The long-awaited day finally arrived and our partners, Kipkelion Youth Service Cooperative (KYSC) Limited launched the KYSC CoffeeTuk Business on Thursday, 28th September 2023 in Kericho. KYSC is the first and so far only service co-operative in Kenya that runs a coffee shop. The CoffeeTuk is a fun location offering coffee, snacks, and daily changing lunches to its clients. It supports sustainable growth of local farmers through because all coffee specials sold by the CoffeeTuk are made from coffee beans grown and processed in Kipkelion.
The big opening event was graced by various supporters of KYSC: Representatives of the Kipkelion District Cooperative Union, Officials from the County Government of Kericho, National Chamber of Commerce Kericho County and DGRV Kenya. Dr Michael Bett, the County Chief Officer of Livestock and Cooperatives, addressed KYSC and the public with a captivating speech outlining the importance of self-help and entrepreneurial innovation.
Through partnership, DGRV Kenya have had an exciting journey with KYSC since 2019. Their introduction to GESTE Foundation made a big difference, as they committed to financially support the Coffee TukTuk business being launched, and a Coffeehouse in future, as per the Business Plan. The success achieved so far is remarkable, and it is an encouragement to other youths looking for business or source of livelihood, to create their own businesses through a Cooperative Model.
From the speeches, there was overwhelming support from the public stakeholders, partners, County Government of Kericho and the public at large that turned up. The County Government, represented by CEC of Trade, Agriculture, Livestock and Cooperatives promised to support KYSC Coffee Tuk business by involving them in open business opportunities to help them grow. The National Chamber of Commerce Kericho chapter echoed the same sentiments.
The Department of Cooperatives in Kericho County was inspired by this innovation and committed to support registration of new forms of cooperatives as well as enforce supervision in the cooperatives. They also committed to maintain close collaboration with KYSC; being the only innovative youth service cooperative registered in Kenya and venturing in the hospitality industry.
Through KYSC example, we can conclude that co-operatives are a modern and fashionable way to make sustainable business, in a way that includes members of society who otherwise do not have a chance to participate in entrepreneurship individually.
We hope that through the unique example of KYSC the public perception of the co-operative business model gradually changes. Co-operative enterprises are a fantastic way of pooling resources in a group and through that run and manage revolutionary business start-ups.
The GESTE Foundation and DGRV Kenya / GKCD have supported KYSC from the very beginning of their inception up to today’s success of the business launch. We are very proud of KYSC and their commitment to their business idea and wish them a bright and sustainable business future.
