The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) represented by the Division of Co-operative Development, Research And Innovation (CDRI) together with International Co-operative Research Group (ICRG), a Division of United States Overseas Co-operative Development Council (OCDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Research and Development In Associated Economics. The signing of the MoU will establish a relationship in Co-operative Research and Development through mutual interests in various areas which include:
- Facilitation and execution of research activities
- Promoting and facilitating on need basis the training of staff on research skills to build the necessary capacity
- Facilitating the establishment of innovations and incubation centres in cooperative development through sound research through cooperative business models.
- Facilitating staff and/or students exchange programs including volunteerism and apprenticeship through linkages arising from the collaboration.
- Co-organizing conferences, seminars, stakeholders symposia, workshops and any such forums to facilitate dissemination of research outputs.
- Creating and maintaining linkages between businesses and industry to facilitate research programs for communities and co-operative organizations.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, The Ag. Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, CDRI, Prof. Isaac Nyamongo, stated the importance of this partnership, pointing out the need of every stakeholder to support the development of the co-operative sector which is a key pillar of the Kenyan economy and shall have immense contributions towards the achievement of the Governments Big 4 Agenda.
On her part, Judith A. Hermanson, Director ICRG, expressed her contentment noting the efforts that CUK has made in the field of research, under the CDRI Division. She pledged her full support towards the partnership which is a great boost to the University in the realization of our mandate on Cooperative Development Research and Innovation.
This comes at the backdrop of the grant awarded to The Co-operative University of Kenya of about CA$ 1.55 million by International Development Research Center to conduct research in collaboration with other entities aiming at creating and addressing gender vaccine awareness, access and benefits of livestock vaccination.