Nandi Governor Stephen Sang has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening cooperative societies as vehicles for economic empowerment, rural transformation, and sustainable development.
Speaking during the International Ushirika Day celebrations held at Kabiyet Dairy Factory, Sang hailed cooperatives as the backbone of the county’s economy and promised increased investment in value addition, market linkages, and youth-focused training.
The event, themed “Cooperatives: Building a Better Future for All”, drew hundreds of farmers, cooperative officials, youth groups, and stakeholders from across the region to celebrate the transformative power of cooperative movements.
“Kabiyet Dairy is a living testimony of what we can achieve when people come together with a shared vision,” the Governor said. “We are not just producing milk; we are empowering households, educating children, and feeding the nation.”
He announced that the County Government would, in the upcoming financial year, establish a Cooperative Development Fund to support dairy and other cooperatives with financial access for equipment, transport, and digital systems.
A Cooperative Digitisation Programme is also in the pipeline to improve transparency, efficiency, and accountability within societies.
Nandi County Executive Committee Member CECM for Agriculture Dr. Kiplimo Lagat reinforced the Governor’s message, emphasising good governance and innovation as critical drivers of sustainable cooperative growth.
“Cooperatives must move beyond traditional milk marketing and embrace agro-processing, branding, and quality certification. We want to see Nandi-branded products in national and global markets,” Dr. Lagat said.
He urged cooperative boards to involve youth and women in decision-making, warning that cooperatives that exclude them are “excluding the future”.
Cooperative leaders lauded the county for its continued investment in the sector.
“We are happy with the Governor’s commitment to strengthening cooperatives. What we now need is more training and easier access to credit for our members,” said James Koech, Chairman, Kabiyet Dairy Cooperative.
Mary Chepkirui, a youth representative and dairy farmer from Kosirai Ward, said young people are ready to take up leadership and modern farming methods if given the right platform.
“With digitisation, mobile-based milk tracking, and financial tools, youth can help professionalise our cooperatives. We just need inclusion, mentorship, and access to capital,” she said.
Women also expressed optimism about their growing role in the dairy economy.
“Through my women’s group, I’ve learnt to manage my farm, save through the SACCO, and supply quality milk to Kabiyet. We feel empowered,” said Hellen Jepchirchir, a mother of four and active cooperative member.
Kabiyet Dairy Factory now processes 200,000 litres of milk daily and serves over 10,000 farmers in Nandi and neighbouring counties. It has become a symbol of what grassroots cooperatives can achieve with strategic leadership and member trust.
By Linet Wafula
