Governors now want MPs to pass Cooperatives Bill
The Council of Governors (CoG), through the Agriculture and Cooperatives Committee led by Chairperson and Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, has asked the National Assembly to expedite the passing of the proposed amendments to the Cooperative Bill 2024, which were submitted for consideration.
The CoG had raised contentious issues regarding the Bill, specifically related to the registration of cooperatives, its affairs, its inspection, issuance of demand notices and agency notices among other crucial issues.
In a consultative meeting held on August 6 at the Continental House in Nairobi between the COG and National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, Governor Lusaka reinforced the need for a robust legal framework to govern the operations and management of cooperatives in the country.
“The Constitution of Kenya entrusts County Governments with the responsibility of trade development and regulations, including cooperative societies. I urge the National Assembly to consider our joint memorandum for effective governance and development of cooperatives in Kenya,” he said during the meeting.
Governor Lusaka also highlighted that cooperative societies face perennial challenges and poor management, proposing continuous automation of systems, simplification of processes, and good governance.
“Cooperative movements are instrumental in empowering grassroots farmers. To enhance functionality, we should evaluate the management structures,” he noted.
The Bill, which is to be tabled in parliament for the second reading, is expected to provide a legal framework to govern the operations and development of cooperative societies in the country, including a simplified system of registering Cooperatives at the county level, affirms the CoG.
Furthermore, the CoG wants clauses concerning the 2024 Cooperative Tribunal to include key stakeholders and representatives from the Council of Governors.
