History of Cooperative Movement

The genesis of co-operative movement in Kenya can be traced in the pre-independence period when the white settlers started the first co-operatives in Lumbwa, in Rift Valley province in 1908 (and Later on, in Central, Eastern and Nyanza provinces) with the aim of acquiring better and more efficient dairy and other agricultural production facilities and services. However, these movements were formally registered in 1931 when the 'Co-operative Societies

Ordinance' was enacted (Hitherto, Co-operatives were registered under the Business Law).

The following groups, mainly KCC, KFA, KPCU, became incorporated as co-operative societies in 1930s but only serving the interests of the whites, as the Africans were neither allowed to form nor participate in co-operatives due to colonial bias. It was not until 1945 when the 1931 'Co-operative Societies Ordinance' was amended that Africans were allowed to participate in the co-operative movement.

Strategic Plan

The strategic planning activity for Vision Housing Co-Operative Society Limited adopted a very participatory approach where after self-introduction, brief remarks and leveling of expectations, consultants: -

• Took the participants through an overview of the cooperative sector.
• Introduced the concepts of strategic management planning and their applications to business practices in the vision sub-sector.
• Facilitated the analysis of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunity and Threats (SWOT) of the institution.
• Facilitated the development of a five-year Strategic Management Plan (January 2008 to December 2013) Implementable Action plan. The strategic planning activity for Vision Housing Co-operative Society Limited adopted a very participatory approach where after self-introduction, brief remarks and leveling of expectations, consultants: -

1. Took the participants through an overview of the cooperative sector.
2. Introduced the concepts of strategic management planning and their applications to
3. business practices in the vision sub-sector.
4. Facilitated the analysis of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunity and Threats (SWOT) of the institution.
5. Facilitated the development of a five-year Strategic Management Plan (January 2008 to December 2013) Implementable Action plan.

The workshop adopted the following four participatory methods of contributions

1. Lectures to introduce various concepts relevant in strategic planning.
2. Groups of 6 members to deliberate on the various issues in the strategic workshop agenda.
3. Plenary discussion where the entire group build consensus on various key issues discussed results from the teams.
4. Thorough plenary review of the Action Plan

Future Plans

• Acquisation of other prime parcels of land in the country
• Real estate management/ development
• Offer front office services
• Establish Vision Group of Schools/colleges