Non-Sacco cooperatives to get new regulator
CS Oparanya says Sasra is overwhelmed by the sheer number of cooperatives in Kenya...
✨ Key Highlights
The Kenyan government plans to establish a new regulatory authority to oversee non-Sacco cooperatives, aiming to protect billions of shillings and prevent financial losses for members, particularly farmers. This move addresses the current lack of adequate regulation for these cooperatives, which unlike deposit-taking Saccos, are not monitored by a dedicated body.
- A new regulatory authority will operate within the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSME Development to enforce accountability nationwide.
- Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSME Development Wycliffe Oparanya highlighted the vulnerability of members in non-Sacco cooperatives, especially in the coffee and cotton sectors, due to mismanagement.
- The current regulator, the Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (Sasra), manages deposit-taking Saccos, but other cooperatives are overseen by the Commissioner of Cooperatives, leaving them prone to financial struggles.
- Wycliffe Oparanya noted that Kenya is regarded as the best in Africa for Sacco management, yet some officials misuse funds.
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Kenya Treasury Launches Eurobond Buyback as Government Moves to Regulate Saccos - February 2026
The National Treasury of Kenya has launched a Sh64.5 billion ($500 million) plan to buy back portions of its 2028 and 2032 Eurobonds. This initiative aims to streamline external debt repayments and reduce refinancing risks. In parallel, the Kenyan government plans to establish a new regulatory authority to oversee non-Sacco cooperatives, aiming to protect billions of shillings for members. A focus team led by Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has also recommended extending the moratorium on new Sacco registrations until a new law is established. This move is intended to bring stability to a sector currently grappling with over 5,000 unregulated Saccos.





