The Commissioner for Cooperative Development has issued a sweeping directive to all cooperatives in Kenya with more than 5,000 members, requiring them to overhaul their governance structures in a move aimed at strengthening transparency and member representation within the Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (Saccos).
According to the circular issued by Commissioner David Obonyo, the Saccos must implement a delegate system for general meetings, revise their bylaws to reflect this new structure, and establish clear communication channels with their members.
They have been given six months to comply. "All cooperatives with a membership exceeding 5,000 are hereby directed to adopt a delegate system of representation in their general meetings," the Commissioner stated. "The number of delegates shall not be fewer than 150 and not exceed 500." Adding that cooperatives should "device an effective mechanism to apprise the general membership on the affairs of their cooperative." Kenya's new currency notes being displayed.
Simon Kiragu The delegate system is intended to make Sacco meetings more efficient and representative, given the logistical challenges of hosting thousands of members at once. By selecting delegates to attend and vote at general meetings, the directive aims to ensure orderly governance and greater participation from members through elected representation.
