The Kitui-based Bestrock Savings and Credit Cooperative Society Limited has announced a major structural shift, confirming plans to transition from the traditional Annual General Meeting (AGM) to an Annual Delegates Meeting (ADM) system in 2026.
The move comes in strict compliance with a government directive issued by the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs. On June 18, 2025, the Commissioner for Cooperatives Development issued a circular mandating that all cooperatives in Kenya with a membership exceeding 5,000 must adopt a delegate system of representation to enhance decision-making efficiency.
Speaking recently during a member education forum at the Kitui Agricultural Training Centre, Bestrock Sacco Chairman Francis Muli Kithae revealed that the 26-year-old Society has crossed the statutory threshold.
“Currently, our Society has grown to a total of 6,026 members,” Kithae told the gathering of over 2,000 attendees. “Consequently, we are preparing to implement the delegate system to ensure we remain compliant and effective in our operations.”
Mr Kithae outlined the proposed structure, noting that the Sacco will have a maximum of 150 delegates. Under the new ratio, one delegate will represent approximately 40 members. The delegates will serve a three-year term and are eligible for re-election.
He also detailed the strict qualification criteria for those seeking leadership positions.
“For a member to qualify as a delegate, they must hold at least Sh100,000 in deposits and Sh20,000 in share capital,” he explained.
To facilitate the elections, the Sacco has demarcated four specific electoral zones:
- Kitui Electoral Zone (111 Delegates): This is the largest zone, covering Kitui Town, Kabati, Kwa Vonza, Katulani, Kanyangi, Kavisuni, Nairobi, and Machakos areas.
- Mwingi Electoral Zone (26 Delegates): Covers Mwingi, Matuu, Kamuw’ongo, Migwani, Kithyoko, and Nguni.
- Kitui East Electoral Zone (8 Delegates): Covers the Sombe, Kisasi, and Mbitini areas.
- Mutomo Electoral Zone (5 Delegates): Covers the Kitui South Constituency (Mutomo and Ikutha).
Incepted on May 6, 1999, as the Kitui Biashara Savings and Credit Cooperative Society Limited, the institution has seen steady growth over two decades. Members voted to rebrand to Bestrock Sacco on February 20, 2013, expanding its area of operations to cover the wider Lower Eastern Kenya region, including Kitui, Machakos, and Makueni Counties.
Currently, the Sacco operates its Head Office in Kitui Town, with branches in Mwingi, Mutomo, and Matuu.
Reaffirming the Sacco’s core mandate, Chairman Kithae said, “This Sacco was established to promote the welfare and economic interest of its members in accordance with cooperative principles—specifically voluntary and open membership, democratic member control, and concern for the community.”
The education meeting was graced by Kitui Central District Cooperatives Officer Dennis Muthoka. He was the chief guest, representing the Kitui County Minister for Trade, Industry, MSMEs, Cooperatives, and Innovations, Rose Mawia Mutuku.
