NAIROBI, Kenya- Co-operative Bank of Kenya’s NWDT Sacco Society emerged as the best-performing employer-based Sacco in the “Large & Medium” category at this year’s Ushirika Day Celebrations, held as part of the International Year of Cooperatives.
The Sacco was awarded for excellence in capitalization, deposit management, credit performance, governance, efficiency, and technology adoption.
The category covered Tier-2 employer-based Saccos with assets ranging between Sh5 billion and Sh10 billion.
The recognition comes as Kenya joined the rest of the world in marking the 103rd International Cooperative Day, which this year aligns with the UN’s declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives under the theme “Cooperatives Build a Better World.”
“My administration remains firmly committed to uplifting the livelihoods of lower- and middle-income Kenyans through an empowered and efficient cooperative movement,” he said.
He cited the Cooperatives Bill No. 7 of 2024, currently before the Senate, as a key reform that will transform the sector.
“Upon enactment, it will herald a new era for the cooperative sector anchored in strong governance, enhanced transparency, and improved service delivery.”
Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs Development,Wycliffe Oparanya, said cooperatives are playing a critical role in achieving Vision 2030 and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
“In Kenya, over 30,000 cooperatives positively impact agriculture, finance, housing, and health.”
Co-operative Bank CEO Gideon Muriuki on his part said, “Co-operative Bank of Kenya represents the purest expression of cooperative principles in modern banking. Our ownership by the cooperative movement is not just a shareholding structure, it’s a testament to collective ownership and mutual benefit.”
