Kaplesa Cooperative Society is set for a fresh start after the County Government of Uasin Gishu reaffirmed its commitment to revitalizing the society’s dairy operations and strengthening cooperative development in the area.

Speaking in Ziwa Ward during a meeting with members and leaders of the society, the County Executive Committee Member for Cooperatives, Dr. Zeal Chebunet, assured farmers that the county government would support efforts to restore the cooperative to its former glory.

Dr. Chebunet urged members to remain committed to the cooperative movement, noting that strong and vibrant cooperatives are key to improving farmers’ incomes and enhancing economic growth at the grassroots level.

He further announced that the county government will channel community-benefiting initiatives through cooperative societies, including the upcoming distribution of coffee seedlings, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen farmer organizations and increase community participation in development programs.

Area MCA Hon.Ezekiel Kodi pledged to support society’s growth by constructing an animal feed store within the cooperative to enable farmers to access feeds conveniently and at affordable costs.

“The Governor is building an animal feed processing plant, and once operational, feeds will be supplied to the store and others across the county,” said Hon. Kodi.

Cooperatives Chief Officer Elphas Kesio challenged society’s management to intensify membership recruitment efforts to increase milk volumes, strengthen the cooperative’s financial base, and maximize returns for farmers. He also encouraged the leadership to diversify income-generating activities to enhance sustainability and resilience.

Records indicate that during the 2018/2019 period, Kaplesa Cooperative Society was collecting up to 6,000 litres of milk per week before operations stalled. After years of inactivity, the society resumed operations this month, raising optimism among members and local farmers.

Through their chairman, members appealed to the county government for operational and working capital support to help the cooperative stabilize its activities, improve milk collection, and ensure timely payments to farmer suppliers.

The revival of Kaplesa Cooperative Society is expected to boost dairy farming in the area, improve farmers’ market access, and contribute to the county’s broader agenda to strengthen cooperative enterprises as engines of rural economic transformation.