Cooperative Businesses: A Training Guide for Cooperatives & Developers

Kenya’s cooperative movement is flourishing, and the worker cooperative model is gaining traction as a catalyst for equitable economic development and job creation. While worker cooperatives are relatively new to Kenya, their potential impact is being recognized. The USAID Cooperative Development Program CLEAR (Cooperative Leadership, Engagement, Advocacy and Research implemented by Global Communities, is dedicated to supporting worker cooperatives in enhancing their business identity and performance to thrive in today’s competitive business landscape.

In partnership with Democracy at Work Institute (DAWI), CLEAR developed a comprehensive manual on worker cooperatives, as a valuable resource for development organizations, entrepreneurs, learning institutions, and the cooperative sector at large, aiming to deepen their understanding and knowledge of the worker cooperative model. The manual comprises nine modules, each focusing on key aspects of worker cooperative development: What is a Worker Cooperative? Worker Coop Legal Options and By-Laws; Worker Coop Management: Democratic Management and Workplace; Member Compensation; Financial Statement Storytelling; Clarifying Rights & Responsibilities; Governance and Decision-Making; Making Meetings Work and Personnel Systems.

These modules are designed to provide practical insights, tools, and guidance to facilitate the establishment and effective management of worker cooperatives. By leveraging this manual, stakeholders can enhance their capacity to create sustainable and thriving worker cooperative enterprises, contributing to inclusive economic growth and empowerment within their communities.