West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin has rolled out measures to revive and strengthen cooperative societies to stimulate economic empowerment and growth in the region.
Kachapin said cooperatives are key institutions with the capacity to mobilise residents and resources for community-based economic development.
He spoke on Wednesday during the official launch of the Karas Farmers Cooperative Society, which brings together farmers engaged in poultry production.
The Karas cooperative unites women, youth, and men, creating employment opportunities, improving household incomes, and promoting local poultry farming.
“It’s through such noble groups that we will be able to mobilise our people at the grassroots level to join hands and pool resources useful in empowering themselves economically,” Governor Kachapin said.
He said the county administration is committed to working with Saccos to enhance access to financing and capacity building to improve efficiency and sustainability.
During the event, Governor Kachapin handed over cheques worth Sh19 million to support 14 cooperative societies and five farmers producer organisations from different parts of West Pokot.
The support was extended under the Financing for Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems Project, implemented through the County Project Coordination Unit. Each group received Sh1 million to boost production, strengthen management structures, and expand market access.
The grants aim to promote sustainable agriculture, improve food security, and empower smallholder farmers across the county.
Governor Kachapin commended co-operative leaders and farmers for embracing teamwork and professionalism in their operations.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting agricultural value chains through strong cooperative movements.
“Through such groups, we are building a resilient economy rooted in agriculture and self-reliance,” said Kachapin.
He added that the launch of the Karas Cooperative and the support extended to other Saccos and producer organisations underscore the county’s effort to strengthen community-based agribusiness and promote inclusive economic growth.
BY MATHEWS NDANYI
