The national government has been asked to form a fully-fledged Ministry of Co-operatives in order to propel the co-operative movement to greater heights.
Speaking in Ndumberi on Monday during a farmers meeting, Ndumberi Coffee Co-operative society Chairman Stanley Kihiu said that co-operative societies have become a key player in the economy and therefore need more attention from the State.
"We would like to appeal to President Kenyatta to consider creating an independent ministry that will take care of the co-operatives needs. Around 43 per cent of our Gross Domestic Product is from the co-operative societies," said Kihiu.
Kihiu noted that co-operatives like Saccos are the fastest growing sub-sector that have mobilised massive savings ranging into billions of shillings.
He also urged members and other Kenyans to embrace the culture of saving through Saccos.
"Despite challenges here and there, co-operative movements have continued to do well and that is why I would encourage everybody to save through them and get to enjoy the benefits," he added.
Currently a Co-operatives Directorate is maintained as a department under the Ministry of Industrialisation and Enterprise Development.