The Co-operative University College of Kenya is hosted the Ministers/ County Executives in charge of Co-operatives in the Kenya’s 47 counties in Karen, Main Campus on 23rd May 2014. The theme of the forum was ACCELERATION OF DEVELOPMENT THROUGH CO-OPERATIVES AT COUNTY LEVEL. FAO representative to Kenya Mr. Luka Alinovi who was the Chief Guest challenged the Counties to embrace Co-operatives as economic vehicles to radically transform the lives of the rural and urban poor. Mr. Luka noted that Co-operative enterprises are the best business models to move and spearhead development in Kenya.
The principal of The Co-operative University College of Kenya, Prof. Douglas Shitanda, while opening the workshop reiterated the commitment of the University in working closely with the County Governments to spearhead capacity building in Co-operative movement all over the Country. Prof. Shitanda noted that Co-operatives are important vehicles for mobilization of resources to promote economic and social development of the Nation. He noted that, “In our new constitution dispensation, most of the Co-operative activities will be managed at the County level. Therefore, there is need for the County Governments to be equipped with requisite knowledge and skills to promote and steer various types of Co-operatives.”
Prof. Shitanda added that since The Co-operative University College of Kenya is the leading institution offering Co-operative education, training, research and consultancy services in Kenya and the region is well placed to collaborate with County Governments to provide the necessary training to County Government leaders, staff and Co-operative leaders to prepare them to manage co-operative activities. He added that this strategy will revamp Co-operatives and propel Counties to effectively play their role towards making Kenya a middle level income country as envisaged in vision 2030.
The workshop takes one day ahead of the annual regional value chain to be held in august 2014 at The Co-operative University College of Kenya.