Nelson Nyoro, Director Cooperative department, Mombasa county
Nelson Nyoro, Director Cooperative department, Mombasa county has called on Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) in Mombasa County to prioritize youth-focused training, mentorship, and innovative financial products aimed at empowering the next generation.
Speaking during the Annual SACCO Leaders Convention held in Mombasa County, Nyoro urged cooperative societies to go beyond traditional savings models and actively equip young people with financial literacy, entrepreneurship skills, and investment knowledge.
“Youths form the largest demographic in our country. If we do not intentionally bring them into the cooperative movement, we risk losing a powerful engine for economic growth,” said Nyoro.
He challenged SACCO leaders to establish structured training and mentorship programs that educate young people on the importance of saving, disciplined investing, and skill development.
According to him, empowering youth with the right financial tools will not only reduce unemployment but also strengthen the sustainability of SACCOs.
Nyoro further emphasized the need for SACCOs to design youthful and flexible financial products tailored to the needs of young entrepreneurs, students, and informal sector workers. These include low-entry savings accounts, innovation funds, digital-friendly platforms, and skill-based loan facilities.
“The future of SACCOs lies in innovation. We must create products that speak the language of the youth and align with their ambitions,” he added.
He noted that cooperatives remain one of Kenya’s strongest pillars of grassroots economic empowerment and called for collaboration between SACCOs, educational institutions, and county governments to nurture a culture of saving and investment among young people.
The convention brought together SACCO leaders, cooperative officials, and stakeholders from across the region to discuss strategies for strengthening governance, financial inclusion, and sustainable growth within the cooperative sector.
Nyoro concluded by encouraging SACCOs to position themselves as centers of opportunity, mentorship, and economic transformation for the youth of Mombasa and beyond.
