March 27, 2018

REMARKS BY DVC, CDRI PROF. ISAAC NYAMONGO ON THE OCCASION OF THE OPENING OF THE CO-OPERATIVE UNIVERSITY OF KENYA’S 2ND ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON INNOVATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE CO-OPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT 26TH MARCH, 2018 AT THE CRCC The PS, State department of co-operative development, Mr. Ismael NoorThe Chairperson of the University Council, Dr. Ibrahim M. AliMembers of the University Council present,The Acting Vice-Chancellor, The Co-operative University of Kenya, Prof. Kamau NgamauThe Deputy Vice-Chancellors & Members of the University Management Boards and Senates present,CEOs of NACCOs, Co-operatives Societies and other organizationsThe Co-operative University of Kenya Staff and StudentsInvited GuestsColleagues,Members of Staff and students;Ladies and Gentlemen,I take this opportunity to welcome you all to our 2nd Annual Conference on Innovations for Sustainable Co-operative Development here at CUK today. Various cross-cutting issues will discussed around the themes and subthemes thereof. We are glad that you made time to be with us for the two days of this conference. This is the 1st Conference we are holding since we were awarded a University Charter on 7th October, 2016. The Division of Co-operative Development, Research and Innovation endeavors to have a sustained Annual Conference without fail in future. These for a will provide a appropriate opportunity especially for the Co-operative sector and academia to exchange ideas, take stock of the progress of the movement and share knowledge and research findings. We are hopeful that this conference goes a long way to achieve its objectives at the end of the 2 days.   Our Chief Guest,Co-operative enterprises are very important to Global Economic development; they are sure vehicles for socioeconomic transformation of a society and Nation. Kenya has a long history of Co-operative development that has been characterized by strong growth and resilience thus making a significant contribution to the overall growth of the economy. The government of Kenya recognizes Co-operatives as a major contributor to National Development; as such co-operatives are found in almost all sectors of the economy. Ladies and Gentlemen, it is important to note that the greatest contribution of co-operatives to Kenya’s social and economic development is in the financial sector where financial co-operatives (savings and credit co-operatives [SACCOs], Co-operative Bank and Corporative Insurance Company of Kenya (CIC) hold substantial savings’ portfolios, accounting for over 31% of Gross National Savings. Bearing this in mind, it is paramount that this sector is given keen interests particularly in its management and sustainability.   Ladies and gentlemen,This conference we begin today provides a forum for interdisciplinary interactions among academia, researchers, Policy makers, Government and business leaders to exchange ideas with a view to finding suitable solutions to some of the challenges facing the society, private and public organizations. Finally Ladies and Gentlemen, I sincerely appreciate, the management of CUK, the division of co-operative development, research and innovation for their support to make this a success. I also wish to appreciate the conference planning committee for their contribution and efforts for this day. I wish all the participants a fruitful stay in CUK and a lasting experience from this conference. At this moment allow me to invite the vice chancellor to give his remarks and later invite the Chief Guest to officially open the conferenceThank You and God Bless You All.