Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has a word with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during the Ushirika Day celebrations at Uhuru Park, Nairobi, on July 4, 2026/DPCS
The government is fast-tracking the enactment of the new Cooperatives Bill, with President William Ruto expected to sign it into law within a month as part of wide-ranging reforms aimed at modernising the sector and improving governance.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the proposed law will enhance transparency, strengthen accountability and embrace digital technology to make cooperatives more efficient and responsive to the needs of millions of members across the country.
Speaking during the 104th Ushirika Day celebrations at Uhuru Park in Nairobi on Saturday, Kindiki said the reforms are part of the Kenya Kwanza administration's broader strategy to strengthen the cooperative movement and position it at the centre of the country's economic transformation agenda.
"Within a month, the Bill will be signed into law by the President so that we can modernise this sector, improve transparency and governance as well as make it digitally conversant," Kindiki said.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki at the police sacco tent during the Ushirika Day celebrations at Uhuru Park, Nairobi on July 4, 2026/DPCS
He noted that the establishment of a standalone Ministry of Cooperatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises demonstrates the government's commitment to revitalising the sector.
According to the Deputy President, the Cooperatives Bill, together with ongoing reforms in the Savings and Credit Cooperative (Sacco) sector, will strengthen public confidence by promoting sound governance and safeguarding members' savings.
"The Cooperatives Bill currently before Parliament, alongside the ongoing Sacco reforms, will reinforce public confidence by promoting sound governance and protecting the savings of the more than eight million Kenyans who have entrusted Saccos with deposits exceeding Sh1 trillion," he said.
Representatives from Mwalimu Sacco march with a banner during the Ushirika Day celebrations at Uhuru Park, Nairobi, on July 4, 2026/DPCS
Kindiki said cooperatives have played a critical role in improving livelihoods by helping farmers access better markets, enabling workers to save and obtain affordable credit, and supporting families to educate their children, build homes and establish businesses.
He said the government is keen on creating a modern legal and regulatory framework that will enable cooperative societies to grow, compete effectively and deliver greater value to their members.
"Our goal is to build cooperative institutions that are transparent, financially sound, professionally managed and resilient enough to drive inclusive economic growth and support the successful implementation of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda," he said.
The DP also challenged cooperatives to attract more young people and women into membership and leadership positions, saying their participation is key to the sustainability of the movement.
"We must encourage the youth to keep this tradition of joining the cooperative movement to be able to succeed in business and other ventures," he said.
Representatives from Reli cooperative society march with a banner during the Ushirika day celebrations at Uhuru Park, Nairobi, on July 4, 2026/DPCS
Kindiki said cooperatives are well placed to support the government's flagship programmes, including increasing agricultural productivity, strengthening micro, small and medium enterprises, expanding affordable housing, supporting Universal Health Coverage and advancing the digital economy.
He added that the movement can also help address youth unemployment by enabling young people to mobilise resources, establish businesses and become job creators.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki with Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya at Nairobi City County cooperative tent during the Ushirika Day celebrations at Uhuru Park, Nairobi on July 4, 2026/DPCS
The DP commended the Ministry of Cooperatives for spearheading reforms in the sector and pledged to push for increased budgetary allocations to support its growth. He said the government also aims to double cooperative membership from the current 14 million.
"We thank the members of Saccos for developing a savings and productivity culture and taking part in national development. I look forward to greater development in our country with the cooperatives sector playing a bigger role," Kindiki said.
