National Assembly challenged to fast-track amendments on Cooperatives Bill

By Peter Ochieng

The Council of Governors (COG), through members of the Agriculture and Cooperatives Committee, has challenged the National Assembly to expedite the passing of proposed amendments to the Cooperatives Bill 2024.

The proposed amendments were submitted months ago, through Bungoma governor Kenneth Makelo Lusaka, who doubles up as the committee chair.

The COG had raised contentious issues regarding the Bill, specifically related to the registration of cooperatives, the affairs of cooperatives, the inspection of cooperatives, the issuance of demand notices and agency notices among others.

Lusaka, during a consultative meeting between the COG and members of the Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives held in Nairobi on Tuesday, emphasised the need for a robust legal framework to govern the operations and management of cooperatives in the country.

"The constitution of Kenya entrusts county governments with the responsibility of trade development and regulations, including cooperative societies. I urge the National Assembly to consider our joint memorandum for effective governance and development of cooperatives in Kenya," said Lusaka.

Highlighting perennial challenges faced by cooperative societies among them poor management, governor Lusaka proposed continuous automation of systems, simplification of processes and good governance.

"Cooperative movements are instrumental in empowering grassroots farmers. To enhance functionality, we should evaluate the management structures," he added.

The sector is expected to undergo far reaching changes, if former Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya is appointed the Cabinet Secretary (CS) in charge.

Speaking during his vetting over the weekend, the Cooperatives and MSMEs Development Cabinet Secretary nominee Wycliffe Oparanya said that it is critical as a ministry to come out with criteria for how the officials of cooperatives should be elected, those who are on the committee and even their appointment.

"Someone is elected to be a board chairman and serves until he goes to the grave. And if he vies in elections, he wins. Why can't we create term limits? he posed.

He was answering a question from Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, who is the chair of the National Assembly’s Committee on Appointments.