Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives Wycliffe Oparanya, alongside Public Secretary Patrick Kilemi and other officials, embarked on a working tour of Meru County, aiming to enhance grassroots economic development under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). The visit underscored the essential roles of Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) and agriculture in driving the county’s growth.
A key stop on the tour was Yetu Sacco Society Ltd, a cooperative recognized for its significant contributions to Meru’s agricultural sector, with influences reaching beyond the county. Oparanya and the delegation acknowledged Yetu Sacco for its resilience and innovative use of technology to broaden financial services for both local members and Kenyans abroad. They praised Yetu Sacco’s management for its dedication to growth and community empowerment, highlighting how collective savings and investments can elevate local economies.
Oparanya remarked, “Yetu Sacco is vital not only for the agricultural sector in Meru but also across other counties and the diaspora. This showcases the importance of community unity and the pivotal role SACCOs play in our economic strategy.”
The SACCO’s initiatives align with the government’s BETA agenda, which promotes a robust savings culture among Kenyans and recognizes SACCOs as integral in fostering economic inclusivity. Within this framework, SACCOs are positioned as vital contributors to providing credit facilities and facilitating wealth creation at the grassroots level.
Additionally, the team visited Kathentu Farm in Nkubu, a farm known for leading efforts in agricultural value addition. Kathentu operates a successful coffee-bulbing factory and milk collection center, offering essential market access and supplementary income for local farmers. These initiatives are crucial in ensuring farmers earn higher returns on their products, thereby enhancing the agricultural value chain in the region.
