Uasin Gishu County Deputy Governor H.E. Evans Kapkea on Monday hosted the Cabinet Secretary for Co-operatives and MSME Development, Hon. Wycliffe Oparanya, during a consultative meeting with members of the Moi University Savings and Credit Society (MUSCO), marking the official reinstatement of the SACCO’s operating certificate.
The meeting focused on the future of MUSCO, restoring members’ confidence, and safeguarding their savings following the revocation of liquidation orders that had halted the SACCO’s operations.
The reinstatement marks a significant milestone for MUSCO members after years of uncertainty caused by poor governance, weak internal controls, and mismanagement of members’ funds—challenges that eroded trust and prompted regulatory intervention.
Presiding over the event, CS Oparanya said the decision to reinstate MUSCO was part of broader government efforts to restore confidence in the cooperative sector while protecting members’ interests. He noted that the move followed the implementation of corrective measures aimed at addressing governance and compliance gaps that had previously crippled the SACCO’s operations.
Addressing the gathering, the Cabinet Secretary outlined key challenges affecting SACCOs countrywide, citing embezzlement of members’ savings, weak governance structures, poor record-keeping, political interference, and failure to comply with regulatory frameworks as the main causes behind the collapse of many cooperatives, including MUSCO’s past struggles.
CS Oparanya issued a stern warning to SACCO officials involved in fraud, abuse of office, and misappropriation of funds, stating that the government would not hesitate to take decisive administrative and legal action against those found culpable. He emphasized that government intervention or reinstatement should never be misconstrued as a license for malpractice.
He urged MUSCO’s leadership and members to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and financial discipline, noting that sustainable cooperatives are anchored on trust, accountability, and strict adherence to the law.
Deputy Governor Kapkea welcomed the Cabinet Secretary and reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the cooperative movement. He stressed that the revival process would be closely monitored to ensure members fully benefit, noting that strong leadership, openness, and prudent financial management will be key to rebuilding trust and protecting members’ savings.
Also in attendance was Prof. Margaret Kamar, a founding member and patron of MUSCO, who called for unity, responsible leadership, and strict adherence to cooperative principles as the SACCO charts a new path forward.
The Cabinet Secretary was accompanied by the Commissioner for Co-operative Development and senior officials from the Ministry of Co-operatives and MSME Development.
The reinstatement of MUSCO’s certificate is expected to usher in a new chapter for the SACCO, with stakeholders expressing optimism that enhanced oversight, reformed governance structures, and transparent management will place members’ interests at the centre of its operations.
Among other dignitaries present were county officials led by County Secretary Philip Meli, CECM for Cooperatives Sam Kotut, and Directors Kipleting Mengich (Enterprise), Drucilla Cherogony (Co-operatives), and Samuel Wambugu (Co-operative Audit), as well as MUSCO members.
