Cooperatives Public Policy Making Process Learning Event: Nurturing Economic Empowerment and Inclusivity in Kenya

On Monday, September 25th, and Tuesday, September 26th, 2023, Strathmore University, in collaboration with Global Communities and the Kenya Council of Governors, hosted a significant event: the Cooperatives Public Policy Making Process Learning Event. This gathering brought together over 200 alumni of the Public Policy Making Process Programme, which ran from 2020 to 2021 at Strathmore University.

The event was designed to achieve three key objectives:

1. Disseminate Impact Assessment Findings. One of the primary goals was to share the findings of the post-PPMP impact assessment report. This provided valuable insights into the program’s effectiveness and its contributions to policy making and implementation.
2. Sharing Best Practices and Lessons. Countries that participated in the program had the opportunity to share their best practices, lessons learned, and experiences. This knowledge exchange fostered peer-to-peer learning, allowing counties to benefit from each other’s successes and challenges.
3. Networking and Collaboration.The event served as a platform for participants to network and explore opportunities for inter-county collaboration. Building connections and partnerships was a vital aspect of the event.

During the event, the key guest, Patrick Kiburi Kilemi, the Principal Secretary, Ministry of Co-operatives and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development, State Department for Cooperatives, emphasized the critical role of cooperatives in Kenya, highlighting several key points:

• Economic Empowerment: Cooperatives are powerful tools for economic empowerment. They create job opportunities, encourage entrepreneurship, and provide access to financial services for unbanked and underprivileged communities.
• Inclusivity: Kenya’s cooperative movement is renowned for its inclusivity, offering equal opportunities to individuals from diverse backgrounds and economic statuses. This inclusiveness fosters social cohesion and reduces inequalities.
• Resilience: The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the resilience of cooperatives. They adapted swiftly to the crisis, ensuring the continuity of essential services such as the supply of agricultural products and healthcare.
• Public Policy Influence: Cooperatives actively participate in shaping public policies. They play a pivotal role in advocating for policies that support their growth and protect the interests of their members.

The event highlighted the importance of cooperatives as a driving force for economic transformation in Kenya. Beyond being a sector, cooperatives represent a movement that champions equitable and sustainable development. They serve as a beacon of hope for those seeking economic empowerment, social integration, and a resilient society. The cooperative sector’s impact extends far beyond its economic contributions, touching the lives of countless Kenyan citizens and communities.

Article by Juliet Hinga