The Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Cooperatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development, Wycliffe Oparanya, has appointed 11 new Board of Directors to the Kenya Union of Savings and Credit Co-operatives (KUSCCO).
Their appointment, made on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, will run for a two-year term.
The term of the previous Board, which began on 1st of May 2024, was for one year.
“I commend the previous Interim Board of Directors for their sterling performance,” Oparanya said in a statement.
“The appointment of the new Board marks a crucial step in revitalizing KUSCCO and ensuring its stability and growth in alignment with the Government’s Cooperative sector reforms.”
CS Oparanya Appoints 11 New KUSCCO Board Members
Among those appointed to the board were David Mategwa, National Chairperson of Kenya National Police DT SACCO; Jennifer Mburu, National Vice Chairperson of Mhasibu SACCO; and Robert Njue, Board Director at WINAS SACCO.
Others include Osmane Khatolwa, Board Director at Stima DT SACCO; John Ziro, Board Director at Imarika DT SACCO; Dr. Charles Kioko, Board Director at GDC SACCO; and Philip Rirei, Board Director at Noble SACCO.
Michael Muriithi, Board Director at Unaitas SACCO; Priscilla Maranga, Board Director representing the Office of the Commissioner; Brenda Obondo, Board Director at KMA SACCO; and Mary Kweyu, Board Director at Invest and Grow SACCO, were also appointed.
Also Read: Choosing the Right SACCO in Kenya: What to Look for and How to Decide
The newly constituted Board has been tasked with spearheading key initiatives, including restructuring the organization to enhance efficiency and governance.
They are also expected to recover assets to safeguard the interests of Cooperative members and prepare KUSCCO for its transition into a Federation.
Committee of Experts to Review SACCO Societies Act Appointed
At the same time, Oparanya appointed a five-member Committee of Experts to review the SACCO Societies Act, 2008 to review the SACCO Societies Act,2008 and make recommendations on aligning the Act to the emerging trends and challenges in the sector.
The Committee has been tasked with, among other objectives, evaluating and proposing amendments to the Act that align with recent Cabinet approval.
Key among the reforms to be considered are:
- Establishment of a Central Liquidity Facility to promote financial stability for SACCOs nationwide.
- Creation of a SACCO Deposit Guarantee Fund to safeguard members’ savings.
- Development of a shared services legal and administrative framework to enhance operational efficiency across the SACCO sector.
Also Read: Cabinet Approves Changes in Operation of SACCOs
The appointed members of the Committee of Experts are Marlene Shiels – Chairperson and CEO of Capital Credit Union, Scotland and Advocate Maurice Smith – Member of the African American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC) and the U.S. Supreme Court Bar.
Other experts appointed are Counsel Odhiambo Collins Harrison – Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, specializing in constitutional, administrative, and human rights law, Dr. Gamaliel Hassan – CEO of Stima DT SACCO and Dr. Nelson Kuria – Group Chairperson of CIC Insurance Group.
The committee will be supported by two technical staff members: Morris Mworia Muriungi and John B. Ong’atta.
The appointment is for a three-month period, during which the committee is expected to finalize its review and submit its recommendations.
“On behalf of the Ministry, I congratulate the appointed experts and wish them success in executing this important mandate. The Government of Kenya remains committed to supporting reforms that enhance the resilience and sustainability of the SACCO sector,” Oparnya said.
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