Co-operative societies continue to play a major role in Kenya’s economic development, supporting millions of people through savings, credit access, farming, housing, transport, and investment opportunities. From SACCOs and agricultural co-operatives to housing and investment groups, co-operatives have become a critical pillar in empowering communities and driving financial inclusion.
As of May 2026, some counties have emerged as leaders in the number of registered co-operatives, reflecting strong business activity, urbanization, agricultural production, and community-driven economic models.
This article highlights the top 10 counties with the highest number of co-operatives in Kenya in 2026 and explores why these counties dominate the sector.
What Are Co-operatives?
Co-operatives are member-owned organizations formed to meet common economic, social, and cultural needs. In Kenya, they operate across multiple sectors, including:
- Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies (SACCOs)
- Agricultural co-operatives
- Housing co-operatives
- Transport co-operatives
- Investment groups
- Marketing co-operatives
They help members pool resources, access affordable loans, market products collectively, and improve livelihoods.
Top 10 Counties With the Most Co-operatives in Kenya (May 2026)
- Nairobi County – 4,639 Co-operatives
Nairobi tops the list by a massive margin, with 4,639 registered co-operatives.
As Kenya’s capital city and economic hub, Nairobi hosts thousands of SACCOs, investment groups, transport co-operatives, housing societies, and workers’ co-operatives. The county’s large population, concentration of businesses, and formal employment opportunities make it a fertile ground for co-operative growth.
Many employee-based SACCOs, government institution co-operatives, and private-sector savings groups are headquartered in Nairobi.
- Kiambu County – 655 Co-operatives
Kiambu ranks second with 655 co-operatives.
The county has a strong history of coffee, tea, dairy farming, and real estate investments, all of which support co-operative movements. SACCOs and farmers’ co-operatives remain key economic drivers, helping residents access financing and better markets.
Its proximity to Nairobi has also accelerated urban SACCO and housing co-operative growth.
- Mombasa County – 638 Co-operatives
Mombasa comes third with 638 co-operatives.
As Kenya’s major port city, Mombasa benefits from trade, logistics, tourism, and transport businesses. Transport SACCOs, investment groups, and small business co-operatives thrive in the county.
The informal business sector also contributes significantly to co-operative registration.
- Kisumu County – 527 Co-operatives
Kisumu has 527 co-operatives, making it the top county in western Kenya for co-operative numbers.
The county’s strong fishing, agriculture, transport, and small business sectors support the growth of SACCOs and producer co-operatives. Kisumu’s expanding urban economy has also increased financial inclusion efforts.
- Trans-Nzoia County – 457 Co-operatives
Trans Nzoia ranks fifth with 457 co-operatives.
Known as Kenya’s breadbasket, the county has a strong agricultural economy dominated by maize farming, dairy production, and agribusiness. Agricultural co-operatives are particularly influential in helping farmers access inputs, financing, and markets.
- Bomet County – 412 Co-operatives
Bomet follows closely with 412 co-operatives.
Tea farming plays a major role in the county’s co-operative movement. Agricultural societies and SACCOs are widely used to mobilize savings and support farmers’ economic activities.
- Nakuru County – 411 Co-operatives
Nakuru has 411 co-operatives.
The county’s diverse economy—spanning farming, trade, tourism, transport, and manufacturing—has contributed to a strong co-operative presence. Nakuru also benefits from being a regional business hub within the Rift Valley.
- Nyeri County – 386 Co-operatives
Nyeri records 386 co-operatives.
The county has historically maintained strong coffee and dairy co-operative societies. Residents are also known for high savings culture, making SACCOs particularly popular.
- Kericho County – 354 Co-operatives
Kericho ranks ninth with 354 co-operatives.
Tea farming remains the backbone of the county’s economy, and agricultural co-operatives continue to play a vital role in supporting farmers and improving earnings.
- Nandi County – 348 Co-operatives
Nandi closes the top 10 list with 348 co-operatives.
The county has strong agricultural and dairy activities, with SACCOs and farmers’ groups helping communities access affordable credit and better market opportunities.
Why Co-operatives Matter in Kenya
Co-operatives are essential to Kenya’s economy because they:
- Promote financial inclusion
- Help members access affordable loans
- Support agricultural production and marketing
- Encourage savings culture
- Create jobs and investment opportunities
- Strengthen local economies
Many Kenyans rely on SACCOs and co-operative societies to buy homes, pay school fees, expand businesses, and secure emergency financing.
Full List of Top 10 Counties With Most Co-operatives in Kenya
| Rank | County | Number of Co-operatives |
| 1 | Nairobi | 4,639 |
| 2 | Kiambu | 655 |
| 3 | Mombasa | 638 |
| 4 | Kisumu | 527 |
| 5 | Trans Nzoia | 457 |
| 6 | Bomet | 412 |
| 7 | Nakuru | 411 |
| 8 | Nyeri | 386 |
| 9 | Kericho | 354 |
| 10 | Nandi | 348 |
Data as of May 2026.
Author: Andrew Walyaula
Andrew Walyaula is a seasoned multimedia journalist. Email: waliaulaandrew0@gmail.com
