ADVERT 
Siaya County has intensified preparations for the upcoming Ushirika Day 2026 celebrations, with a renewed focus on strengthening cooperatives as engines of grassroots economic transformation.
The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Trade, Cooperatives, Enterprise and Industrialization, Hon. Christine Oyuu, on Friday convened a high-level consultative meeting with officials from the Siaya County Cooperative Development Committee to finalize plans for the event slated for July 4, 2026.
This year’s celebrations, themed “Cooperatives for a Peaceful World,” are expected to bring together cooperators from across the county to showcase the sector’s growing impact in wealth creation, financial inclusion through SACCOs, and sustainable community development.
Speaking during the meeting, Hon. Oyuu emphasized the county’s commitment to revitalizing the cooperative movement, describing it as a critical pillar in unlocking inclusive economic growth.
“We are prioritizing capacity building for cooperative officers, reviving dormant societies, and strengthening investment in the sector to ensure cooperatives deliver tangible benefits to our people,” she said.
The county government has allocated KSh 31 million in the 2026/2027 budget toward the Cooperative Development Fund—an investment aimed at accelerating growth, enhancing access to financing, and creating new economic opportunities for residents.
Key deliberations also centered on challenges facing cooperatives, with stakeholders exploring practical strategies to enhance governance, improve productivity, and expand market access.
A major highlight of the discussions was the push to leverage cooperatives in driving value addition and agro-industrialization. Among the proposals tabled was the establishment of a poultry slaughterhouse, a move expected to boost earnings for chicken farmers and strengthen the value chain.
County officials underscored the need for cooperatives to transition from traditional savings models to more dynamic, enterprise-driven entities capable of supporting industrial growth and job creation.
Also present at the meeting were Chief Officer for Trade Mr. Michael Oliech and Director of Cooperatives Mr. Samwel Wambisa, who both reiterated the importance of collaboration between government and cooperative societies in building a resilient local economy.
As Siaya County counts down to Ushirika Day, the renewed momentum signals a strategic shift toward empowering cooperatives as catalysts for prosperity, equity, and long-term socio-economic stability.
