PREPARATIONS FOR USHIRIKA DAY CELEBRATIONS ON JULY 12, 2025

By Bruno Aero

Daniel Marube vice chairman Ushirika

Kenya has commenced nationwide preparations for the upcoming Ushirika Day Celebrations, set for July 12, 2025, against the backdrop of a major international milestone. On June 19, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) under the theme “Cooperatives Build a Better World.”

This year’s global theme celebrates the transformative role cooperatives play in tackling global challenges while accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The Cooperative model, built on values of solidarity, equity, and democracy, continues to be a practical tool for grassroots empowerment and inclusive development. It ensures that all, regardless of background, have a seat at the table in economic and social advancement.

The Cooperative Movement in Kenya

In Kenya, cooperatives are foundational to the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which focuses on empowering ordinary Kenyans and promoting equitable wealth distribution. The cooperative movement has deeply impacted critical sectors such as:

Food Security & Nutrition:

Small-scale farmers in dairy, tea, coffee, and sugar sectors have benefited from increased incomes through value addition and aggregation. In 2024, Njuriga Coffee Society and Othaya Coffee Society reported cherry prices of Sh172 and Sh158 per kilo respectively, demonstrating the movement’s impact on rural incomes. Meru Dairy Society recorded a turnover of Sh18.3 billion, collecting 195 million litres of milk annually and injecting over Sh900 million monthly into farmers’ pockets.

Affordable Housing:

Cooperatives remain central to Kenya’s affordable housing agenda, contributing to mortgage deposits and supporting initiatives like the Kenya Mortgage Refinancing Company (KMRC). They are projected to deliver 25% of the nation’s affordable housing units.

Women & Youth Empowerment:

Through Saccos and community cooperatives, vulnerable groups gain access to affordable credit, enabling small businesses, job creation, and sustainable livelihoods in marginalized communities.