The 2024 Savings and Credit Cooperatives Association (SACCA) Congress sponsored by the Co-operative Bank of Kenya was a successful event that elevated Kenya’s standing in the cooperative world. Held under the theme “Promoting Sustainable Socio-economic Transformation Through Cooperatives,” the congress aimed to raise awareness about the contribution of cooperatives to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and socio-economic development in Africa.
“Co-op Bank is a proud sponsor of the 24th SACCA Congress taking place at the Lake Naivasha Resort from 7th to 11th October, organized by the African Confederation of Cooperatives Savings and Credit Associations (ACCOSCA) in conjunction with the Kenyan Ministry of Cooperatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development.” The bank said on it’s official X handle.
During the sessions, Co-op Bank’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Gideon Muriuki shared the bank’s journey of growth as the leading cooperative bank in Africa, and the incredible value it has created for cooperative societies, their members and the country at large.
While officiating the five-day event running from October 7, 2024 to October 11, 2024, Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, represented president William Ruto at the event.
He was accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries, Wycliffe Oparanya from the Ministry of Co-operatives and MSMEs Development, Dr. Andrew Karanja from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, and Hon Beatrice Askul from the Ministry of East African Community, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), and Regional Development.
During his remarks, Mudavadi emphasised the significant potential of cooperative societies to improve livelihoods across various sectors such as agriculture, education, the environment, and small and medium-sized enterprises by effectively mobilizing resources.
He also announced that Kenya would bid to host the inaugural World Council of Credit Unions meeting in 2026, marking a historic first for Africa. “This event will serve as a crucial platform to demonstrate our dedication to promoting cooperative principles on a global scale,” he remarked.
Over 1,600 attendees from 24 countries attended the 2024 SACCA Congress, which provided a platform to explore cooperatives’ successes and challenges.
Oparanya stressed the urgency of preserving and maintaining the role of cooperatives in national economic and social development. He mentioned that the government is actively pursuing legislative and institutional reforms to strengthen the cooperative subsector.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding the values and principles of cooperatives to enable the growth of cooperative enterprises while safeguarding the interests of the general membership.
“The government is dedicated to upholding the core cooperative values and principles to foster the development of cooperative enterprises and safeguard the interests of the members. The cooperative movement empowers individuals from various backgrounds, promoting a strong sense of community, shared responsibility, and mutual support. Together, we can develop sustainable solutions to address the critical challenges our societies face.” He said.
Ghana will host the 2025 SACCA congress.
