Nairobi: The Ministry of Cooperatives and Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) has launched The Best of Kenya Co-Operatives Book, a collection of success stories and a testament to the resilience, innovation, and impact of the cooperative movement in Kenya. Cooperatives and Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya noted that the launch comes at a momentous time when the United Nations (UN) has declared 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC).
According to Kenya News Agency, this global recognition underscores the vital role of cooperatives in fostering sustainable development, promoting economic inclusion, and empowering communities. The Cabinet Secretary urged cooperative societies to take advantage of the unique opportunity to amplify the importance of Kenya’s cooperative movement and celebrate its achievements on both national and international stages.
He reiterated that Kenya prides itself on having one of the most vibrant cooperative sectors in Africa, and the forthcoming publication will showcase success stories, best practices, and the remarkable contributions of cooperatives to national development. ‘Our cooperative movement is a pillar of economic growth, empowering millions of Kenyans across various industries,’ he emphasized in a speech read on his behalf by the Principal Secretary for Co-operatives (PS) Patrick Kilemi.
Further, Dr. Oparanya assured that the Government of Kenya acknowledges the crucial role played by cooperatives in driving economic empowerment, enhancing financial inclusion, and supporting small enterprises through the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). By documenting best practices and success stories, it will serve as an essential resource for cooperative leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders aiming to drive growth and sustainability within the sector.
The CS hinted that the forthcoming publication aims to capture the spirit of cooperation, showcasing exemplary enterprises and individuals who have championed the cooperative movement with vision and dedication, which has been at the heart of Kenya’s economic and social transformation. ‘It will serve as an inspiration, a blueprint, and a reference for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and future cooperative leaders,’ he outlined.
Additionally, Dr. Oparanya applauded the authors, contributors, and stakeholders who strived to bring the book to life, citing their dedication to documenting and celebrating Kenya’s cooperative success stories as truly commendable. ‘As we launch this initiative today, let us reaffirm our commitment to strengthening the cooperative sector by investing in education, governance, and innovation to ensure that our cooperatives remain competitive, resilient, and beneficial to all Kenyans,’ urged the CS.
In his own remarks, PS Kilemi called on Kenyans to seize the historic moment to propel cooperatives to greater heights. ‘The Best of Kenya Cooperatives is not just a book project; it is a movement, a reflection of our collective progress, and a guide towards a more cooperative and prosperous future,’ he implored.