Kenya Co-operatives Bill stalls due to parliamentary disagreement

The Co-operatives Bill 2024 has stalled in the Kenyan Parliament due to a disagreement between the National Assembly and the Senate regarding proposed amendments. Following the National Assembly's rejection of Senate amendments on April 14, 2026, the legislation has been referred to a Mediation Committee to resolve the impasse.

The delay has prevented the bill from being sent to President William Samoei Ruto for assent. The legislation is intended to replace the outdated Co-operatives Act, Cap 490, and provide a modern regulatory framework. Industry stakeholders note that the delay keeps Savings and Credit Co-operatives (Saccos) from accessing the National Payments System and prevents the establishment of inter-SACCO lending facilities.

Observers suggest the legislative deadlock may stem from disputes over governance clauses and the division of functions between national and county governments. Some industry leaders have also pointed to potential vested interests seeking to influence or delay the reform of this resource-rich sector.