Naduat, 15th August, 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
Artisanal miners in Naduat of Nakalale ward, Turkana North sub county, have achieved a historic milestone with the formal registration of their first cooperative Sacco.
The sacco, “Ajokis Gold Miners Co-operative Society Limited” will be dedicated to advancing the welfare and economic prospects of miners in the area.
The cooperative was formally registered in line with the provisions of the Cooperative Societies Act, with sixty seven members receiving their registration certificate, constitution, and by-laws from the County Directorate of Cooperatives and Marketing during a ceremony presided over by the Director for Cooperatives and Marketing ,Shemmy Ekuwom.
Speaking at the event, Director Shemmy Ekuwom emphasized the importance of joining a cooperative for artisanal miners.
“By coming together under this Sacco, you now have greater borrowing power to boost your mining businesses,” she said. “The County Government is committed to supporting you with capacity building programmes so you can acquire new skills and operate more efficiently in the gold value chain.”
Turkana North Sub-County Cooperative Officer James Akorot, lauded the miners’ unity and encouraged them to fully embrace cooperative principles.
“This registration opens a door of opportunities for you,” stating;
“It is now upon you to remain united, transparent, and accountable so that the cooperative grows and benefits every member. We will continue to walk with you to ensure compliance and long-term success.”
Joseph Lobuin,the newly elected chairperson of Ajokis Gold Miners Co-operative Society Limited, hailed the registration as a transformative step for miners in Naduat.
“This cooperative is our voice and our strength. We can now negotiate better, access credit facilities, and work together to improve our livelihoods. I thank the County for guiding us through the registration process and urged all miners in Naduat to join us,” Lobuin said.
The cooperative is expected to enhance financial inclusion, improve market access, and promote safer and sustainable mining practices in the area.
The registration ceremony of the new Sacco was also witnessed by the cooperative officers, Judy Ekitela, Ekipor Safari, and Hazel Lolibo.
