CAK holds leadership training to strengthen cooperative governance

Cooperative Alliance of Kenya (CAK) Chief Executive Officer Daniel Marube said sustainability reporting is becoming a global demand and is key for competitiveness with commercial banks in deposit-taking.

“Cooperative societies cannot operate in isolation. They must embrace emerging issues like climate change and tap into the growing youth population,” Marube said during the opening of a one-week Audit, Governance, and Risk Management Forum for Cooperatives at the Voi Wildlife Hotel.

The forum, organized in partnership with the Institute of Directors Kenya (IODK), aims to help leaders review audit functions, improve controls, and strengthen risk management.

Marube noted that adopting sustainability reporting would not only align cooperatives with international standards but also enhance value addition in their products. He emphasized that with young people making up nearly 70 percent of Kenya’s population, SACCOs must adapt to remain relevant.

Governance expert Zack Omukalla said sustainable reporting enhances compliance and strengthens board capacity. “If cooperatives adopt workable reporting systems, they will achieve impressive results. It instills confidence in depositors and farmers while ensuring institutions remain environmentally conscious,” he said.

Apstar Sacco Director Nelly Okendo added that sustainability reporting promotes transparency and strengthens audit and supervisory committees, making SACCOs more resilient.

CAK Board Vice Chairman Cyrus Magut announced that directors and top managers will undergo intensive training to equip them with the skills to embrace modern governance practices.