President William Ruto on Saturday intensified his push to consolidate support in Western Kenya, using the launch of a new savings and credit cooperative society (Sacco) in Kakamega County to showcase his administration's economic empowerment agenda.
Speaking at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology during the launch of Shirikiana Sacco, the President described cooperative societies as critical instruments of grassroots wealth creation, arguing that they remain among the most effective pathways to economic transformation.
The event took place at a time when the Kenya Kwanza administration was facing increasing criticism from opposition leaders over the state of the economy, taxation and the rising cost of living.
Mr Ruto defended his government's economic strategy, saying the administration was focused on strengthening institutions that enable ordinary Kenyans to save, invest and access affordable credit.
"Savings and credit cooperative organisations are engines of grassroots wealth creation," the President said. "Over the years, the cooperative movement has driven agricultural transformation, expanded access to affordable finance, created jobs, supported industrialisation and accelerated the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises."
The President praised Shirikiana Sacco's rapid growth, noting that it had attracted more than 12,000 members since its registration in January and established promoters in 190 wards across Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Vihiga and Trans Nzoia counties.
Political observers viewed the launch as part of a broader effort by the President to deepen his influence in Western Kenya, a region expected to play a significant role in shaping political alliances ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The region has recently witnessed heightened political activity, with opposition leaders led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua making frequent visits in an attempt to build support against the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Mr Ruto used the occasion to highlight what he described as positive economic indicators under his administration, citing growth in national savings and the expansion of the cooperative sector.
According to the President, Sacco membership nationally now exceeds eight million, with assets worth more than Sh1 trillion. He also said savings under the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) had grown from Sh312 billion in 2023 to more than Sh700 billion.
The President further announced plans to overhaul laws governing the cooperative movement, saying the reforms would strengthen governance, improve regulatory oversight and safeguard members' deposits.
"To strengthen the cooperative movement, we are undertaking a major legislative overhaul to modernise governance, reform regulatory oversight and protect members' deposits and assets," he said.
His remarks came as the government sought to counter criticism from opposition leaders who argued that economic gains highlighted by the administration had not translated into improved living standards for many households.
While the opposition has accused the government of presiding over economic hardship, Mr Ruto and his allies maintain that reforms implemented since 2022 are beginning to bear fruit and will create sustainable growth, jobs and opportunities for millions of Kenyans.
The launch of Shirikiana Sacco is therefore likely to be viewed not only as an economic initiative but also as a significant political statement as both the government and the opposition seek to strengthen their foothold in the vote-rich Western Kenya region ahead of the next electoral contest.
