By Gerald Mukembu
Cooperators in Meru County have rejected contentious clauses proposed through the Tribunal Act of 2014, which were forwarded to the Meru County Assembly’s sectoral committee on Trade, Tourism, and Cooperatives. The committee, chaired by Nyaki West MCA Kirima Mubichi, held a public participation forum at Kamundi Hall on Thursday to align the Meru County Cooperative Act, 2025, with the National Cooperatives Act. Over 2,000 cooperators, representing more than 500 cooperative societies, shared mixed views on the amendment Bill. Mubichi noted that the contentious clauses, which conflicted with the national cooperatives’ framework, had been amended. He emphasized that the 2014 Cooperative Act was outdated and required alignment with the current National Cooperatives Act to remain relevant. Mubichi praised the county’s leadership, stating, “Meru is now boasting of a very listening Governor, and it is time for farmers to get the best from their produce. There should be transparency and involvement of all cooperators. The Act will bring changes and transformation.”Ephantus Majau, Chairman of the Meru Central Coffee Union, voiced opposition to leadership term limits.
Cooperative representatives engage with the Meru County assembly sectoral committee members on Trade and Cooperatives at Kamunde Hall
He explained that the proposed limits would have forced interim leaders to retire after serving one three-year term or two six-year terms, regardless of their performance. “We met here as representatives of over 500 cooperatives. Members have given their views, and the majority will take it. We have agreed in one accord that leadership will never have any term limit unless and until one die or is incapable,” Majau stated.
Meru County, which boasts the highest number of cooperatives in Kenya, saw strong representation during the forum. Simon Kiruja, Chairman of the Meru Central Dairy Cooperative Union, expressed gratitude for the public participation process. “I thank God for the public participation, and I believe everyone will feel accommodated. I am grateful to have represented over 1,300 farmers, and they took note of our views,” he said. Majau Miriti highlighted the necessity of aligning county laws with national standards. He added, “It was clear that anyone who wants to be in the management committee must have attained a Form Four certificate for effective running of the society. To work in the management committee, you must be a Form Four leaver. On the supervisory committee, one must have CPA professionalism. “The amendments aim to modernize the Meru Cooperative Act and ensure it aligns with the National Cooperatives Act, fostering transparency, inclusivity, and effective governance across the county’s cooperative societies.
