Page 57 - Ramco JO SACCOStar _Vol 50.indd

OPINION

CO-OPERATIVES LAUNCH initiative
TARGETING 500,000 vulnerable
HOUSEHOLDS

The co-operative movement has launched an initiative and advocacy to the government and commission research
to cushion 500,000 vulnerable households in the on the impact of the pandemic on the co-operative sector.
country while boosting government efforts against
the Coronavirus pandemic. CCRC will develop a monitoring and evaluation plan to
collect, collate, measure and generate reports for strategic
Dubbed co-ops care, the initiative will be spearheaded by appraisal of the assignment.
a newly established Co-operative Coronavirus Response
Committee whose mandate includes mobilization of
resources for the co-operative sector.

“A calamity of this magnitude is unprecedented in the co-
operative sector in Kenya. Being a global phenomenon, it calls
for concerted effort by all stakeholders through whole-of-society
pandemic readiness approach,” said acting commissioner for
Co-operative Development Mr. Geoffrey Njang’ombe.

In a letter addressed to all co-operatives, the commissioner
noted that the movement had never instituted a disaster
preparedness mechanism despite its magnitude.

“The national government has made an appeal for local
fundraising to address this pandemic. There is need for the sector
to organize itself in support and compliment the government
effort in assisting the very vulnerable and communities affected
by this pandemic,” Mr Njang’ombe told co-operatives.

He said the sector will focus on non-clinical activities and
mobilization of the necessary financial resources to support
in minimizing the potential vagaries of covid-19 in the
movement and the general public.

The CCRC will have authority to oversee the initiative and
shall consist of representatives from the State Department
for Co-operatives as well as key stakeholders from the co-
operative movement.

Among its other roles, the committee will coordinate support
to the beneficiaries in collaboration with the National
Emergency Response Committee as well as disseminating
information and training to co-operative members as
informed by the Ministry of Health.

In addition, the committee will develop post Covid-19
pandemic coping mechanism through structured lobbying

SACCO Star Magazine | 55