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Kitui County on Saturday joined the rest of the world in commemorating the 103rd International Ushirika Day with a vibrant celebration held at the BAT Grounds. The event brought together stakeholders from various cooperative societies, government officials, and members of the public in a strong show of solidarity under this year’s theme of cooperative unity and youth inclusion.
Speaking during the event, Kitui County Cooperative Alliance (CAK) Chairperson Simon Muema Munyoki underscored the critical role cooperatives and SACCOs have played in transforming lives and driving economic empowerment across communities.
Munyoki revealed that Kitui County currently boasts over 460 registered SACCOs, a clear sign of the growing influence of cooperative movements in the region. However, he expressed concern over the aging membership of many SACCOs, noting the urgent need for youth involvement in the cooperative sector.
“Most of our SACCO members are elderly. It’s time for the youth to step in, join these cooperatives, and even take up leadership roles,” said Munyoki. “Ushirika means unity and when young people unite under cooperative principles, we build a stronger and more prosperous society.”
The CAK chairman emphasized that the future of cooperatives depends on intergenerational participation and knowledge transfer. He encouraged young people to view SACCOs not just as savings platforms, but as engines for innovation, entrepreneurship, and community development.
International Ushirika Day is celebrated annually on the first Saturday of July to recognize the contributions of cooperatives in promoting sustainable development, economic democracy, and social inclusion. This year’s observance in Kitui was marked with exhibitions from various SACCOs, entertainment, and testimonies from members whose lives have been transformed through cooperative ventures.
As Kitui looks ahead, stakeholders pledged to strengthen policy support, increase financial literacy, and create youth-friendly cooperative spaces to attract more young people into the movement.
The message was clear: the future of Ushirika lies in the hands of the youth and their time to act is now.
Kitui County Minister for Trade, Rose Mutuku, has reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to strengthening the cooperative movement, urging residents especially the youth to embrace Ushirika as a powerful tool for economic transformation.
Speaking at the Bat Grounds during celebrations to mark the International Ushirika Day, Mutuku highlighted the critical role of value addition in unlocking the full potential of cooperative ventures. She cited successful examples such as the Kamaki meat value chain model, emphasizing that adding value to raw products is key to boosting incomes and creating jobs at the grassroots.
“Governor Julius Malombe has prioritized the cooperative movement as a frontline agenda for economic empowerment,” said Mutuku. “We are committed to supporting cooperative societies not just with words, but with action.”
To underscore this commitment, Mutuku announced that the county government has allocated Ksh 22 million to various Ushirika groups across Kitui. These funds will go toward strengthening existing cooperatives, supporting startups, and facilitating training in areas such as marketing, financial management, and value chain development.
She further called on the youth who are often underrepresented in cooperatives to take advantage of the growing opportunities in the sector. “The future of cooperatives depends on our young people. We must ensure they are actively involved in shaping and benefiting from this movement,” she added.
This year’s Ushirika Day, themed around unity and cooperative development, brought together SACCO members, government officials, and development partners in a show of solidarity for Kenya’s vibrant cooperative economy.
With over 460 SACCOs operating in Kitui County, the region continues to be a stronghold of cooperative enterprise, offering hope for inclusive economic growth and sustainable livelihoods.
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