Njogu Victor James

The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) is proud to announce that 45 students have completed the Huawei Certified ICT Associate (HCIA) – Datacom Training, earning eligibility for their official Huawei Professional Certificates. This accomplishment, achieved under the ongoing CUK–Huawei Partnership, reflects the effectiveness of a collaboration in which Huawei provided the training materials and examinations, while CUK delivered the instruction through its Huawei ICT Academy. This achievement reinforces the University’s commitment to developing industry-ready graduates equipped with globally recognized, practical competencies. It also highlights the strength of CUK’s academic programmes, which continue to demonstrate high participation and exceptional performance in internationally benchmarked certification pathways. During the certificate issuance exercise, Mr. Michael Kamau, who oversees the Huawei ICT Academy Programme, commended the students for their outstanding dedication and expressed strong confidence in the growing partnership between Huawei and CUK. He emphasized that Huawei works with universities across Kenya, the region, and the globe to cultivate ICT talent for a rapidly evolving digital industry. He celebrated the impressive performance of CUK students and appreciated the University’s active involvement in Huawei initiatives, including the global ICT Competition, where students gain the opportunity to showcase their capabilities and potentially engage with Huawei, its partners, and customers. Mr. Kamau further noted that the partnership will continue expanding into high-demand areas such as Cloud, Artificial Intelligence, and other emerging technologies, strengthening CUK’s training ecosystem and creating even more opportunities for students. Among the trainees, Nkatha Gitonga, a Second-Year BSc. Software Engineering student who emerged as the top performer expressed her gratitude for the opportunity. She described the training as deeply eye-opening and highly educational, noting that it has inspired her to pursue higher-level Huawei certifications, including HCIP and HCIE. The Dean, School of Computing and Mathematics, Dr. Shem Mbandu, congratulated the students and reaffirmed the School’s appreciation for Huawei’s continued support and investment. He highlighted the University’s ambition to broaden the partnership further to include areas such as Cloud technologies and additional emerging fields that define the future of ICT. Dr. Mbandu emphasized CUK’s commitment to fostering strong industry linkages that ensure its students acquire relevant, competitive skills for the labour market. He also encouraged prospective students to join the University’s programmes, assuring them of a learning environment that is closely aligned with industry needs and rich with opportunities to engage with cutting-edge technologies. All students who completed the HCIA–Datacom training have been invited to participate in the Huawei ICT Challenge 2025–2026, a global platform for aspiring ICT professionals to demonstrate their skills and compete for international recognition.

The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) has achieved a remarkable milestone after winning the Education Sectoral Award during its first-ever participation in the Institute of Certified Secretaries (ICS) Champions of Governance (CoG) Awards, held on Friday, November 28, 2025, at the Argyle Grand Hotel in Nairobi. This recognition places CUK among leading institutions that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to sound governance practices, transparency, and institutional accountability. The award was received by the Chairperson of Council, Dr. Jeremy Bundi, and the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, who led the University delegation to the event. In his remarks after receiving the award, Dr. Bundi celebrated the achievement as a strong reflection of the University’s collective effort and dedication. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work of the Council, Management Board, Senate, and our dedicated staff. Their unwavering commitment continues to position CUK as a trailblazer in higher education governance,” he said. The Chief Executive Officer of ICS, FCS Jeremiah N. Karanja, also congratulated the University, noting that emerging as winners in their first appearance underscores CUK’s impressive governance culture and forward-thinking leadership. “CUK has demonstrated exemplary commitment to strengthening governance systems. We are proud to see the University excel and set a strong example for others in the sector,” he noted. The Champions of Governance (CoG) Award is designed to promote and strengthen good governance practices across institutions. It recognizes and celebrates organizations that exemplify strong governance, fosters innovation that enhances governance, and encourages entities to continually improve their governance frameworks. CUK’s victory in this prestigious award highlights its ongoing commitment to excellence, institutional integrity, and sustainable leadership, key pillars that continue to drive the University’s transformation and impact.    

The University Council, led by its Chairperson, Dr. Jeremy Bundi, conducted an extensive tour of key development projects across the University, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening infrastructure that supports teaching, learning, innovation, and student welfare. The tour began at the New Lecture Theatre Annex, a flagship facility launched by H.E. President William Ruto in April 2024. The Council had the opportunity to interact with students actively using the modern lecture spaces, gaining firsthand insight into how the upgraded learning environment is enhancing academic engagement and comfort. The team then proceeded to the Main Kitchen Cafeteria, where Ms. Caroline Kosgei, the University Cateress, warmly received them. She briefed the Council on daily operations, including meal preparation processes, food safety standards, and the structured systems that ensure students are served efficiently during peak hours. The Council commended the catering team for maintaining high-quality service and supporting student wellbeing. A visit to the Computer Laboratory Complex followed, led by Mr. Harun Kamunya, the Chief Technologist. The Council toured both the main computer Lab and the Computer Engineering Lab, where they observed students working with specialized equipment. They lauded the strides made in strengthening ICT infrastructure, an essential pillar in fostering digital literacy, research, and practical skills among students pursuing technology-related programmes. The Council also inspected the 2,500-bed hostel project, currently under construction as part of the Affordable Housing Programme of the Kenya Kwanza Government. This transformative project, expected to be completed by 2027, will significantly expand student accommodation capacity and ease pressure on housing in and around the University. The Council noted the potential of the facility to greatly improve the residential experience for students and promote a more vibrant campus life. Another key stop was the upgraded sewer line, a project generously funded by the Co-operative Bank of Kenya. This upgrade strengthens the University’s sanitation infrastructure and serves as a critical investment in environmental health and campus sustainability. The Council acknowledged the strategic importance of such improvements in supporting the institution’s long-term growth. Throughout the tour, the Council expressed deep appreciation for the strong leadership of Prof. Kamau Ngamau, the Vice-Chancellor, and the entire University Management Team. They commended their commitment to expanding and modernizing the University’s infrastructure to provide students with an enabling environment to study, innovate, and thrive. The Council reaffirmed its support for the ongoing projects, noting that such investments are essential in positioning the University as a leading institution in cooperative education, research, and innovation both locally and globally.

The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) held a five-day Governing Council and University Management Board training and induction workshop from 22nd to 26th September 2025 at Mombasa Beach Hotel. Guided by the theme “Transformative Governance and People-Centered Leadership for a Sustainable University,” the workshop provided a vital platform to strengthen institutional leadership, align governance with global best practices, and chart a sustainable future for the University. The gathering brought together Council Members, University Management Board, and industry experts who engaged in robust discussions, knowledge sharing, and strategic reflections. The overall goal was to position CUK as a sustainable, competitive, and future-ready university through sound governance, innovative resource mobilization, and people-centered leadership. The program was designed to immerse Council members in the University’s governance organs and the 2022–2027 Strategic Plan, to build capacity for innovative resource mobilization, to strengthen leadership competencies in line with international best practices, to enhance understanding of modern human resource practices including emotional intelligence and compliance with PSC guidelines, and to explore the role of digital transformation in driving institutional resilience. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, set the tone of the workshop by presenting a detailed overview of CUK’s governance structure, mandate, legal framework, vision and mission, staffing and student statistics, financial trends, and key collaborations. This was followed by presentations from the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance, Planning and Administration, Prof. Esther Gicheru, who focused on Financial and Developmental aspects of the Strategic Plan, and the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Co-operative Development, Research and Innovation, Prof. Isaac Nyamongo, who elaborated on opportunities for academic growth, research, and innovation. Participants also engaged in conversations on resource mobilization and fundraising, where global trends, critical success factors, and the role of artificial intelligence in designing vibrant strategies were explored. Human capital management featured prominently, with experts highlighting strategic people management, governance culture, leadership, and the view that people remain the ultimate competitive edge in institutional growth. This was reinforced through a deeper exploration of the implications of Public Service Commission provisions and HR guidelines for governance in higher education. The workshop devoted significant time to digital transformation, covering themes such as cybersecurity, data privacy, digital ethics, and the use of AI-powered analytics to support evidence-driven decision-making. These conversations underscored both the opportunities and challenges that technology presents in safeguarding institutional reputation and ensuring effective governance. Attention was also directed toward strategic security and risk intelligence, where participants were reminded of the importance of moving beyond operational safety to embrace board-level discussions that strengthen institutional resilience in an unpredictable environment. In addition to technical and strategic themes, the sessions also revisited the human foundations of governance. Council members reflected on the role of emotional intelligence, ethical leadership, and team dynamics in building high-trust and high-performance Councils. The final discussions emphasized that effective governance is as much about values and relationships as it is about structures and policies. The five-day program was not only about knowledge acquisition but also about reflection and alignment. Participants considered how to balance financial prudence with innovation, how to integrate wellness with performance, and how to embrace technology without compromising ethics and institutional values. By the close of the workshop, Council members and the University Management Board had gained practical tools and insights to guide the University through the complexities of higher education governance, reinforcing CUK’s commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and student-centered leadership. This workshop reaffirmed CUK’s vision of becoming a premier institution of higher learning, distinguished by innovation, sustainability, and excellence in co-operative education and research. As the University looks to the future, the induction served as both a compass and a catalyst, strengthening collaboration among governance organs, anchoring leadership on the strategic plan, and deepening the resolve to build a resilient and competitive institution that remains true to its mission.

By Meshack M. Ngangi | April 30, 2025 In the golden light of late April, the 30th day of the month, Karen Nairobi Campus thrummed with anticipation as The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) welcomed a new chapter in its storied history. H.E. Hon. William Samoei Ruto, Ph.D., C.G.H., President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, arrived fresh from a landmark state visit to China—one that he described as “for the next generation”—and was greeted by the resonant harmonies of the University Choir and the vibrant colors of academic regalia. His first act of the day was to officially open the long-awaited Lecture Theatre III Annex, a state-of-the-art complex fitted with interactive teaching mechanisms and hybrid-learning capability. Following the ribbon-cutting, President Ruto joined the to-be-installed Chancellor, Dr. Benard William Chitunga, the University Council, the Management Board, faculty, students and guests in a stately procession across the sunlit campus quad. The University Band’s rhythmic drums and the choir’s stirring blend of Swahili anthems and creative composition melodies set a tone of solemn celebration as Dr. Jeremy Bundi, Chairperson of the University Council; Prof. Kamau Ngamau, Vice-Chancellor; and Prof. Isaac Nyamongo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academics, Co-operative Development, Research and Innovation, led the way to the venue of the event, the Graduation Square. There, in accordance with the Universities Act and CUK statutes, Prof. Ngamau formally constituted the inauguration assembly—an audience that included government cabinet secretaries, cooperative society executives, international development partners, alumni chapters, and representatives of student and staff unions, all reflecting the university’s multi-stakeholder ethos. Prof. Isaac Nyamongo invited the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kamau Ngamau to read the Chancellor’s Citation, which traced Dr. Benard William Chitunga’s journey from an assistant programmes officer at the Agri and Co-operative Training and Consultancy (ATC) Services Limited to a post-doctoral fellowship in the Netherlands, highlighting his contribution in the partnerships and development finance. Amid sustained applause, Dr. Chitunga, adorned in the Chancellor’s ceremonial gown, accepted the citation and stepped forward to receive the symbols of office. Dr. Bundi ceremonially handed over the ebony-and-brass Mace—emblematic of the university’s authority and unity—followed by bound volumes of the Universities Act and CUK Statutes, the University Charter granting degree-awarding powers, the logo and seal for official communications, and the Master Plan and Strategic Plan 2022-2027, which will guide campus development and academic programming through 2027. “These instruments embody the legacy you inherit and the responsibilities you now carry as the second Chancellor of The Co-operative University of Kenya,” Dr. Bundi declared. In his installation address, Dr. Chitunga spoke first of gratitude: to the Almighty for guiding his path; to the President H.E. Hon. William Samoei Ruto, whose visionary foreign policy and infrastructure advances—from Beijing to Nairobi—are reshaping Kenya’s future; and to the university’s leadership and over three-hundred staff, who for eight years had steered CUK with humility, forward-looking vision, dedication and authenticity even in the absence of a Chancellor. He paid tribute to his predecessor, the late Joseph William Nthiga Nyaga, whose exhortation—“We need a better world for ourselves, our children, and generations to come”—remains the university’s lodestar. Drawing on his upbringing in the small village of Chegulo in Malava, Kakamega county and the “co-operative courage” he witnessed there, the newly installed Chancellor celebrated the power of the question “Why?” as a stimulus for research and a challenge to entrenched norms. He unveiled the Chancellor’s Legacy Program, which includes a Multi-Donor Cooperative Innovation and Entrepreneurship Finance Facility, an annual Cooperative Investment Forum, the Africa Horticulture Center to drive horticultural research and value-chain development, and a Green Infrastructure and Artificial Intelligence initiative to expand campus housing to 10,000 capacity green infrastructure and establish a cutting-edge AI Innovation Center. After Dr. Chitunga’s visionary remarks, President Ruto returned to the podium for his address as the Chief Guest and reaffirmed the government’s unwavering support. He congratulated the new Chancellor, emphasising that youth leadership is not merely an aspiration but a present reality: “Your elevation to this role is both historic and symbolic, reflecting our collective conviction that youth are not merely the leaders of tomorrow, but of today.” He celebrated CUK’s unique place in national development, noting that for over seventy years the university has been an engine for skilled human capital and community-uplifting research grounded in cooperative values of equity, democracy, solidarity and mutual responsibility. Highlighting the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), he remarked that Kenyans no longer wish simply to share the national cake but to learn “how to bake it,” a mission that CUK, through accessible, practical and future-oriented education, is ideally placed to achieve. H.E. William Ruto announced key commitments: under the Affordable Housing Programme, 2,520 new student hostel beds will be constructed; the government will support Public-Private Partnerships to expand infrastructure and research centres under the Chancellor’s Legacy Program; and additional land will be secured for flagship projects such as the proposed CUK Innovation Hub. He underscored cooperatives’ centrality to Kenya’s economy, with over fourteen million members contributing nearly half of national savings and financing ninety per cent of the affordable housing project. The president affirmed that the forthcoming Cooperative Bill 2024 will institutionalise reforms centring training, research, and innovation. “This university is not just a partner in that effort,” he declared, “it is its anchor.” With President Ruto’s endorsement, Chancellor Chitunga’s leadership, and groundbreaking infrastructure now in place, The Co-operative University of Kenya stands poised to illuminate the path toward cooperative excellence, socio-economic transformation, and a knowledge-driven future for generations.

By Meshack M. Ngangi | April 16, 2025 Prof. Isaac Nyamongo, the Ag. Vice-Chancellor officially opened the 5th CUK Innovation Week 2025 on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, with a stirring call to action that the University celebrates the transformative power of student-led innovations. Time and again, our Student innovators have demonstrated that when fresh ideas receive the right support, they can reshape how we live, work, and build resilient communities. Yet, such transformation does not occur in isolation. It demands a concerted effort—an ecosystem in which the University, industry, and government unite to provide not only resources but also mentorship, policy frameworks, and market access. Prof. Nyamongo, in his opening address, urged all innovators to harness our collective strengths to nurture responsible innovation—ideas grounded in ethical practice and aimed squarely at delivering tangible value to society. The inspirational words of the Vice Chancellor elicited a palpable energy in the audience with a blend of excitement, aspiration, and the shared conviction that the innovations on display could indeed change the world. The then CUKSU Chairperson, Mr. Newton Kipleting, built on this momentum by expressing heartfelt gratitude to the CUK Innovation Week Organising Committee for continuously empowering students to turn their visions into reality and share them with a multifaceted audience. His remarks underscored the university’s enduring mission of producing competent human capital through quality education, training, research, and innovation, and to empower communities through outreach for socio-economic transformation, which bridges the gap between raw ingenuity and real-world impact. Under the watchful guidance of Dr Shem Mbandu, Dean of the School of Computing and Mathematics and Chair of the Innovation Week Organising Committee, industry partners were lauded for seeking out fresh talent and ideas. “Our responsibility is to connect brilliant young minds with the people and organisations who need their ideas most. Indeed, innovation is only powerful when it meets the world’s pressing needs,” Dr. Shem reminded attendees. This ethos came to life as the new CUK Innovation Hub (CUKiHub) was unveiled as an incubator offering state-of-the-art facilities and mentorship, with a designation to shepherd the first Academy cohort and future generations from concept to market. A series of compelling keynote addresses probed the critical ingredients of a thriving innovation ecosystem in Kenya, drawing speakers from emerging youth-led start-ups. Kevin Atibu, Head of Innovations, representing the CEO, ICT Authority, outlined the policy frameworks and partnerships necessary to accelerate progress from the laboratory bench to commercial success. Mr. Simon Tanui, General Manager Operations and Strategy and the representative of the CEO, National Police DT SACCO, explored how emerging technologies can enhance public service delivery, while Jimmy Kagoni of Promitto Ltd delved into the entrepreneurial mindsets and tools essential for navigating today’s dynamic business landscape. Finally, Victor Boit of VENO Autobotics charted the perilous—but—ultimately rewarding journey from initial idea through prototyping to a sustainable business model, emphasising the need for continuous customer validation and agile iteration. There came a session for the student innovators to showcase their inventions across disciplines—from software engineering and data science to commerce and internet of things (IoT)—more than twenty projects were pitched in a cut-throat competition. Among the standouts were Eventiva Coloris, a digital assistant streamlining every facet of event planning; GLOW, an AI-driven support platform for homeless individuals; and Project ARISE, an augmented reality tool enhancing surgical precision. Equally impressive were security-focused innovations like the Smart Biometric Pad-lock System and Table Pesa, the latter leveraging blockchain to bolster transparency and trust in women’s table-banking cooperatives. Renewable energy also took centre stage through Sandile Energies, a peer-to-peer trading platform democratizing access to clean electric power, while The CUK App emerged as a comprehensive mobile companion—uniting e-learning, digital libraries, campus maps, and chatbots under a single interface. On the second day, Dr Lucy Ngare, the Dean of the School of Cooperatives and Community Development, recapped the previous day’s highlights before ushering in guest speakers from beyond the university walls. Javan Victor of AVA Organic Oils shared best practices for scaling agricultural innovations sustainably, and Isaac Ndung’u Muteru recounted his journey from student prototype to successful tech entrepreneur—proof positive that CUK Innovation Week can ignite ventures with lasting societal empowerment and impact. At the tail-end of the 2025 Innovations Week, Prof Nyamongo returned to the stage to deliver closing remarks and preside over the awards ceremony. The Vice-Chancellor affirmed that the students’ ideas have the power to transform how people live, work, and build stronger communities. The coveted Best Overall award went to Nigel Ooko’s The CUK App; Astra (Latin), an AI-driven sign-language translator, earned Best Male; Sandile Energies of Sharon Kaburu Nkatha, a Software Engineering student at our School of Computing and Mathematics, won Best Female Category; and the Best Male Runners-up went to Book Byte by Keith Kipngeno Cheruiyot, a Computer Science student and GLOW by Dinah Masanda Buyeke as the Best Female runners-up. In declaring the event a resounding success, Prof. Nyamongo reiterated the university’s commitment to making next year’s Innovation Week even more ambitious. As students, academics, and industry partners departed with fresh insights, new collaborations, and renewed determination, it was clear that CUK’s innovation ecosystem is stronger and has a more promising future.

By Dr. Daniel Langat and Meshack M. Ngangi | April 23, 2025 On 22 April 2025, the Main Campus of The Cooperative University of Kenya came alive with a palpable sense of anticipation as students, faculty, and industry leaders gathered to witness the inauguration of the Marketing Student Association (MSA-CUK). From the moment the doors opened, the air hummed with excitement: students exchanged eager greetings with marketing experts, faculty advisors offered words of encouragement, and representatives from the Marketing Association of Kenya mingled, all drawn by the promise of a new hub for Kenya’s next generation of marketing professionals. The centrepiece of the afternoon was a keynote address by Madam Zuhura Odhiambo, Chairperson of the Marketing Society of Kenya. Drawing on two decades of experience managing high-profile brands, she captivated the audience with an impassioned call to “Maximise your roaring twenties and prepare for the turbulent thirties.” She painted a vivid picture of the 2020s as an age of digital disruption and boundless connectivity, urging students to seize this unique window to experiment boldly, build enduring networks and hone both their analytical and creative faculties. “Your twenties,” she reminded them, “are your laboratory—don’t be afraid to mix things up, test new hypotheses and learn from every outcome.” Flanking Madam Odhiambo on the dais were Dr. Daniel Langat, newly appointed Patron of the Marketing Student Association and the Director of the Institute of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (I-TVET), and Dr. Hezekiah Kimani, representing the Office of the Dean of Students. Dr Langat spoke passionately about the association’s role as the vital bridge between theory and practice, promising structured links with industry internships, mentorship programmes and live client briefs. Dr. Kimani reinforced the university’s holistic vision, emphasising that academic excellence must be matched by boldness, innovation and empathy. Their words resonated deeply, affirming that MSA-CUK would be far more than a club—it would be a launchpad for careers and a crucible for ideas. As the formal ceremony concluded, attendees seamlessly transitioned into hands-on workshops led by seasoned marketers from the Marketing Association of Kenya. Groups clustered around tables to dissect digital advertising case studies, explore sustainable brand storytelling and share insider tips on industry certifications. As the programme of the day came to a close, the inaugural gathering wrapped up with a spirited brainstorming session to plan MSA-CUK’s future milestones, united by a shared vision: to become agile, confident and creatively fearless marketers ready to navigate—and define—the ever-evolving business landscape of tomorrow.

By Meshack M. Ngangi | April 3, 2025 Three weeks preceding April 3, 2025, at The Co-operative University of Kenya featured a spirited display of student democracy unfolded as candidates across every faculty and the Institute of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (I-TVET) campaigned vigorously for seats in both the Delegate and the Student Governing Council elections. Beginning in mid-March, hopefuls submitted their nomination forms—each backed by a substantial number of nominees—before taking to posters, digital forums, and lively town‑hall debates to present their manifestos for the coming era. By April 3, the electorate had turned out in droves to cast their ballots for departmental delegates who would then participate in electing the executive arm, the SGC of campus governance. The CUKSU Electoral Commission, led by Dr. Michael Ngala, undertook rigorous vetting in close coordination with the Dean of Students’ Office. Candidates for President, Vice President, Secretary‑General, Treasurer, Social Welfare and Co-Curricular Activities, Gender and Special Needs, and Campus Representative from the two competing parties, The Radical Alliance (TRA) and Comrades Inject Alliance (CIA), laid out detailed manifestos in campaign trails. After the Delegate Elections, there followed SGC polls that saw the following leaders elected: Peter Okinda as Chairperson, Njagi Winrose Kinya as Vice-Chairperson, Chacha Benson Mwita as Secretary-General, and Vincent Ochieng as Finance Secretary. Samuel Owino was elected Social Welfare and Co-Curricular Activities Secretary, Belinda Wanjiru became the Gender and Special Needs Secretary, and Elias Girbo was chosen as Campus Representative. Both victors and the wider student body greeted the results with optimism and jubilation. “I am honoured by the trust placed in me and I look forward to holding monthly town halls so every student can make their voice heard,” Chairperson-elect Peter Okinda told cheering supporters. With elections concluded, attention now turns to the first joint gathering of these newly elected bodies, the Congress and the Student Governing Council, to strategically plan and craft a shared agenda to tackle student affairs programmes, bolster mental‑health support and foster more inclusive campus activities. As The Co-operative University of Kenya embarks on this fresh chapter of student leadership, the energy on campus is palpable. Over twelve thousand undergraduates have entrusted their comrades with the task of making CUK more transparent, vibrant and responsive to student needs. In the days and months ahead, all eyes will be on the initiatives these Congress and SGC champion, hopeful that they will translate their promises into tangible improvements for students’ experience at the University.