The Ministry of Cooperatives and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) recently launched ‘The Best of Kenya Co-operatives Book’, a collection of success stories that showcase the resilience, innovation, and impact of the cooperative movement.
The launch comes at a significant time as the movement celebrates the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives (IYC). This book aims to highlight the achievements and contributions of cooperatives to national development and is part of the activities planned for the IYC. It is created in collaboration with Global Village Publishers to showcase best practices and the remarkable impact of cooperatives.
“This global recognition emphasizes the vital role of cooperatives in fostering sustainable development, promoting economic inclusion, and empowering communities,” said the Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs, Wycliffe Oparanya, in a speech delivered on his behalf by Principal Secretary for Cooperatives, Patrick Kilemi, He encouraged cooperative societies to leverage this unique opportunity to amplify the importance of Kenya’s cooperative movement and celebrate its successes on both national and international stages.
Oparanya noted that Kenya is proud to have one of the most vibrant cooperative sectors in Africa. The publication will feature success stories, best practices, and the significant contributions of cooperatives to national growth. Oparanya stated that the cooperative movement is a pillar of economic growth, empowering millions across various industries.
He assured that the government recognizes the crucial role cooperatives play in driving economic empowerment, enhancing financial inclusion, and supporting small enterprises through the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). “By documenting best practices and success stories, this publication will serve as a vital resource for cooperative leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders seeking to foster growth and sustainability within the sector,” Oparanya explained, noting that it would also strengthen cooperative movements through capacity building, knowledge sharing, and guidance.
The publication aims to reflect the spirit of cooperation by showcasing exemplary enterprises and individuals who have advanced the cooperative movement with vision and dedication, which has been central to Kenya’s economic and social transformation. “It will serve as an inspiration, a blueprints, and a reference for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and future cooperative leaders,” he said.
He commended the authors, contributors, and stakeholders who worked hard to bring the book to fruition, praising their dedication to documenting and celebrating Kenya’s cooperative success stories.
“As we launch this initiative today, let us reaffirm our commitment to strengthening the cooperative sector by investing in education, governance, and innovation to ensure that our cooperatives remain competitive, resilient, and beneficial to all Kenyans.”
PS Kilemi encouraged Kenyans to seize this historic moment to elevate cooperatives to greater heights. “‘The Best of Kenya Cooperatives’ is not just a book project; it is a movement, a reflection of our collective progress, and a guide towards a more cooperative and prosperous future,” he noted.
