ngangi - The Co-operative University of Kenya

45 CUK Students Attain HCIA Datacom Certification

By Meshack M. Ngangi, MPRSK, MMCK | 8th December 2025 As part of the ongoing partnership between The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) and Huawei, 45 University students in the School of Computing and Mathematics completed the Huawei Certified ICT Associate (HCIA–Datacom) training programme and received their official Huawei Professional Certificates from Mr. Michael Kamau, the Head of Huawei ICT Academy (Kenya). Throughout the certification programme, Huawei provided the training materials and certification examinations, while the School of Computing and Mathematics, under the leadership of Dr. Shem Mbandu, provided mentorship and training, ensuring that students benefited optimally from both industry-standard content and academic guidance. During the HCIA Datacom Certification Award Ceremony held on 8th December 2025, Prof. Lucy Kiganane, the Dean of the School of Business and Economics, represented the Vice Chancellor and highlighted that this achievement marked an important milestone for the University and strongly affirmed a two-core aspect of CUK’s academic mission. First, it demonstrated how the students are trained to become industry-ready, equipped with practical and globally recognised competencies that significantly enhance their employability and competitiveness in the ICT sector. Second, it underscored the strength and robustness of CUK’s academic programmes, as evidenced by the high level of student participation and the commendable performance in a rigorous international certification examination. The successful completion of the HCIA–Datacom programme reflects the value of strategic industry–academia collaboration. Speaking at the Award Ceremony, Rose Nkatha, a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering student, outlined that through the CUK–Huawei Partnership, students gain access to cutting-edge training aligned with current industry needs, bridging the gap between theory and practice. Rose Nkatha was the top among the 45 students examined for the HCIA Certification, having scored 935 marks. Such collaborations not only enrich the learning experience but also position the University as a hub for producing graduates who meet global professional standards. This milestone reflects CUK’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, industry relevance, and the empowerment of students through globally competitive skills. The University looks forward to celebrating the success of its students and to deepening its partnership with Huawei in advancing ICT education and professional development.

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CUK Marks the 10th Graduation Ceremony

University News

By Meshack M. Ngangi, MPRSK, MMCK | 5th December 2025 It was a day of pride, reflection, and forward-looking resolve as The Co-operative University of Kenya marked its 10th Graduation Ceremony, celebrating the Class of 2025 and a decade since its charter award. Dr. Benard W. Chitunga, the Chancellor, speaking for the first time to a graduating cohort, joined university leadership in congratulating the 2,826 graduands, a remarkable 27% increase from last year’s 2,220 and a clear signal of growing confidence in the University’s programmes and mission. The composition of the 2025 Graduating cohort indicated a narrative of incredible growth: certificate graduands declined to 44 from 71 in the preceding year, and undergraduate graduands to 1,169 from 1,428, while diploma graduands surged to 1,567, a 163% jump from 596, and master’s graduands rose to 45 from 21 — an increase of 114%. For the first time in CUK’s history, the university will confer doctoral degrees, with four PhDs to be awarded, three from the School of Co-operatives and Community Development and one from the School of Computing and Mathematics. The School of Computing and Mathematics recorded a striking 65% rise to 330 graduands (from 200), the School of Business and Economics saw a decline to 676 graduands (from 1,027), and the School of Co-operatives and Community Development recorded 209 graduands, a marginal drop. Beyond the numbers, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, outlined that the university framed these achievements as part of sustained academic growth and a commitment to relevance in a rapidly changing world. He expressed that The Co-operative University of Kenya currently runs five doctorate programmes, twelve master’s programmes, thirty-seven undergraduate/degree programmes, and twenty-three TVET programmes. During the year, the institution launched new doctoral programmes and prepared additional courses for accreditation. Key among recent curricular innovations is the introduction of Data Science as a foundational discipline for artificial intelligence, and the School of Computing and Mathematics has announced plans to launch a BSc. in Artificial Intelligence in September 2026, designed to prepare graduates to lead and shape AI-driven innovation. These expansions reflect a deliberate strategy: to embrace current trends and anticipate future demands so that graduates remain competitive and relevant. Student leadership and global engagement featured prominently in the day’s reflections. Seventeen students completed the Millennium Campus Network programme, a global student network that advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and nurtures student leadership for social impact. Over the previous three months, these 17 fellows demonstrated leadership, creativity, and dedication that raised the university’s profile internationally and underscored the power of young people to drive transformative change. Equally important was the recognition of the institution’s growing reputation, including the receipt of the Education Sectoral Award at the 2025 ICS Champions of Governance Awards, an honour that was cited as evidence of the university’s steadfast pursuit of excellence. During the Chancellor’s address, Dr. Chitunga combined institutional pride with personal reflection and a clear moral charge for the graduates. He paid tribute to the late Hon. Raila Odinga, recalling moments of mentorship and a final, quiet admonition, “Remain focused and always have courage”—that the Chancellor described as a lasting gift. In asking the 10th Congregation assembly to observe a moment of silence, he connected personal gratitude with national memory and urged graduates to carry forward the values of courage and service. Chancellor Chitunga also signalled institutional ambitions: to fast-track infrastructure expansion, innovation, growth, and partnerships that will support CUK’s next phase and make the university community proud. To the Class of 2025, the Chancellor offered a charge that was at once pragmatic and aspirational. Dr. Benard Chitunga reminded them that their journey unfolded amid global upheaval — from the disruption of COVID-19 to the acceleration of digital transformation — and that they now enter a world charged with both possibility and peril. Central to his message was a single, vital value: empathy. Defined as the ability to step into another’s shoes, understand their experience, and act to help, empathy was presented as the cornerstone for leadership in an era when technology often mediates human interaction. The Chief Guest, Hon. FCPA Dr. Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya, the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Co-operatives and MSMEs Development, encouraged the Graduands, encouraging them to step into a world filled with opportunities and responsibility. The Co-operatives Cabinet Secretary underpinned that a qualification from The Co-operative University of Kenya is not just a certificate; it is a calling that positions them not only as job seekers, but as job creators, not only as beneficiaries of the co-operative movement, but as future leaders, innovators, and visionaries. The Chief Guest expressed that MSMEs and co-operatives are shaping the nation’s next economic chapter, and that the new graduates are the generation expected to spark that change. The Graduating Class of 2025 was urged to stay curious so they can adapt to constant change; to treat failure as “success in progress,” learning from each stumble and helping others to rise; and to aim not merely to make a living but to make a difference, practicing kindness and uplifting the needy. The tone was warm and candid, peppered with humor about lifelong friendships and the hope of wedding invitations, yet firm in insisting that graduates become “architects of change, champions of justice, and trailblazers of innovation.” The University used the occasion to reaffirm its partnership role in Kenya’s cooperative and MSME sectors, thanking the Ministry and the State Department for Co-operatives for ongoing collaboration, including academic contributions to policy reviews such as those affecting the Co-operative Bill 2024 and SACCO Societies Act. The university announced an expanded alumni mentorship and engagement programme to accompany graduates beyond the campus gates. An Alumni Dinner, scheduled for early 2026, would double as a mentorship forum and networking opportunity, and the university pledged to be deliberate in assisting graduates to secure employment and other opportunities. Parents and guardians received particular gratitude for their sacrifices and support, as the university handed back to them empowered individuals ready to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully

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CUK Hosts Cornell University’s SC Johnson College of Business Delegation

University News

By Esther Nalotwesha | 6th January 2026 The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) hosted a delegation from Cornell University, SC Johnson College of Business, USA, for a 10-day academic and experiential study tour. This tour is aimed at advancing research and collaboration on sustainable cooperative models in emerging markets. The visit, which takes place from 6th to 15th January 2026, marks a significant milestone in strengthening international academic partnerships focused on cooperative development. The delegation comprised two faculty members and four students drawn from Cornell University’s globally renowned business school. The team is led by Prof. Fridah Mubichi-Kut and Prof. Todd Michael Schmit, accompanied by students Kaia Worrell, Miriam Frank, Syed Muhammad Abdullah, and Joseph Gicharu. Their visit to Kenya is anchored within Cornell’s Student Multidisciplinary Applied Research Teams (SMART) Program, an applied learning initiative that integrates field-based research, faculty mentorship, and student engagement to address real-world development challenges. The SMART study tour is designed to deepen understanding of how cooperative enterprises operate in diverse socio-economic contexts, with a particular focus on the application of International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) principles within Kenya’s vibrant cooperative movement. During their stay, the delegation will engage cooperatives and institutions across Nairobi, Kiambu, and Nyeri counties, examining governance structures, management practices, member participation, and the role of public policy in cooperative sustainability. In his welcoming remarks, the Vice Chancellor. Prof. Kamau Ngamau formally welcomed the Cornell University delegation to CUK and expressed his appreciation for selecting CUK as a partner institution for the inaugural SMART engagement in Kenya. A pre-briefing session was done by Mr. Silas Maiyo and Dr. Victor Wambua, who outlined the purpose and scope of the engagement. They emphasized that the study tour aims not only to collect empirical data but also to expose students and faculty from both institutions to practical cooperative environments, thereby enriching teaching, learning, and research outcomes. It was noted that data collected during the field engagements will support graduate-level research, particularly for master’s students, and contribute to comparative studies on cooperatives in emerging markets. The delegation is expected to interact with a wide range of cooperative forms, including coffee, housing, dairy, transport, and savings and credit cooperatives, as well as county-level cooperative development offices. The meeting also reflected on earlier academic exchanges, including a previous visit to Cornell University by Dr. Lydia Mutua, underscoring the continuity and growing depth of the CUK–Cornell relationship. Speaking during the session, Prof. Todd Michael Schmit highlighted the academic motivation behind the study tour, noting that the team seeks to examine how ICA principles are interpreted and implemented by cooperative management and county authorities in Kenya. He underscored the importance of understanding how these principles translate into operational effectiveness, member value, and long-term sustainability within diverse cooperative contexts. The Dean, School of Cooperative and Community Development, Dr. Lucy Ngare, welcomed the delegation and expressed optimism about the outcomes of the engagement, noting that the University looks forward to the research findings and to expanding collaboration with Cornell University across multiple disciplines. She reaffirmed CUK’s openness to joint research, staff and student exchanges, and co-publication initiatives that advance cooperative knowledge and practice. In his remarks, Prof. Todd Niemann emphasized the critical role of empirical data in validating cooperative research and informing policy and practice. He observed that cooperatives contribute an estimated 40 percent of Kenya’s economy, making research essential to understanding their effectiveness, resilience, and development impact. He noted that insights from the Kenyan cooperative sector would provide valuable comparative perspectives for global cooperative scholarship. Beyond academic discussions, the programme includes field visits and stakeholder engagements with key cooperative institutions such as CUK–Institute of Cooperative Development (ICD), the Co-operative Alliance of Kenya (CAK), ICA-Africa, Limuru Dairy Cooperative, National Police DT SACCO, 2NK Transport Cooperative, and the County Government of Nyeri, among others. These engagements are intended to provide first-hand exposure to cooperative operations, governance dynamics, and policy environments. The inaugural SMART engagement is strategically positioned as a foundation for a long-term partnership between The Co-operative University of Kenya and Cornell University. Future collaboration is expected to encompass joint research projects, longitudinal field studies, data collection and analysis, student and faculty exchanges, and co-authored publications that advance cooperative education and practice globally. As a leading institution dedicated to cooperative education, research, and outreach, CUK continues to position itself as a global hub for cooperative knowledge. Hosting the Cornell University delegation not only reinforces CUK’s international profile but also affirms its commitment to fostering evidence-based research, global partnerships, and innovative learning models that strengthen cooperatives as engines of inclusive and sustainable development.

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CUK Hosts the ICA Africa’s Regional Board Induction Training

University News

By Meshack M. Ngangi, MPRSK | 24th November 2025 The International Cooperative Alliance–Africa (ICA-Africa) announced the appointment of its new Regional Board Members on 15th October 2025, following elections held during the 18th Regional Assembly. The announcement marked the beginning of a new four-year leadership cycle, bringing together a diverse and experienced team tasked with advancing the Alliance’s vision of strengthening cooperative enterprises as engines of inclusive socio-economic development across the continent. The Board comprised six members, including designated Women’s and Youth Representatives, reflecting ICA-Africa’s commitment to inclusivity and balanced representation. The elected members were High Chief Ayeola Tajudeen Oriyomi of Nigeria, Mr. Macloud Malonza of Kenya, Mr. Mesfin Gebreslassie Gereger of Ethiopia, Mr. Thapelo Obateng of Botswana, Ms. Nelisiwe Prudence Mbatha Moerane of South Africa (the Women’s Representative), and Mr. Ronald Nyamukuwa of Zimbabwe (the Youth Representative). Collectively, their leadership, expertise, and regional perspectives are expected to guide ICA-Africa in promoting cooperative growth, resilience, and sustainability throughout Africa. High Chief Ayeola Tajudeen Oriyomi brought to the Board over 26 years of distinguished service in the cooperative movement at national, continental, and international levels. As the President of ICA-Africa, he had provided strategic and visionary leadership in positioning cooperatives as critical drivers of financial inclusion, sustainable livelihoods, and community development. Before he was elected President, he had served as a member-at-large on the ICA-Africa Board and chaired the Audit and Risk Committee, contributing significantly to governance and accountability frameworks. The Vice President of the Board, Mr. Macloud Malonza, and the Chairman of the Co-operative Alliance of Kenya represent one of Africa’s largest and most dynamic cooperative movements, encompassing over 22,000 cooperative societies and more than 15 million members. A veteran cooperative leader, he had previously served as Vice Chairman of the Alliance’s Board and continued to chair Harambee Sacco Society Limited, one of Africa’s leading savings and credit cooperatives. He also held the position of Chairman of Co-op Holdings Co-operative Society Limited, the majority shareholder of the Co-operative Bank of Kenya, underscoring his extensive experience in cooperative finance and governance. On 24th November 2025, ICA-Africa officially launched a three-day Induction Training Programme for the newly elected Board, hosted by The Co-operative University of Kenya. The programme was designed to strengthen collective leadership and deepen understanding of ICA-Africa’s governance frameworks. Board members engaged in sessions covering governance fundamentals, board roles and accountability, financial oversight, risk management, and sustainability leadership, drawing from global cooperative experiences. The training underscored the importance of aligning global corporate governance standards with cooperative identity principles rooted in democracy, equity, solidarity, and mutual care. The induction further highlighted the evolving landscape of the cooperative sector, which had expanded beyond its traditional agricultural base into finance, healthcare, transport, tourism, and digital platform cooperatives. This growth, driven by market changes and technological advancement, underscored the need for modern, responsive governance systems that preserved cooperative identity while meeting global standards. Discussions also addressed contemporary governance debates, including board tenure and term limits, emphasizing that democratic election alone did not always equate to best governance practice. Strong governance was reaffirmed as the foundation of sustainable cooperative success, shaping ethical leadership, transparent decision-making, and effective resource management. The role of the Board was recognized as central to organizational oversight, with inadequate capacity often leading to institutional failure. Against this backdrop, the cooperative movement’s longstanding public trust and its role in delivering inclusive development agendas across Africa placed a heightened responsibility on cooperative leaders to uphold the highest standards of governance. Speaking at this event, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, the Vice Chancellor of The Co-operative University of Kenya, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to championing good governance through training, research, and stakeholder engagement. Through its consultancy and training arms, the University had consistently supported boards and management teams across the sector, while also leading by example through continuous governance training and performance evaluation. Its partnership with ICA-Africa in building Board-level capacity was positioned as a strategic step toward strengthening cooperative leadership across the continent. High Chief Ayeola underscored that ICA-Africa has embarked on this new chapter with the appointment of the Regional Board Members, and the successful induction programme signaled a clear commitment to bold, forward-thinking leadership. With cooperatives increasingly recognized as major economic actors rather than peripheral institutions, the expectations placed on cooperative leaders had never been greater. Under the stewardship of the newly elected Board, ICA-Africa was poised to champion cooperative transformation, grounded in strong governance, cooperative values, and a shared vision for Africa’s inclusive and sustainable future.

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CUK Empowers Students for Life After High School at the 2025 KSCF Camp

University News

By Meshack M. Ngangi, MPRSK | 28th November 2025 The Kenya Students Christian Fellowship (KSCF) is a national, inter-denominational, and non-political organization that incorporates Christian Unions (CUs) in secondary schools and colleges across Kenya. Established in 1959, KSCF works collaboratively with the Ministry of Education to nurture students’ spiritual and moral development. Through school-based ministries, national and county camps, and conventions held during school holidays, KSCF promotes spiritual formation, leadership development, and character building. The organization also addresses contemporary issues affecting students, offering counseling, mentoring, and a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) ministry curriculum that empowers learners to influence their peers positively. A key focus of the 2025 KSCF camp was equipping learners with essential post-secondary school and University knowledge, and the participation of The Co-operative University of Kenya aligned with the varsity’s mission of producing competent human capital through quality education, training, research & innovation, and empowering communities through outreach for socio-economic transformation. Through interactive and student-centred sessions, the University staff, comprising Lilian Nkatha, Lilian Wekesa, and Meshack Ngangi, guided participants on critical areas including career choice, higher education pathways, available funding opportunities, and application processes. The discussions by the Corporate Communication and Marketing Departmental staff were designed to empower students to make informed decisions aligned with their talents, interests, and future aspirations, reinforcing the University’s commitment to nurturing competent and ethical human capital. As one session emphasized, “Early career guidance enables students to align passion with purpose and prepare for meaningful participation in the economy and society.” As part of this engagement, learners were introduced to a wide range of Diploma and Degree programmes offered through The Co-operative University of Kenya’s Institute of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (I-TVET) and its three academic faculties: the School of Co-operative and Community Development, the School of Computing and Mathematics, and the School of Business and Economics. These cutting-edge programmes reflect the University’s positioning as a leading institution in co-operative education, innovation, and community-focused development. Over 500 form four leavers were guided on how these academic pathways respond to current labour market demands while promoting skills development, innovation, entrepreneurship, and community impact. In line with the University’s motto, the sessions underscored the importance of “empowering communities” as a foundation for sustainable development and transformative leadership. The Co-operative University of Kenya actively participates in forums such as the Kenya Students Christian Fellowship camp as part of its broader mandate to increase its brand visibility, positioning, and support young people transitioning from secondary school to higher education. Guided by its vision of being a leading university in co-operative training, education, research, and innovation, the University recognizes the unique challenges faced by form four leavers and deliberately provides targeted support to help them transition confidently into university life. These engagements form part of the University’s outreach and student support initiatives aimed at empowering communities and fostering inclusive access to higher education. This approach reflects the University’s core values of professionalism, integrity, creativity, and innovation. As highlighted by Ms. Lilian Nkatha, “career guidance is not just about choosing a course; it is about preparing young people to become ethical, innovative, and socially responsible leaders.” In addition, students received practical guidance on government funding opportunities, including scholarships, loans, and bursaries offered through national agencies. The University also provided clarity on application requirements and pathways, ensuring that learners understood how to access financial support for higher education. This intervention is especially critical in promoting equity and accountability by ensuring that financial limitations do not stand in the way of deserving students pursuing their academic and professional goals. Through such initiatives, The Co-operative University of Kenya continues to demonstrate its commitment to empowering young people through quality education, informed choice, and community-oriented development.

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CUK’s Vice Chancellor Honored with Integrity Award at Utumishi Bora Awards 2025

University News

By Meshack M. Ngangi, MPRSK | 29th November 2025 The Co-operative University of Kenya proudly celebrates its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, who was recently honored with the prestigious Integrity Award at the 11th Utumishi Bora Awards (UBA) 2025. The ceremony, organized annually by the Kenya Christian Professionals Forum (KCPF), took place on the evening of 29th November 2025, at the Best Western Premier in Westlands, Nairobi. The event brought together distinguished leaders, professionals, and institutions committed to ethical service and principled leadership across the country. The Integrity Award is one of the highest recognitions presented during the UBA ceremony. It is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated unwavering ethical conduct, exceptional leadership, and a commitment to values that uplift communities and institutions. During the ceremony, Prof. Ngamau received the award from Mr. Joseph Ogutu, Chairman of the Safaricom Foundation, in a moment that underscored the significance of moral leadership in both public and private sectors. In his acceptance remarks, Prof. Ngamau expressed deep gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the importance of virtuous leadership rooted in Christian principles. He noted that integrity remains an essential virtue for every Christian leader aspiring to inspire meaningful and transformative organizational change. He further highlighted that institutions like The Co-operative University of Kenya thrive when leaders uphold honesty, accountability, and service, and he reaffirmed his dedication to fostering those values that align with the university’s core values. The Utumishi Bora Awards, established by the Kenya Christian Professionals Forum, aim to celebrate and encourage servant leadership among Christian professionals in Kenya. KCPF’s mission is to promote ethical governance, professional excellence, and faith-driven public engagement. Through the UBA platform, the Forum recognizes individuals and organizations that embody integrity, social impact, and transformative leadership qualities that Prof. Ngamau has consistently demonstrated throughout his academic and administrative career. Prof. Ngamau’s recognition aligns strongly with The Co-operative University of Kenya’s own institutional values, particularly the emphasis on integrity as a guiding principle. Under his leadership, the University has continued to strengthen its culture of ethical decision-making, responsible governance, and corporate social responsibility. His award serves as an inspiration to students, faculty, and staff, reinforcing the message that leadership grounded in integrity creates lasting positive change. The University community extends heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Ngamau on this well-deserved honor. His achievement not only reflects his personal commitment to ethical leadership but also highlights the institution’s ongoing dedication to nurturing leaders who exemplify integrity, excellence, and service to the nation.

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CUK Participates in the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon 2025

University News

By Victor J. Njogu, MPRSK | October 26, 2025 The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) participated in the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon (SCNM) 2025 held on Sunday, 26th October 2025 at Uhuru Gardens. Led by our Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, a total of 50 staff and students took part in Kenya’s biggest race, which is a celebration of sport, culture, and adventure. The marathon’s route was set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Southern Bypass where over 30,000 runners enjoyed the stunning serenity of the Nairobi National Park. Since the SCNM was inaugurated in 2003, it has transformed lives, first through “Seeing is Believing” and presently through Futuremakers initiative that has impacted over 1 million young people by supporting education, employability, and entrepreneurship. CUK shares deeply in the dream and the vision of the Futuremakers program of the Standard Chartered Bank through its deliberate effort to support this annual corporate social responsibility (CSR) activity in making a real difference in communities across Kenya and empowering them. The Marathon saw over 1,700 international participants from over 90 countries globally. The organizers of the SCNM2025 offer an immersive experience beyond the race through exclusive travel packages with Marathon partners including Kenya Airways, Prudential, and JumboJet, among others. “This year, as we mark the 22nd edition of this iconic event under the theme “Together, We Run Further,” I am honoured to invite you to be part of a remarkable celebration that goes beyond the race,” expressed Kariuki Ngari, the Standard Chartered Kenya’s Chief Executive Officer.

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Varsity hosts KeNIA’s Experts for the ICS Program Self-Evaluation

University News

By Meshack M. Ngangi, MPRSK | October 23, 2025 The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) recently welcomed a five-member delegation from the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) for a self-evaluation exercise under the Institutional Commercialisation Support (ICS) Programme. The team, led by Senior Innovation Officer Francis Okwara, was received by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, and other senior officials of the university. The visit aimed to evaluate CUK’s progress in strengthening its research and innovation ecosystem using the Entrepreneurial Institutions Maturity Framework (EIMF). This framework helps universities assess their capacity for innovation, entrepreneurship, and commercialization, and identify areas for strategic improvement. Among those present were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic, Co-operative Development, Research and Innovation), Prof. Isaac Nyamobgo; Director of the Directorate of Research and Innovation, Prof. Kennedy Waweru; Mr. Silas Maiyo; and Ms. Yvonne Njeri, a Venture Growth Catalyst Expert from KeNIA. The Institutional Commercialisation Support (ICS) Programme is a national flagship initiative facilitated by KeNIA in collaboration with the British Council and UKAid. The programme seeks to empower universities and research institutions to effectively translate their research outputs into market-ready innovations and commercial ventures. Through the ICS Programme, KeNIA works with selected universities to review and strengthen their innovation structures, policies, and linkages with industry. The goal is to develop robust commercialization ecosystems that support technology transfer, intellectual property management, and entrepreneurship development within academic institutions. The Entrepreneurial Institutions Maturity Framework (EIMF) serves as the main evaluation tool for the ICS Programme. It provides a structured approach to assessing a university’s innovation and commercialization capacity across key domains, including leadership and governance, funding, infrastructure, human capital, innovation policies, and industry partnerships. Using this framework, the KeNIA team guided CUK through a reflective process to determine its current innovation maturity level and identify actionable steps for growth. This assessment will inform the development of a tailored Institutional Commercialisation Masterplan for the university. Speaking during the session, Prof. Kamau Ngamau emphasized CUK’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant research and innovation culture that contributes to Kenya’s socio-economic transformation. He noted that partnerships with national agencies like KeNIA are essential for strengthening the university’s role in driving entrepreneurship and technology-based development. Also, Prof. Isaac Nyamongo highlighted that the exercise marked an essential milestone in CUK’s journey toward becoming an entrepreneurial university. Following the self-evaluation, KeNIA and CUK will collaborate on a commercialization roadmap aimed at enhancing research uptake, industry engagement, and sustainable innovation outcomes.

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SEREK–CUK International Conference: Turning Challenges into Opportunities

University News

By Victor J. Njogu, MPRSK | October 23, 2025 The Society of Educational Research and Evaluation in Kenya (SEREK) partnered with The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) to host an international conference under the theme “Turning Challenges to Opportunities: Implications in the 21st Century,” bringing together scholars, postgraduate students and practitioners in a blended format that combined predominantly in-person participation with virtual contributions where travel was not feasible. Under the guidance of Dr. Lucy Ngare, the Dean of the School of Co-operative and Community Development, the preparations and hosting with active involvement from the School of Business and Economics and the School of Computing and Mathematics, while Prof. Paul Maithya of SEREK chaired the overall organising committee. There were several subcommittees established to handle abstracts and programme development, hospitality and logistics, security and health, publicity and promotion, and budget, finance and registration, and the university’s Co-operative Retreat and Conference Centre, ICT and Corporate Communication and Marketing Departments provided additional administrative and technical support and media coverage. Participants from Kenya and abroad presented peer-reviewed papers across plenary addresses, parallel paper sessions and panel discussions, and the proceedings were compiled with encouragement for authors to convert their presentations into full manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals, including outlets associated with The Co-operative University of Kenya. Speaking at the official opening ceremony, the CUK’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, expressed that the conference augmented the University’s research output, offered capacity-building opportunities for postgraduate students and academic staff in presenting and publishing at an international forum, and enhanced institutional visibility by strengthening partnerships with educational researchers. The two-day International Conference co-organized by the Society of Educational Research and Evaluation in Kenya (SEREK) and The Co-operative University of Kenya brought together scholars, researchers, and practitioners from around the world to share insights, innovations, and strategies that transform today’s challenges into pathways for progress. Among other participants present at the opening ceremony were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (ACDRI), Prof. Isaac K Nyamongo, MBS, Prof. Paul Ogula, SEREK Patron, and Prof. Paul Maithya, the SEREK Chairperson. The collaboration between SEREK and CUK produced compiled proceedings and a clear emphasis on turning the conference presentations into publishable research, and it strengthened institutional ties while laying a foundation for future joint activities that would continue to advance educational research and the University’s scholarly profile.

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Wote TTI Visits CUK for an Educational Trip

University News

By Meshack M. Ngangi, MPRSK | September 22, 2025 The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) hosted 92 Students and 8 teachers from Wote Technical and Training Institute (WTTI) for an educational trip. The visit was aimed at exploring the practical application of the institution-based training in today’s dynamic work environment. The University cuts the niche as not only an educational institution of higher learning but a center of excellent co-operative training and innovation. Mr. Victor J. Njogu, the Head of Corporate Communication and Marketing Department, took the students through the University’s history and highlighted its increasing adoption of structured operational systems that have enhanced service delivery, ensure transparency, and promote a culture of excellence. Wote TTI learners were engaged in key functional areas such as customer care, human resource management, procurement, and financial operations that play an integral role in achieving this objective. Ms. Susan Wanjiru represented the Principal Human Resource Manager and presented on human resource operations which form a cornerstone of institutional administration. She explained that the human resource department oversees critical functions such as recruitment, employee relations, and payroll management. Transparent and merit-based recruitment procedures ensure that only qualified and competent individuals are engaged to support the institution’s academic and administrative goals. Speaking at the event, Ms. Susan noted that once employed, staff relations are nurtured through open communication, continuous professional development, and adherence to labor laws and ethical standards. In addition, accurate and timely payroll preparation is achieved through automated systems that manage salary computation, statutory deductions, and benefits administration. These measures collectively foster a motivated, productive, and well-supported workforce dedicated to advancing the institution’s mission. The head of Procurement Department, Mr. Micah Nyaenya, took the learners through the practical application of the procurement and material management processes that further reinforce institutional accountability and operational efficiency. He outlined that The Co-operative University of Kenya prepares a comprehensive annual procurement plan that outlines the University’s requirements, estimated costs, and implementation timelines in alignment with its strategic objectives. Mr. Nyaenya added that through transparent tendering procedures, the institution ensures fairness, competitiveness, and value for money in the acquisition of goods and services. Upon receipt, all supplies undergo thorough inspection to verify compliance with specified standards and quality expectations. Assets that have reached the end of their usefulness are disposed of responsibly in accordance with approved methods, including public auction, recycling, or controlled destruction. In finishing, he underscored the essence of the integration of digital inventory systems that allows for real-time tracking, minimizes wastage, and enhances accountability within the institution’s supply chain. Our University Marketing Officer, Ms. Lilian Nkatha, did a presentation on effective customer care within an educational institution that begins with the professional handling of visitors, students, parents, and other stakeholders. Speaking on reception and front-desk services, she noted that they are the face of the institution, and their operations greatly influence public perception. Ms. Nkatha outlined that trained personnel are tasked with attending to inquiries promptly, courteously, and in accordance with institutional service standards. Beyond interpersonal interactions, the management of institutional records through proper document storage systems remains essential. Secure and organized record-keeping facilitates efficient retrieval of information and compliance with data protection regulations. In particular, she added that the handling of classified information—such as student records, examination materials, and administrative documents—requires stringent confidentiality protocols. Controlled access, digital encryption, and regular audits help safeguard sensitive information from unauthorized disclosure and ensure compliance with educational data management policies. The Finance Department was represented by Mr. Linus Muthinga who expressed that sound financial management underpins all University activities, ensuring that resources are utilized efficiently and transparently. He noted that the finance department is responsible for budget preparation, expenditure control, and financial reporting in line with established accounting standards and regulatory requirements. “Efficient invoicing systems facilitate prompt billing and accurate documentation of all financial transactions, while structured payment plans ensure timely settlement of obligations to suppliers, staff, and service providers,” expressed Mr. Muthinga. Financial operations are complemented by periodic audits and performance reviews, which serve to uphold fiscal discipline and build confidence among stakeholders, including students, employees, and development partners. By integrating these operational frameworks—ranging from customer care and records management to procurement and financial control—educational The Co-operative University of Kenya to strengthen its capacity to deliver quality education and administrative excellence. Such systems not only enhance service delivery but also promote transparency, accountability, and sustainable University growth.

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About CUK

administrative UNIT

SCHOOLS

DIRECTORATE/INSTITUTES

PROGRAMMES

STUDENT SERVICES & INFORMATION

PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

Current Students

About CUK

administrative UNIT

SCHOOLS

DIRECTORATE/INSTITUTES

PROGRAMMES

STUDENT SERVICES & INFORMATION

PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

Current Students