Deputy President Kindiki emphasized the importance of cooperatives in driving Kenya's economic transformation, highlighting that approximately 14 million Kenyans are members of such organizations. This includes 8 million individuals who are part of Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs), which together manage savings exceeding Sh1 trillion.

The Kenyan government is working to modernize the cooperative movement through a new cooperative bill and increased public investment. This initiative aims to strengthen governance, protect members' savings, and enhance the sector's contribution to economic growth. Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki stated that the Cooperative Bill, which is currently under consideration in Parliament, represents a significant reform effort.

The Kenya Government is focusing on Cooperative Societies to revitalize the struggling Coffee sector, aiming to restore its past success reminiscent of the 1970s. President William Ruto recently launched the Coffee Revival Through Cooperative Societies Programme in Kirinyaga, which is part of these efforts to improve the industry's fortunes.

Co-op Bank is preparing to launch Visa Accept in Kenya, which will enable traders to convert their mobile phones into card terminals. This initiative is expected to facilitate card payments among traders, but it will not replace the existing M-Pesa mobile payment system.

The government of Tanzania has urged cooperative societies to enhance accountability, adopt digital technologies, and increase the involvement of youth and women. This initiative was highlighted during the 2026 International Day of Cooperatives celebrations at the Jakaya Kikwete Convention Centre in Dodoma, which focused on the theme of promoting peace and prosperity through cooperatives.

The Tanzanian government has reiterated its support for the cooperative sector as a vital component of the country's economic transformation. During the International Day of Cooperatives celebrations in Dodoma, officials pledged to implement reforms to enhance governance, expand digital services, and improve access to affordable financing for cooperatives.