Tharaka Nithi Cooperatives Celebrate Unity And Progress On Ushirika Day
Rewarding exercise during Ushirika Day celebrations in Chuka town, Tharaka Nithi County on Saturday.
By Brenda Mwende and Alex Mwenda
It was pomp, colour, and celebration at Chuka DC Grounds in Chuka town as cooperatives from across Tharaka Nithi County came together to mark the International Day of Cooperatives, locally known as Ushirika Day.
The vibrant event brought together a cross-section of stakeholders, including cooperative leaders, Sacco representatives, farmers, artists, and government officials—all united in celebrating milestones achieved through the cooperative movement and reaffirming their commitment to community-focused economic growth.
The day kicked off with the singing of the National and East African anthems, followed by an opening prayer led by veteran cooperative leader, Kirunja. The day’s program was steered with energetic flair by Kimathi wa Joshua, the charismatic MC who kept the audience engaged throughout the function.
A rich blend of cultural entertainment set the tone for the celebration. Performances by the Chuka Dreamers Dancers, Kiriguni Dancers, and Kabuboni Dancers thrilled the crowd, while a solo act by artist Sheila brought county leaders on stage to dance, sparking joy and applause from the audience. The groups were widely praised for their creativity and contribution to the event’s success.
Gracing the event were prominent figures in the cooperative sector including Eng. Peter Kimathi Njeru, Chief Officer for Cooperatives; Catherine Nduku, CEO of Southern Star Sacco; Daniel Kirigia, County Director of Cooperatives; and the Guest of Honour, Mr. James Njoe, Chairman of CIC Group. Chairpersons from across the county and special guests from Embu added to the significance of the occasion.
Societies such as Viama Kia, Meru South Union, Meso Housing, and Ndunguri Farmers Society were well represented, showcasing the diversity and strength of Tharaka Nithi’s cooperative movement.
Mr. Riungu, Chair of all Cooperative Chairpersons in the county, opened the formal session with a comprehensive report highlighting the development strides made by various societies. He also acknowledged the absence of representatives from Rwanchege and Kithitu Farmers Societies, noting that the cooperative spirit remains resilient despite recent challenges such as inadequate rainfall.
“The cooperative spirit remains alive and vibrant in our county. Saccos such as Transnational, Thamani, and Southern Star continue to transform lives and communities through inclusive financial services,” Riungu stated.
In his keynote speech, Eng. Peter Kimathi Njeru emphasized the importance of unity, transparency, and innovation in cooperative governance. He called for inclusive leadership and encouraged young people to take up roles in the cooperative movement to ensure future sustainability.
The Guest of Honour, Mr. James Njoe, delivered a compelling address that underscored the value of trust, financial discipline, and member-driven leadership. He commended Tharaka Nithi for its dynamic and progressive cooperative sector.
As the celebration reached its climax, the much-anticipated awarding ceremony took center stage, recognizing outstanding cooperatives and individual farmers for their exemplary performance and contribution to the county’s economic development.
In the Cooperative Awards category, Mugumango Dairy was honored as the Best Managed Marketing Society, recognized for its strong leadership and effective service delivery. Kabuboni Farmers Cooperative Society (FCS) was celebrated for achieving the Highest Growth, reflecting its rapid expansion and increasing member engagement.
Thamani Sacco earned the title of Best Managed Rural Sacco, while Transnational Sacco took home two awards—Best Managed Urban Sacco and the Best Saver Award for promoting a strong savings culture among members.
The Meru South Farmers Union was recognized as the Best Multipurpose Union for its diverse and effective member services. Meso Housing Cooperative was named Best Performing Housing Cooperative, praised for providing affordable housing solutions. Turima Tumaini Tharaka received the Best Innovation and Creative Sacco award, and Transformative Sacco was awarded as the Most Improved Sacco for notable advancements in service and governance.
Meru Herbs Sacco was acknowledged as the Sacco with Highest Diversification, having expanded its offerings beyond traditional financial services. Tharaka Nithi County Coffee Meru won the Most Ambitious Cooperative Union award, while Ndosha Sacco was celebrated as the Most Gender-Sensitive Sacco for promoting inclusivity. Southern Star Sacco was recognized as the Fastest Growing Sacco, marking rapid increases in membership and capital.
In the Farmers’ Awards, the Best Coffee Farmers were Mary Kanyua of Kamaara, Chogoria, and Douglas Muturi of Thoita Farmers Cooperative Society, lauded for their exceptional coffee production. Morris Murimi of Mitheru Farmers Cooperative Society was named the 2nd Best Coffee Farmer.
Julius Muriuki from Kathambara and Lofters Mukobia of Iiriga Farmers Cooperative Society were recognized as the Best Mixed Farmers, while the Best Dairy Farmers were Marion Kithinji from Mwiria Dairy and Josephine wa Marangu of Mugumango Dairy, both celebrated for excellence in livestock management and milk production.
The award ceremony not only highlighted the achievements of individuals and institutions but also reinforced the spirit of cooperation and excellence that continues to drive Tharaka Nithi’s cooperative movement forward.
The event concluded on a high note, with renewed calls for deeper integration of cooperatives into local development efforts and a collective vision to expand opportunities for members across all sectors.
As Tharaka Nithi’s cooperatives look to the future, Ushirika Day served not just as a celebration of past accomplishments, but as a rallying call for unity, innovation, and sustainable progress in the cooperative sector.
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