Universities have been urged to lead research that would support co-operatives in adopting digital tools and modernising their business practices.
Co-operative Principal Secretary Patrick Kilemi (pictured) emphasised the urgency of bridging the gap between cooperatives and digital technology. He noted that cooperative movement is a crucial economic pillar, contributing over 30 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), making digital transformation a key opportunity for cooperatives to enhance their reach and efficiency.
“If you look at major sectors like coffee, tea, and even rice production in Mwea, they’re all organised through co-operatives. In the financial sector, Saccos mobilise more than 30 per cent of national savings,” the PS stated.
Kilemi who was speaking at the 2nd Annual Cooperative Movement Stakeholders Conference and 2024 Platform Cooperatives Consortium in Mombasa, noted that although the sector is thriving, it must harness emerging tools like AI, mobile tech, and big data, especially for rural co-operatives.
He referenced the Cooperative Bill 2024, which highlights the importance of digital transformation while addressing related challenges like data protection and cybersecurity risks.
The conference, themed “Digital Africa Rising,” attracted 316 delegates from 33 countries, all focused on exploring the future of cooperatives in a digitally driven economy. Prof Kamau Ngamau, Cooperative University of Kenya VC, noted that as digital transformation accelerates, there’s an urgent need for cooperatives to modernise their operations. –
