The County Government of Kirinyaga has conducted a training program for officials from Ward-based multi-value chain cooperatives, aimed at boosting their management skills.
A total of 172 officials from 20 wards participated in the training, which focused on crucial topics such as money lending, insurance, and collateral for loans, along with best practices in Sacco management. This initiative was carried out in collaboration with CIC Insurance and Cooperative Bank.
These multi-value chain Saccos were established to provide farmers with affordable access to operational capital, savings, credit services, farm inputs, and opportunities for value addition and bulk marketing. Currently, the Saccos serve around 6,000 farmers engaged in key agricultural sectors, including avocado, tomatoes, poultry, bananas, and dairy goats. Previously, these farmers were organized into Common Interest Groups (CIGs).
Governor Anne Waiguru highlighted that the Saccos are part of the Wezesha Kirinyaga Program, which aims to support farmers in enhancing agricultural production and household incomes. The County Government has assisted in the formation of these Saccos by providing office equipment such as computers and printers, as well as funding amounting to Sh12.3 million to cover initial operational costs, including statutory fees, staff training, office rent, and member outreach.
The Governor said that the initiative aims to position county farmers as primary suppliers of raw agricultural products to the new agro-processing factories at Sagana Industrial Park, thereby increasing their earnings.
During the training session held at Kutus Catholic Church Hall, Dr. John Gachara, the County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, noted that since the establishment of the Saccos, they have successfully mobilized a significant number of farmers, accumulating Sh14.5 million in share capital, registration, and savings. They have also disbursed approximately Sh6.5 million in loans to their members.
Dr. Gachara remarked that the availability of affordable loans from the Saccos enables farmers to purchase necessary agricultural inputs and fulfill other requirements, allowing them to repay the loans after harvesting and selling their products. He further stated that this capacity-building initiative will ensure that members’ resources are managed responsibly.
Sacco officials participating in the training expressed their gratitude to the County Government for equipping them with the necessary skills and resources to manage their cooperatives effectively.
“We will now be able to offer loans to our members with greater confidence, as we understand how to safeguard the loans through insurance,” said Evangeline Kamau, Secretary, Murinduko Amani Farmers Sacco.
Cyrus Muchiri, Nyangati Springs Sacco Chairman, stated that the multi-value chain Saccos will facilitate a shift from subsistence to commercial farming by providing access to affordable operational capital, commending Governor Waiguru for this transformative initiative.
Mutira Wings Sacco, which has recruited over 500 members, has mobilized around Sh2 million to lend to its members. Chairman Joseph Njiru emphasized the significant benefits of the Saccos initiative for smallholder farmers.
