cooperative societies through various empowerment programmes, urging beneficiaries to repay enterprise loans promptly to enable more cooperatives to access the revolving funds.

Chairperson of the County Assembly Committee on Cooperatives, Hon. Hillary Kipchumba, pledged to champion legislation that will strengthen the cooperative sector by providing adequate resources for training, lending and institutional development.

County Executive Committee Member for Cooperatives, Dr. Philip Chebunet, challenged cooperative leaders to uphold good governance, transparency and accountability, saying poor management has contributed to the collapse of many societies.

He warned officials accused of misappropriating members’ funds that the county will not tolerate corruption and that those found culpable will face the full force of the law.

Dr. Chebunet also encouraged cooperative societies to embrace digitization and automation to improve record-keeping, operational efficiency and service delivery.

Chief Officer for Cooperatives Elphas Kesio urged farmer cooperative societies to actively participate in agricultural value chains to increase returns and competitiveness.

He further encouraged farmers to diversify into high-value crops to boost incomes and improve the sustainability of their cooperative enterprises.

The celebrations, held under the theme “Cooperatives for a Peaceful World,” brought together cooperative leaders, farmers, county officials and stakeholders who reaffirmed the critical role of cooperatives in promoting inclusive economic development, food security and social cohesion.

Directors Kipleting Mengich(Enterprise), Drucilla Cherogony(Cooperatives), Samuel Wambugu(Co-op Audit), and Wainaina Kimingi(Admin Co-op) were among those present during the event.