Ruth Samoei, who holds the position of Chief Officer for Cooperatives and Enterprise Development Fund in Uasin Gishu County, recently highlighted the indispensability of integrating young individuals within cooperative societies. This call to action was made during a recent breakfast meeting attended by members of Unitas Sacco in Eldoret.
Samoei fervently outlined the pivotal contribution of the younger generation in injecting innovative technologies and fresh ideas into the workings of cooperatives. She observed that cooperatives which have ventured into sectors like agriculture and remained uninviting to youthful contributions have seen their vibrancy dwindle. Samoei pointed out that cooperatives excelling in their fields today are those that have welcomed young members with open arms.
Besides advocating for youth involvement, Samoei didn’t mince words on the significance of exemplary governance within these societies. She encouraged cooperative leaders to ambitiously work on expanding their membership base and share contributions, underlining the dual advantages of incorporating the youth: infusing new perspectives and securing the future prosperity and adaptability of cooperatives.
Echoing Samoei’s sentiments, Martin Muhoho, the CEO of Unitas Sacco, shared his organization’s aspiration towards growth by embracing innovation and activities that promise sustainability and transformational impact. “We are actively seeking avenues to augment our company’s development to make a meaningful difference through innovative and sustainable economic pursuits,” conveyed Muhoho.
The session served as a fertile ground for dialogue on strategies aimed at invigorating the cooperative sector through contemporary practices and a broader membership scope. With a special focus on youthful engagement, the initiative is anticipated to breathe new life into cooperatives, ensuring they stay ahead of the curve in a constantly shifting economic environment.
The bold stance taken by Samoei challenging cooperatives to welcome younger members is poised to spark a significant shift in their operational dynamics, driving innovation and charting a course towards sustained success.
