Peace and sustainable development have been identified as the foundation of the cooperative business model, with cooperative leaders calling on Kenyans to embrace unity, good governance and environmental stewardship as the country heads toward the next General Election.
Speaking ahead of the national Ushirika Day celebrations scheduled for Saturday, July 4, 2026, at Uhuru Park, Nairobi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Cooperative Alliance of Kenya (CAK), Daniel Marube, said this year’s global theme, “Cooperatives for a Peaceful World,” underscores the critical role cooperatives play in fostering peace, economic resilience and sustainable development.
Marube said the annual celebrations provide an opportunity to recognize the contribution of millions of cooperative members including farmers, traders, teachers, transport operators and savings groups who continue to strengthen Kenya’s economy through collective action.
“Peace is not merely an aspiration for cooperatives; it is a prerequisite for economic growth and prosperity,” he said. “Businesses thrive in stable environments where investment, production and trade can flourish. Conflict, on the other hand, destroys livelihoods, disrupts supply chains and undermines development.”
He noted that the cooperative movement, built on the principles of self-help, democracy, equality, solidarity and concern for community, naturally promotes peaceful coexistence by bringing together people from diverse social, political and religious backgrounds around shared economic interests.
With the country preparing for the 2027 General Election, Marube urged cooperative members to become ambassadors of peace and reject political divisions that could undermine economic progress.
“We are calling upon all cooperators to uphold peace, promote unity and avoid discrimination based on political affiliation. Cooperatives succeed because they unite people around common socio-economic goals,” he said.
Marube emphasized that sustainable development must remain a priority, warning that climate change, prolonged drought and environmental degradation continue to threaten agricultural production and cooperative enterprises.
“We must safeguard our environment for future generations because it remains the source of life, production and prosperity,” he said.
Marube highlighted the sector’s growing contribution to Kenya’s socio-economic development, saying cooperatives continue to drive financial inclusion, affordable credit, housing, education and healthcare financing for millions of members.
He cited improved earnings among coffee farmers and dairy cooperatives as evidence of the sector’s growing impact, noting that better prices for agricultural produce have significantly increased household incomes.
Marube welcomed ongoing legislative reforms, including the proposed Cooperatives Bill and Sacco Societies Bill, saying they would strengthen governance, transparency and sustainability within the movement.
He stressed that trust remains the cornerstone of successful cooperatives, urging leaders to uphold integrity and accountability in managing members’ savings.
“Without integrity in leadership, confidence in cooperatives declines. Trust is the glue that binds members together and enables them to continue saving and investing,” he said.
Marube further challenged cooperative members to actively participate in Annual General Meetings (AGMs), describing them as the highest decision-making forums where members elect leaders and hold management accountable.
He expressed concern that many members fail to attend AGMs, weakening oversight and allowing poor governance to take root.
“Members must elect leaders of integrity who view leadership as an opportunity to serve rather than enrich themselves. Good governance is essential for the growth and prosperity of cooperatives,” he said.
Marube called on young people and women to embrace the cooperative movement, saying it offers opportunities for entrepreneurship, savings, employment and wealth creation.
He encouraged graduates and skilled youth to establish worker cooperatives, enabling them to own businesses collectively while creating jobs and improving incomes.
He also urged young Kenyans to cultivate a culture of saving through Saccos, noting that regular savings remain the foundation of long-term financial security.
The Ushirika Day celebrations will begin with a procession from the KPCU grounds to Uhuru Park before the official ceremony.
Marube invited all Kenyans, whether cooperative members or not, to participate in the celebrations and reaffirm their commitment to building a peaceful, sustainable and prosperous nation through the cooperative movement.
By Joseph Ng’ang’a
