By Damaris
In a ceremonial handover, outgoing Cabinet Secretary for Co-operatives and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development, Simon Chelugui, called on his successor, Hon. Wycliffe Oparanya, to take an active role in monitoring Kenya’s coffee sector.
During the event, Chelugui emphasized the importance of the ongoing coffee reforms, urging Oparanya to remain vigilant. “Keep a keen eye on the ongoing coffee sector reforms,” Chelugui advised, warning that various vested interests could threaten to derail progress.
Chelugui also encouraged Oparanya to advocate for the development of retail and policy frameworks within the ministry. He noted that when the SME function was split, certain key responsibilities remained under the Ministry of Trade, leaving a gap that needed attention.
Highlighting the sector’s significance, Chelugui stressed the vital role SMEs play in driving Kenya’s GDP growth. “The SME sector has a direct impact on the country’s economic performance,” he noted.
Promising to offer continued support, Chelugui assured his successor, “I will give you the necessary backing to champion the reforms and continue where we left off.”
In response, Oparanya expressed his commitment to building on the progress made. “I am committed to picking up from the solid foundation laid in reviving Kenya’s cooperative movement,” he said, signaling his readiness to take the reins and push forward with ongoing initiatives.
“In particular, the Cooperative Societies Bill No. 7 of 2024 will tackle long-standing governance issues within the cooperatives sector,” Chelugui highlighted. “It aims to reduce conflicts of interest between various organs within cooperative institutions. Additionally, it will support key initiatives such as the Hustler Fund, Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), the Coffee Bill, and the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) program—each critical for driving progress and achieving better outcomes.”
In response, Oparanya affirmed his commitment to these initiatives, specifically voicing his support for the SACCA Congress. “I am fully committed to supporting the SACCA Congress, which I successfully lobbied to bring to Kenya. It will be held in Naivasha from October 8th, 2024,” Oparanya assured.