Cooperative and MSME Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya. Photo | courtesy.
The Ministry of Cooperatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) has ushered in a new era for Kenya’s cooperative movement with the official appointment of a Transition Board for the Kenya Union of Savings and Credit Cooperatives (KUSCCO).
According to the government, the move marks a significant step forward in a broader agenda to reform the country’s SACCO sector.
The newly appointed board, sanctioned by the Commissioner for Cooperative Development, will serve a two-year mandate and is expected to lead a comprehensive restructuring of KUSCCO.
This follows the exit of the interim board that has been at the helm since May 1, 2024.
Speaking during the inauguration, Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs, Wycliffe Oparanya, acknowledged the outgoing team for guiding KUSCCO through a challenging transition period, particularly in the aftermath of a major financial mismanagement crisis.
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The incoming board will oversee crucial tasks, including asset recovery, strengthening internal governance, safeguarding members’ interests, and steering KUSCCO toward its anticipated transformation into a National Cooperative Federation.
This transition is part of wider government-led reforms aimed at improving operational transparency and sectoral resilience.
The new Transition Board comprises; David Mategwa, Jennifer Mburu, Robert Njue, Osmane Khatolwa, John Ziro, Brenda Obondo, Philip Rirei, Michael Muriithi, Priscilla Maranga, Mary Kweyu, and Charles Kioko.
Oparanya underscored the Ministry’s unwavering dedication to revitalizing the SACCO movement.
He noted that the board’s installation, coupled with the recent formation of a Committee of Experts tasked with reviewing the SACCO Societies Act, underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring robust and sustainable cooperative systems.
“These appointments are part of a deliberate and strategic reform initiative aimed at fostering trust, accountability, and long-term viability in the SACCO ecosystem,” Dr. Oparanya stated.
He further cited ongoing legislative initiatives such as the Co-operative Societies Bill, 2024, now under Senate review, and proposed amendments to the SACCO Societies Act, as central to fortifying good governance practices across the sector.
“We commend both the Committee of Experts and the newly inaugurated KUSCCO Transition Board,” the CS added.
“Their stewardship will be vital in shaping a secure and progressive future for millions of SACCO members across the country.”
