Sh10m for Taita Taveta’s floundering Saccos

By RENSON MNYAMWEZI

Taita-taveta, Kenya: The county government has set aside more than Sh10 million to support dilapidated co-operative societies in Taita-Taveta County.

County Commissioner of Co-operatives Andrew Mbinga, said the funds would go a long way in reviving the region’s rundown co-operative societies.

Speaking in Wundanyi town yesterday, Mbinga said the co-operative societies in the region are performing dismally due to incessant wrangles, mismanagement and corruption.

Among the societies set to benefit from these funds include Njukini Farmers Co-operative, Kishsushe Ranching, Horticultural Production Centre and Tuweta Horticultural Farmers.

“The funds will enable shareholders of the targeted societies to add value to their products, adequately fight poverty and the high rate of unemployment in the area,” said Mbinga.

DORMANT SACCOs

According to the official, there are 114 cooperative societies in the region but only 58 are active.

“Most of the co-operative societies are dormant because they have been mismanaged by those entrusted to run them. They are not of benefit to their members and that is why the county administration is taking these steps to revive them,” he said. Currently about 60 per cent of the total population in the region is living below the poverty line.

“The county government is committed to reviving all the collapsed co-operative societies and we will recommend liquidation for the ones that are not revivable,” he said.

Mbinga warned none performing Saccos that his office will no longer tolerate having so many co-operative societies with majority of them being inactive. The commissioner also said that the county administration is in the process of preparing a strategic plan that would help streamline co-operative societies in the region.

SOUND STRATEGIES

Mbinga challenged the county authorities to put more emphasis on reviving the region’s co-operative movement saying it plays an important role in poverty alleviation and job creation.

Meanwhile, Teachers Service Commission (TSC) County Director, Victoria Muoka, has said co-operative societies have become a major player for Kenyans to meet their financial obligations and should be supported by all. Speaking in Wundanyi town, the TSC director said there is need for society managers to put in place sound management strategies for the smooth running of Saccos.

Muoka said the region’s Saccos are lagging behind as they struggle with the HIV/Aids scourge, poor leadership and governance coupled with corruption.

“Societies should strive to cultivate strong leadership and efficiency to address incidences of corruption. They should also invest in ICT to help improve service delivery to their members,” she said.