Kenya - The Council of Governors (COG), through the Agriculture and Cooperative Committee led by Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, has proposed amendments to the draft Cooperative Bill 2023, currently in the National Assembly. During a meeting involving the Agriculture and Cooperative Committee, the Ministry of Cooperatives and Micro, and Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development, the Council emphasized the need for clear definitions of roles and interactions between the National and County Governments regarding cooperative management.
The proposed amendments address cooperative registration, issuance of notices, inspection, and inquiries into cooperative affairs.
The COG highlighted concerns over the current draft, stressing the importance of a robust legal framework for cooperative management, a responsibility of County Governments according to the Constitution. They noted the detrimental impact of lacking automated systems for cooperative management on the sector's growth and success. The COG proposed that the Ministry of Cooperatives recall the Bill from Parliament to incorporate the raised concerns and align the regulations with the outcomes of the unbundling exercise and amendments.
Establishing a robust legal framework will provide a more stable and supportive environment for cooperatives, facilitating better governance and accountability.
