The County Department of Cooperatives and Enterprise Development has launched a countywide capacity-building initiative aimed at strengthening the operations of cooperative societies to enhance resource mobilization, governance, and economic growth.

Speaking on Tuesday at the New Progressive Farmers Cooperative Society during a training session for members drawn from Moiben and Karuna/Meibeki wards, Deputy Governor H.E. Hon. Evans Kapkea urged cooperative leaders to uphold good governance, integrity, and effective management to ensure sustained growth.

“As a county, we have our County Enterprise Development Fund (CEDF), which we offer at very low interest rates. However, it is important that beneficiaries repay the funds promptly so others can also benefit,” said Kapkea. He further encouraged societies to emulate well-managed cooperatives to achieve similar success and resilience.

Chief Officer for Cooperatives, Elphas Kesio, called on cooperatives to embrace diversification as a key driver of economic stability. “Let’s diversify our products because this is the surest way to make money, create wealth, and strengthen our societies financially,” he advised.

The chairman of the New Progressive Society, Mr. Johnson Seroney commended the county government for hosting the training at their facility and encouraged fellow societies to collaborate for collective financial growth.

Participants received training in several key areas, including financial management, digitization and automation of cooperative services, diversification, leadership, and critical thinking.

Directors Kipleting Mengich (CEDF), Drucilla Cherogony (Cooperatives), and Samuel Wambugu (Audit) were among the officials who joined hundreds of cooperative members during the session.