Governor Jonathan Bii has called on Uasin Gishu County Cooperative Societies to invest their resources in the city of Champions saying many cities across the world developed as a result of the investments installed by the Cooperatives Societies.

While speaking on Saturday at the County headquarters during the celebration of 101 Cooperatives Day themed; Cooperatives for Sustainable Development Bii said Co-op Societies have what it takes on matters creating employment and steering social, economic and development programs in every sector.

He said his administration is working to revitalize the dairy sector and operationalizing the already established 46 milk cooling plants spread across the wards for farmers to get value for their milk value chain further urging farmers to prioritize savings.

The Department of Cooperatives and Enterprise Development has so far trained over 65000 members of different societies on the importance of savings.

“We have implemented programs such as reviving and capacity building of cooperatives for them to work towards attaining their set goals” noted Governor Bii.

The county boss said that his administration is also working with the Presidential Economic Transformation Secretariat on the creation of one vibrant co-op society per ward to handle various value chains further noting that engagement with development partners to see the completion of Moisoy maize milling plant is ongoing for farmers to increase their income.

On his part, Deputy Governor Eng John Barorot challenged the societies to take advantage of the upcoming Industrial Park for value-addition purposes.

“Let us think big about what we can do so that we can benefit from this Park. As leadership we will enable you to do more especially on value addition so that we create employment” added Barorot.

Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs Ismail Madey and his counterpart for Sports and Arts Eng Peter Tum affirmed their support to the governor on the revival of dormant co-ops across the county.

“As a ministry, we deal with identification, nurturing and monitoring of various talents and we will work with your Administration to identify these talents for the ministry to support,” said Eng Tum.

County Executive Committee Member for Trade Industrialization Tourism Cooperatives and Enterprise Development Martha Cheruto said her docket currently has correct Acts and Regulations that will necessitate operationalization and implementation of its mandate.

During the celebration, various Cooperative Societies and Saccos were awarded certificates for their exemplary services.

Various CECMs, Chief Officers, Directors, Co-op and Trade officers were among the dignitaries who attended the event.