Abstract:
Co-operative enterprises are based on democratic principles where members delegate authority to elected
boards to maximize collective benefits. However, evidence suggests these boards sometimes prioritize personal
gains over member welfare. This study aimed to examine how members of primary co-operative societies
exercise democratic control to ensure leadership accountability. Using a cross-sectional design with a mixed
methods approach, the study focused on six primary co-operative societies in Meru and Rombo districts. The
study covered 101 randomly selected respondents. Data were collected through interviews and surveys. The
study findings revealed that more than a three quarter (77.2%) of respondents recognised democratic control
as an important strategy in enhancing leadership accountability in primary co-operative societies. The study
findings on members perspectives varied on the extent to which democratic control impact leadership
accountability: 47.5% high, 37.6% moderate, and 14.9% low. The study findings revealed that, voicing concerns
at Annual General meetings (91.1%), demanding co-operative information (78.2%), and active participation in
elections (90.1%) as the commonly used mechanisms in enhancing leadership accountability. However, it was
revealed that majority of members possess limited knowledge on the effective application of accountability
mechanisms. The study concludes that, despite recognizing the positive influence of members’ democratic
control on leadership accountability, there is a gap among members in understanding and applying the
accountability mechanisms. This lack of clarity poses challenges to co-operative growth in the study area. The
study recommends for the co-operative development stakeholders to initiate Members’ Democratic Control
Empowerment Program (MDCEP) to primary co-operative societies. This program should focus on educating
members comprehensively on democratic control mechanisms and their applications and enhancing their ability
to hold leaders accountable. Additionally, to promote leadership accountability, primary co-operatives should
ensure open communication, inclusive decision-making, accessible feedback mechanisms, enforceable
accountability policies, and regular independent audits with shared results and responsive actions.
