Building Better Cooperatives Starts with Better Leadership: Mburugu Dairy Strengthens Governance
Good governance begins with strong leadership. Through peer learning, practical tools and shared experiences, Mburugu Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society is strengthening its leadership capacity to build a more transparent, accountable and resilient cooperative for its members.
Strong cooperatives don't happen by chance, they are built through good leadership.
They are built through hundreds of decisions made by leaders who choose transparency over convenience, accountability over assumption and collaboration over working together.
Every decision made in a cooperative boardroom reaches far beyond the meeting table. It shapes how farmers are paid, how resources are managed, how opportunities are created and, ultimately, the trust members place in the cooperative they own.
It was with this shared understanding that Agriterra brought together the leaders of Mburugu Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society for a four-day Cooperative Governance Training in Embu County from 17-20th June 2026. Bringing together members of the management board, supervisory board, management staff and lead farmers, the programme focused on strengthening leadership, improving accountability and building a stronger future for the cooperative and its members.
Facilitated by Agriterra Cooperative Advisor Kennedy Opondo, the training combined practical governance tools with Agriterra's unique farmer to farmer approach.
Joining the training was Agripooler Janet Wairimu from Rungeto Farmers Cooperative Society, whose own cooperative's governance journey offered practical lessons and inspiration for the participants.
Reflecting on Rungeto's transformation, Janet reminded participants that meaningful change begins with leaders understanding their responsibilities and committing to continuous improvement.
"Governance starts with us understanding our responsibility. We were once where Mburugu is today. The changes we made didn't happen overnight, but they started with understanding our roles."
Her story resonated with participants because it reflected a journey many cooperatives can relate to. Governance challenges are not unique to one organisation, but overcoming them requires commitment, openness to learning and a willingness to continuously improve.
Throughout the training, participants explored the roles and responsibilities of the management board, supervisory board and management team while discussing how transparency, accountability and effective leadership contribute to stronger cooperative performance. They also examined leadership succession, decision-making and governance systems that ensure every action remains focused on serving members.
One of the most engaging sessions was the Governance Health Check, an interactive self-assessment that encouraged participants to reflect honestly on their cooperative's governance practices. By identifying strengths and recognising opportunities for improvement, the exercise helped lay the foundation for practical actions that Mburugu Dairy can implement as it continues to strengthen its governance.The training brought together 18 participants, including 9 women and 4 youth, reflecting the cooperative's commitment to inclusive leadership and creating opportunities for the next generation of cooperative leaders.
For the Chairman of Mburugu Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society, the training reinforced the important role leadership plays in ensuring the cooperative continues to serve its members effectively.
"We are grateful to Agriterra for the governance training because where there is strong leadership with integrity, the cooperative will run smoothly and, in case of problems, the leadership will be able to provide solutions amicably."
His reflection echoed what participants had experienced throughout the four day programme: governance is not simply about policies or board meetings. It is about equipping leaders with the knowledge, skills and integrity to make decisions that strengthen the cooperative and improve the livelihoods of the farmers they serve.
Agriterra's farmer to farmer approach continues to demonstrate that some of the most valuable solutions already exist within cooperatives themselves. By creating opportunities for cooperative leaders to learn from one another, practical knowledge is shared, confidence is built and lasting change becomes possible.
For Mburugu Dairy Cooperative, this training marked more than the end of four days of learning. It marked the beginning of a stronger leadership journey, one built on accountability, collaboration and a shared commitment to serving its members. Because when cooperative leaders grow, their cooperatives grow with them, creating stronger businesses and stronger farming communities.
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