The Way Forward For Cooperatives As the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan Is Launched
The Ministry of Cooperatives and Micro and Small Enterprise Development, through the State Department for Cooperatives, has officially launched its 2023-2027 Strategic Plan to enhance the cooperative sector.
This plan aims to strengthen cooperatives by providing a comprehensive policy, legal, and regulatory framework, alongside capacity-building initiatives.
Speaking at the launch, Cabinet Secretary Dr. Wycliffe Oparanya emphasized the importance of addressing structural and focus-related challenges within the cooperative movement.
He highlighted that President William Ruto recognized the need for a dedicated ministry to oversee the cooperative sector effectively.
To ensure the cooperative movement thrives, Dr. Oparanya stressed the necessity of proper coordination between national and county governments.
He stated:”The cooperative movement is a shared function between county and national governments. Without proper coordination, challenges will persist.”
He further called for collaboration with county governments to address gaps that could hinder progress, adding:
“Unless we actually focus and agree with the county governments on how to address deficiencies, it will be very difficult for us to achieve our objectives as a ministry.”
The Way Forward For Cooperatives As the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan Is Launched
Principal Secretary Patrick Kilemi also underscored the strategic plan’s alignment with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, highlighting its role in expanding financial access and strengthening social protection for cooperative members.
He noted: “This emphasizes cooperatives’ crucial role in national development.”
Reaffirming his commitment to the plan’s success, he urged all stakeholders to reflect on existing commitments and tackle challenges that could limit the sector’s potential.
To drive the plan’s implementation, CS Oparanya called for active engagement and support from all involved parties, concluding: “Together, we can create a thriving and sustainable MSME ecosystem that drives Kenya’s economic transformation and ensures shared prosperity for all.”
