Lodwar, 2 December 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

Leaders of established cooperative societies in Turkana County have undergone a five-day training program focused on governance, financial stewardship, and management. The training was organized by the County Government in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP).

The training, held in Kakuma, aimed to enhance the capacity of cooperatives and ensure effective management and financial accountability.

Director of Cooperatives and Marketing, Shemmy Ebulon, emphasized that the initiative is part of the county’s broader strategy to address capacity gaps that often hinder the growth and sustainability of cooperatives.

“Many cooperatives in Kenya and Turkana have faced financial challenges and poor management due to inadequate skills among their leaders,” Ebulon noted. “By addressing these gaps, we can empower cooperatives to benefit the entire society.”

The Director highlighted the deliberate selection of participants to ensure representation from all sub-counties in Turkana. She also mentioned the creation of a fund by the Directorate of Marketing and Cooperatives to facilitate the establishment and expansion of cooperatives.

WFP representative Peter Mwaniki commended the county’s commitment to fostering the development of cooperatives, acknowledging their crucial role in driving economic growth and empowering communities.

Wycliffe Sofari, a cooperatives officer, was also present during the training.