Kiambu County’s cooperative sector has strengthened its position as a key driver of economic growth after recording an annual turnover of more than Sh22 billion in 2025, with cumulative savings rising to Sh100 billion.
Governor Kimani Wamatangi said the growth reflects increasing confidence among residents in cooperative societies as reliable platforms for savings, investment and wealth creation.
The Governor made the remarks in a speech read on his behalf by County Cooperatives Chief Officer, Peter Ndegwa during Ushirika Day celebrations held at Ndumberi Stadium on Monday. Wamatangi said the county currently has 900 registered cooperative societies, with 444 fully active and serving more than 700,000 members.
The members collectively hold share capital exceeding Sh6 billion, highlighting the significant role cooperatives continue to play in mobilising resources and supporting livelihoods.
He attributed the sector’s expansion to growing public trust, noting that cooperative savings in the county had increased from Sh81 billion to the current Sh100 billion over recent years.
According to the Governor, the growth demonstrates the importance of cooperatives in enabling residents to access financial services, invest in businesses and improve their economic well-being.
To support further expansion of grassroots enterprises, the county government has disbursed Sh30 million through a dedicated revolving fund. The fund targets boda boda cooperatives and organised self-help groups across all 60 administrative wards, providing affordable financing to support micro-business development and improve access to capital.
However, Wamatangi challenged cooperative leaders to uphold integrity, accountability and strong corporate governance, sressing that transparency is essential in protecting members’ savings and ensuring the sustainability of cooperative institutions.
He said effective leadership would strengthen confidence in the movement and encourage more residents to participate in cooperative activities.
The Ushirika Day celebrations also recognised outstanding cooperatives that have contributed significantly to economic empowerment and community development.
Githunguri Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society emerged as the overall best cooperative in Kiambu County, receiving recognition for its contribution to dairy farming, value addition and improving the livelihoods of thousands of smallholder farmers.
The dairy cooperative currently processes about 300,000 litres of milk daily and has announced plans to increase processing capacity to 500,000 litres through modern technology and expanded production facilities.
Other cooperative societies recognised during the event included Dimkes Sacco, PCEA Evergreen Sacco, Kabete Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society, NRS DT Sacco, Kingdom DT Sacco, Mataara Sacco and Fundilima Sacco.
Agricultural cooperatives that were also honoured included Igegania Farmers’ Cooperative Society, Thiririka Coffee Farmers’ Cooperative Society, Limuru Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society and Multifarm Dairy Cooperative Society.
The event also provided an opportunity for cooperative societies to showcase their products, services and achievements through exhibitions attended by members, leaders and residents.
Wamatangi reaffirmed that cooperative societies remain a cornerstone of Kiambu’s economy by enabling citizens to pool resources, access affordable credit and secure better markets for agricultural products.
He said the county government would continue supporting the cooperative movement through financing initiatives, capacity building and policies aimed at strengthening member-owned enterprises.
The Governor noted that a vibrant cooperative sector is essential in promoting inclusive economic growth by ensuring ordinary citizens participate actively in wealth creation and local development.
By Hellen Lunalo
