Co-operatives offer vital political lessons

Political consciousness is growing among the citizenry. However, there seems to be more celebration of political position not political contract, political aggrandizement not political accountability, socio-economic control not direction of humanity, individual riches not community welfare, corruption not service.

One thing that seriously needs redress in this country to end periodic political tensions and violence, are community structures to nurture societal values and define individual principles.

Just as the ‘Nyumba Kumi’ initiative has helped to curb insecurity, co-operative societies are such community structures – to promote authentic democracy and social justice.

Why? It is in the annals of Kenya’s history how the co-operative and labour movements played a critical role in the country’s independence. Independence brought tears of joy and not anguish. Peace, Love, Unity and ‘Harambee’ (self-help) became the country’s slogans.

First, co-operatives are democratic business organisations equally owned and controlled by a group of community members by common-bond admission – all are co-operators, period.

Membership is non-discriminatory – no tribe or region is greater than the other. One member, one vote.

Because co-operatives are democratically owned by community members, co-operatives keep much of their money and jobs in their communities.

Much of co-operatives’ money is not stuffed in foreign banks; jobs are created for the other people in the co-operative community – youth, women and people living with disability.

Secondly, co-operatives aren’t a far off theory hence Kenya should not be a far off democracy.

Co-operatives offer achievable and practical solutions, to many economic, environmental and social problems that can be implemented right now.

‘Manifestos’ don’t just to impress the electorate but are also achievable and practical based on the strategic plan or vision of the co-operative.

Thirdly, co-operatives aren’t charities; they are an empowerment means for self-help and solidarity. Co-operative leadership build infrastructure, such as the industrial parks, and promote empowerment rather than giving hand-outs among its populace, to attract votes.

It is cognizable that everyone has a gift and should therefore engage in co-operative community and business building. Fourth, co-operative members equally share the burden in hard times and equally share benefits in good times.

Co-operatives emphasizes the need to genuinely embrace the shared leadership and ‘citizenry.’ Fifth, co-operatives strive to make members’ lives, communities and economies more just and equitable and democratic.

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The leaders are open to information on what they borrowed or generated and how they used for co-operative’s sake, do not lie or engage in cheap public relations, and do not disfranchise members nor offer skewed development on perceived voting patterns. It cannot happen because, members are well educated and informed on their rights and responsibilities as shareholders.

Sixth, co-operatives are more resilient in economic downturns and in impoverished communities. Being, viable and just alternatives for meeting social and economic needs, co-operatives do not shut down or lay off or fail to pay workers. Instead, co-operative members pull together to work out solutions – without castigating fears or intimidating others.

Finally, co-operatives are an international movement. There are thousands of co-operatives around the world making major differences globally and locally.

Co-operatives as a global player, are implementing sustainable development goals, and undertaking actions that must positively impact neighbours and whole globe. It does not work to bring another co-operative down.

Promotion and strengthening of the co-operative societies in the country need serious re-examination and consideration.

Mark Matabi is Co-operative Specialist, Enabling Market Integration for Rural Group Empowerment/USAid Programme.