March 10, 2023

The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) is an outstanding institution of higher learning due to its observance of integrity in democratic leadership. This upholds and anchors the university’s mission of producing competent human capital through quality education, training, research & innovation, and empowering communities through outreach for socio-economic transformation. In CUK, democracy applies to the staff and students who have a significant role in ensuring a streamlined flow of activities through the Student Governing Council (SGC) and an empowered Co-operative University of Kenya Student Union (CUKSU). CUK students line up to vote during the delegate election process on Wednesday, 8th March 2023.   Over the past four weeks, the University’s atmosphere and surroundings have been adorned with slogans of great leaders as student contestants for diverse positions in the Congress and SGC engaged in an intellectual exchange of ideologies – “The battle of ideas.” The heightened debates on social media and road show campaigns of the two major parties, The Comrades Alliance (TCA) under the captainship of the incumbent CUK President, Mr Collins Brandon, and The Co-operative Revival Alliance (CRA).   The gala and scuffle for supremacy between these two parties culminated on Wednesday, 8th March 2023 Delegate and SGC Elections, where they flexed their political muscles at virtually equal power dividing the delegate’s votes into symmetrical halves. The presidential position attracting all students’ attention was hotly contested between Timothy Saruni of TCA and Amos Kamotho of CRA, each garnering 12 votes out of the 24 delegates. Student casting her ballot on Wednesday 8th during delegate election in the lecture theatre Room A polling station.   The second most senior position in the Co-operative University Student Union (CUKSU), Secretary General, underwent a similar situation, with both competitors securing equal votes. These unique scenarios of vote-tie lessened the tension. These unfamiliar situations made the Chairperson of the CUKSU Electoral Commission, Jeremiah Mugo, announce the winners of the Wednesday 8th elections and declare to announce the re-run election dates within seven calendar days as guided by Chapter five article 28 of the CUKSU Constitution.   The winners of the contested posts were Victor Onyango Juma for Finance Secretary, Francis Musyoka Daniel for Social Welfare and Co-curricular Activities, Caroline Wanjiru Kibuchi for Gender and Special Needs Secretary, and Abdullahi A. Salat for Campus Representative. The elected Congress Members and the SGC reflected the face of Kenya and demonstrated the high-held regard for diversity within the institution. Mr. Jeremiah Mugo, the CUKSU Electoral Commission Chairperson, at Nordic Hall announcing the winners of the SGC elections held on Wednesday, 8th March 2023.   The University maintained its non-partisan position in the students’ elections by ensuring that all Electoral Officials abide by the principles of impartiality. The CUKSU Electoral Commission Chairperson, Jeremiah Mugo, appreciated the efforts and support of the ever-devoted Dean of Students, Dr Lucinda Mugaa. The student elections ran seamlessly; peace, serenity, and jubilation prevailed since the winners embraced their counterparts who lost. “CUK takes pride in the students who have taken the mantle and suited the formation to become the society’s change-makers, taking the responsibility to lead their peers,” expressed (Mrs.) Dr Lucinda.

On Wednesday, 8th March 2023, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, met with the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MEMEs) Development, Hon. Simon K. Chelugui, EGH. The meeting was also attended by the PS State Department of Co-operatives, Mr. Patrick K. Kilemi. The University’s top management officials accompanying the Vice Chancellor were Prof. Isaac Nyamongo, The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (ACDRI), Prof. Kennedy Waweru, and Dr. Lydia Mutua. Prof. Kamau Ngamau and Hon. Simon K. Chelugui during the Wednesday 8th KRTCDP meeting at Mercure Hotel in Nairobi. The meeting held in Mercure Hotel in Nairobi predominantly engaged discussions and deliberations on the strategic place of the Co-operative University of Kenya in spearheading the development of farmer co-operatives through Kenya Rural Transformation Centres Digital Platform (KRTDCP) through collaboration with the Ministry mentioned above. This project aims to increase productivity, boost profitability, and uphold sustainability within agricultural cooperatives, integrating small-holder farmers with other stakeholders in the farm input supplies, food production, and agriculture value chain. Representatives of the University Management with CS, Hon. Chelugui, and the PS, Mr. Patrick Kilemi, pose for a group photo during Wednesday’s 8th meeting at Mercure Hotel – Nairobi. PS Kilemi expressed his satisfaction and enthusiasm for the initiative taken by the Co-operative University of Kenya in addressing the gaps within our society and making efforts to turn the situation of our country from a hunger-stricken nation into a food-secure country. He pledged the readiness of the State Department for Co-operatives to support the KRTDCP project since it ensures food security and empowers many Kenyans living below the poverty line through co-operative societies.   Cabinet Secretary Hon. Simon Chelugui signs the Visitor’s book before the commencement of the Wednesday 8th Meeting at Mercure Hotel – Upper Hill, Nairobi. Also, Hon. Chelugui emphasised the intention of his Ministry to work very closely with the CUK in executing primary development goals through mutual engagements. The CS said, “I have gratitude to the leadership of The Co-operative University of Kenya for setting foot in the forefront in leading the reformation and transformation of the Co-operative Movements in this country.” The Vice-Chancellor ascertained that through the endowment of knowledge, skills, and expertise, the University would ensure that farmer co-operatives benefit from the institution’s professionalism throughout the establishment, management enlightenment, and training. “With the support from your Ministry, Hon. Simon K. Chelugui, our university is prepared to gather the arsenal of vastly experienced academicians, including professors and doctors, in attaining this big vision of digitalising the agricultural production and marketing processes,” Prof. Ngamau said.