Raymond Omollo Calls for Leadership Training to Strengthen Fishermen Cooperatives

Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr Raymond Omollo has called for proper leadership training and accountability in fishermen cooperatives, warning against the misuse of members’ savings by cooperative officials.

Omollo said strengthening the management of the cooperatives would help protect fishermen’s hard-earned money and ensure members can access affordable capital to improve their livelihoods.

He noted that while Sylvester had mentioned one or two cooperatives, there were actually four that needed attention, proposing joint training for their leadership teams.

“There is also the matter of cooperatives, and Sylvester mentioned one or two, though there are actually four. I want us to come together and conduct proper training for your leaders so that when you deposit your hard-earned money into the cooperative, it does not become personal funds for officials to use as they please,” he said.

Focus on Savings and Access to Fishing Equipment

The PS explained that well-managed cooperatives would give fishermen a reliable source of financing whenever they needed money to purchase fishing gear and other equipment required for their work on the lake.

He highlighted the importance of a revolving fund supported by members’ contributions, which would allow fishermen to borrow, invest in their activities and repay loans before other members accessed the same funds.

“That way, whenever you need capital to buy fishing gear for our lake, your savings are safely there—topped up through the revolving pool contributed by fellow members—allowing you to equip yourself, repay the loan, and give other members the exact same opportunity to borrow and move their livelihoods forward,” Omollo added.

The proposed approach is aimed at promoting financial discipline, transparency and shared responsibility within the cooperatives.

By strengthening leadership and ensuring proper management of members’ contributions, the cooperatives could become more dependable sources of financing for fishermen, enabling them to acquire equipment, expand their activities and improve their economic well-being.