The Ministry of Social Affairs convened appointed officials from cooperative societies on July 5 2026 to discuss enhanced supervisory mechanisms and performance improvements the minister’s office reported through KUNA. Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah told participants that safeguarding public funds cooperative resources and shareholder interests represents a national responsibility demanding ongoing vigilance. Appointed representatives must implement laws and regulations without favoritism or selectivity while reporting violations immediately. Their duties also include guiding corrections to operational procedures that deliver measurable gains in member services.
The Ministerial Resolution No 196/2026 announced on July 14 2026 replaced the prior 2021 framework with a unified electronic platform for handling transactions tenders contracts and supplier services according to the ministry announcement. This system connects cooperatives digitally to government bodies to heighten transparency and accelerate procedures. Competitive tendering is now required for all contracts under the tightened management controls that impose stricter appointment standards.
Investment guidelines within the resolution allow leases of cooperative assets for up to 10 years with five-year renewal options subject to a 5 percent annual value increase the ministry stated. Supplier relations must proceed exclusively through the electronic platform to prevent arbitrary rejections and ensure uniform treatment. Financial procedures feature reinforced inventory and purchasing policies mandatory record reconciliations detailed subsidy documentation and audits performed by Capital Markets Authority-approved auditors.
Shareholder dividends have been adjusted upward with the maximum annual return raised from 12 percent to 15 percent under the updated rules the resolution specified. Cooperative societies handle 60 to 70 percent of Kuwait’s retail trade volume according to a sector assessment published by The News Coop. The changes respond to repeated calls for greater efficiency and accountability across the consumer cooperative network that serves as a cornerstone of local commerce.
Dr Al-Huwailah rejected any external interference or pressure on the appointed officials and insisted on their full independence in decision-making the ministry statement said. Appointees are barred from accepting gifts or benefits and must protect the confidentiality of information releasing data only as permitted by law. All participants signed formal declarations pledging integrity neutrality and avoidance of personal gain in line with governance standards.
Regular field presence close monitoring of administrative and financial activities and rationalisation of expenditure have been mandated alongside timely submission of accurate reports to the ministry. The minister pledged legal protection for officials who fulfil their responsibilities diligently while declaring that negligence or dereliction would not be tolerated. These steps build on prior oversight expansions that included additional cameras in branches to feed a central monitoring room as outlined in an earlier ministry directive.
