December 17, 2018

SPEECH BY THE COUNCIL CHAIRPERSON, DR. IBRAHIM M. ALI, DURING THE 3RD GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE CO-OPERATIVE UNIVERSITY OF KENYA ON FRIDAY 7TH DECEMBER 2018   Chief Guest, Cabinet Secretary Ministry Of Education, Amb. Dr. Amina Mohamed The cabinet secretary ministry of trade, industry and co-operatives, Hon. Peter Munya The PS State Department of University Education, Prof. Colleta Suda The Co-operative University of Kenya Council Members, The Vice Chancellor of the Co-operative University of Kenya, Prof. Kamau Ngamau Vice Chancellors of other Universities present Deputy Vice Chancellors of CUK Deputy Vice Chancellors of other Universities present Distinguished guests and leaders of the co-operative movement, Our 2018 Graduands Ladies and Gentlemen   First, let me welcome you all to our Main Campus as we celebrate our 3rd Graduation Ceremony since award of Charter and as we celebrate the Class of 2018. I am humbled to convey to you all my warm greetings and those of the entire University Council as well as those of the University Community. We feel highly honored by your presence here today and feel quite appreciated.   Allow me to sincerely congratulate the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, on your inauguration today as the 1st Vice Chancellor of the University. The University Council and the entire university is looking at you for extraordinary leadership and your ability to move this institution forward.   In the same vein, I aptly congratulate the CUK Class of 2018 on your graduation today. Your effort has led you to where you are seated today. We are all happy for you and congratulations once again.   Our chief guest, Ladies and gentlemen, it is worth noting that Co-operatives in our own country are a pillar in the Vision 2030. The play a fundamental role in promoting equity and socio-economic development. According to the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA), the Co-operative movement brings together over one billion people around the world, and that the livelihood of nearly half of the world’s population is made secure by co-operative enterprises.  They provide income, job opportunities and avenues for social and economic development.  In Kenya alone, 63% of the population derives their livelihoods from Co-operatives. Furthermore, the co-operative movement generates about 45% of the country’s Growth Domestic Product (GDP).   As well noted in this year’s Graduation, ‘CUK the Center for the Big 4 Agenda’, we are indeed proud that this university is playing a big role in realization of the Big 4 Agenda plan for the government.   In this regard Ladies and Gentlemen, Since independence over half a century ago, the quest for University Education has been increasing at an as astounding rate and especially in the last ten (10) years. It is in this realization that The Co-operative University of Kenya is fast positioning itself to increase access to education through expansion of Academic programmes. My Council is leaving no stone unturned in supporting the University Management board and the senate to ensure that the quality of teaching and research at CUK is top notch. We have completed construction of a state-of-art lecture theatre with a sitting capacity of 2,500 students. We have further increased our degree programmes from 5 programmes, 3 years ago to 17 programmes. We have rolled out 3 Master’s Degree Programmes and I am informed that in May 2019, we are rolling out the 1st PhD program in Co-operative Management. Allow me to give the assurance of the University Council that this expansion, however, shall not compromise the quality of the education being offered in this university. Our reputation in Cooperative training, research and extension, and the products that we release in the job market compares to none and this we shall save guard and protect at all times.   Our Chief Guest, We have also expanded our student accommodation facilities within the campus.  Nonetheless, let me hasten to note that in this area we are still constrained.   Ladies and gentlemen, CUK recognizes the fact that higher ethical and professional management standards are demanded for the Co-operative sector to perform better and increase its share of socio-economic contribution.  In this regard, the University has called for promotion of an academic center of excellence for the professional development of Human resources for the Co-operative movement both locally and internationally.  The then Co-operative College of Kenya was established with that vision in mind.  Consequently, my Council shall spare no effort to ensure that this University realizes its mandate.   Chief Guest, To achieve its mandate, the University has reviewed and further revised our 2017-2022 strategic plan to fit in the current development trends and government policies and, in particular, the BIG FOUR agenda. We aim to provide practical solutions to endemic problems of Co-operative enterprises in the region and the world over.   I wish to assure the graduands that they have a great opportunity to advance their studies all the way to PhD.  However, it is important to remind ourselves that mere pursuit of knowledge without its relevant and productive application to the respective world of work would be a futile effort.  Therefore, I further urge you to utilize the knowledge and skills you have acquired in respective work areas, with a view to improving your wellbeing and the economy of this great Nation.   Our graduands, allow me to take this opportunity once again to congratulate you and wish you success in all your future endeavors.   Thank you and God bless you all, God bless The Co-operative University and God Bless Kenya.

CO-OPERATIVES TO PLAY A KEY ROLE IN ACHIEVING OF THE BIG 4 AGENDA I wish to congratulate the Co-operative University of Kenya on this very special occasion as it celebrates the 3rd Graduation Ceremony of the since award of university charter in October, 2016. Indeed this graduation marks a milestone in the history, development, and expansion of Co-operative Education and Training in this country.   The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Co-operatives will continue to support the Co-operative University of Kenya as it continues to produce manpower requirements for the Cooperative sector and related economy and provide solutions for challenges facing the Cooperative movement. This will enable the Cooperatives play their rightful role in the socio-economic transformation of this country and contribute significantly in achieving the ‘Big Four’ agenda and Vision 2030.   Cumulatively, in Kenya, the Co-operative movement has over 20,000 Co-operatives, over 12 million members, about 500,000 employees, and a capital base of over Kshs. 450 Billion and contributing more than 45% to GDP. As such Kenya’s cooperative Model is the best in Africa and ranked 7th Globally. This University has contributed immensely towards this achievement that we are proud of as a Nation. The University will also be expected to play a key role in assisting the Ministry in policy formulation and in the review of the regulatory regime in the Cooperative sector.   Lastly, I take this opportunity to congratulate the CUK Class of 2018 for successfully completing their studies and warmly welcome them to the world of work in the Cooperative sector.   MESSAGE FROM THE VICE CHANCELLOR JKUAT, PROF. MABEL IMBUGA I am happy to be part of this occasion of the first graduation ceremony conducted after the elevation of the Co-operative College of Kenya to a Constituent College of JKUAT. I acknowledge the fact that the college has started on a good footing since the commencement of the training programs under the new dispensation. Today, the University College is dispatching 395 professionals of various disciplines into the job market. I want to assure the public that the graduands have attained the requisite qualifications that meet the approved standards of the university and Commission for Higher Education. To the graduands, I call upon all of you to exhibit professionalism, and provide the much needed skills to the society.  Your input will contribute immensely in raising the living standards of Kenyans through the co-operative business model.