The County Government of Kwale plans to revive 150 Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (Sacco) that closed following the adverse effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Only 66 Saccos remain active out of 205 registered in the county that has over 20,000 Sacco members.
Kwale County Cooperative Director Levina Lenjo said the county government will undertake training exercises for the Board of Directors to equip them with the right skills and knowledge for efficient management of co-operatives.
“Saccos play an important role in Kwale economy. We will ensure that the dormant ones are revived to resume their role as vehicles of eradicating poverty across the county,” said Lenjo.
Most of the affected Societies were tourism-based since many activities were suspended as the government moved to cut the spread of Covid-19. Many workers in the tourism industry were laid off thus reducing Saccos.
Lenjo said the county government will convene workshops with the management of the cooperatives in a bid to have them back to operations. She regretted that most of the collapsed co-operatives were being managed by unqualified personnel who contribute highly to their poor performance.
Lenjo said the county government will engage experts and enact policies that will guarantee cooperatives qualified manpower.
‘’Many cooperatives are formed by ordinary people such as Boda Boda riders who have no managerial skills,” she said. Lenjo urged youth and women to form cooperatives to uplift their livelihoods.
