Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs, Hon. Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya, appeared before the Senate to respond to inquiries posed by Senator Prof. Margaret Kamar regarding the ongoing liquidation process of the Moi University Savings and Credit Society (MUSCO).

In addressing the question concerning the potential for a forensic audit of the MUSCO liquidation account, CS Oparanya clarified that, in accordance with Section 68 of the Cooperative Societies Act, the Ministry has conducted audits of MUSCO's accounts by private audit firms up to the year 2021. He assured that the Ministry would take necessary measures to facilitate prompt auditing for the outstanding years.

Regarding the involvement of the SACCO Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA), the Uasin Gishu County Government, the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee (IGRTC), MUSCO members, and other relevant stakeholders in the liquidation process, CS Oparanya elaborated on the responsibilities vested in the liquidator by the Cooperative Societies Act. He noted the establishment of a liquidation committee to support the process, as well as the measures undertaken to address concerns raised by the Uasin Gishu County Government through consultative meetings facilitated by the IGRTC.

The Cabinet Secretary also addressed why the Commissioner for Cooperatives had not reinstated certification for MUSCO’s back-office operations. He explained that the current legal framework does not allow for the reinstatement of registration for cooperatives whose registrations have been cancelled. Instead, it provides for an appeal to be lodged within 30 days of cancellation, which must be adhered to for the liquidation process to proceed legally.

When questioned about the government's actions to implement the recommendations of the Taskforce appointed under Gazette Notice No. 16776, CS Oparanya mentioned that a draft Task Force Report was submitted to the Ministry in January. Following a thorough review, the Ministry is in the process of developing a Concept Note to guide the formation of an implementation plan that aligns with both Senate recommendations and the task force's findings.

CS Oparanya affirmed the Ministry's commitment to ensuring that all interventions, including audits and stakeholder consultations, adhere to the provisions of the Cooperative Societies Act and relevant legal frameworks, with a focus on protecting the rights and interests of MUSCO members and stakeholders.