University News

By Meshack Ngangi The Co-operative University of Kenya rose to the occasion of the 9th Graduation Ceremony on Friday, December 6th, 2024, an event that marks the epitome of academic toil spanning 4 years for Bachelor’s graduates, 2 years for Master’s and Diploma graduates, and 1 year for certificate graduates. The celebration of a life milestone saw a total of 2,220 graduates being conferred and awarded different Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates, respectively, out of whom 1,027 were from the School of Business and Economics (SBE), 222 from the School of Co-operative and Community Development (SCCD), and 200 from the School of Computing and Mathematics (SCM).  The auspicious event marked the 9th Graduation Ceremony since the University was awarded a Charter in October 2016 from the then President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, E.G.H, received media coverage being aired on different outlets including Kenya Television Network (KTN), Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), Kameme TV, Inooro TV, K24 TV, TV 47, and Mass.Com. The Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Co-operatives and MSMEs Development, Hon. FCPA Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya, EGH, was the presiding Chief Guest in the 9th Graduation Ceremony held on Friday, December 6, 2024. Delegations and guests from various governmental, private, and non-governmental institutions, including the Ministry of Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, State Department for Co-operatives, Ministry of Education, State Department of Higher Education and Research, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Chuka University, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, University of Embu, Murang’a University, Daystar University, German Kenyan Cooperative Development (DGRV Kenya), Co-operative Bank, CIC Group, CIC Insurance, Techways Group, Woodley Boys School, National Police DT Sacco, Invest and Grow Sacco, Kenya USA Diaspora Sacco, Shirika DT Sacco, and Amref Sacco among others. The 9th Graduation statistics featured a 42% aggregate increase from the previous year that produced 1,565 graduates of The Co-operative University of Kenya, depicting the institution’s growth trajectory. School of Business and Economics (SBE) produced the highest number of graduates, recording a 93% increase from 532 Graduates in the 8th Graduation Ceremony to 1,027 Graduates in the 2024 Graduation Ceremony. The upward trend in student population and graduate numbers can be attributed to the University’s resolve to enhance physical and Information Communication and Technology (ICT) infrastructure and the development of cutting-edge programs that attract new learners and respond to industry needs and dynamics. Speaking at the 9th Graduation Ceremony, Macharia Ashley Wairimu, the 2024 Valedictorian, expressed the sentiments of the graduating class, noting that the graduates have been empowered and ready to serve Kenya with honour. Further, the highest-performing student of the Class of 2024 elucidated that joining The Co-operative University of Kenya was a privilege since it is a unique institution of higher learning with a conducive learning environment and a platform for holistic learner development. Speaking on academic excellence, Ms. Macharia explained the thorough journey she had endured in the School of Business and Economics with incredible mentorship and competent instruction from experienced faculty that the University offered her, ensuring a prepared human capital to serve our nation, the region, Africa, and the world. Mr. Peter Kinuthia, the CUK Alumni Association Chairperson, noted that the 9th Graduation Ceremony marked a significant milestone not only for the Graduating Class of 2024 but also a great contribution to the legacy of The Co-operative University of Kenya. From an experiential perspective, Mr. Kinuthia expressed satisfaction regarding the University’s programs that prepare industry-ready graduates and the dedication of the faculty members and the management to nurture knowledge, impart wisdom, and shape character. In congratulating the graduates, the Alumni Association Chairperson gave accolades to the Graduating Cohort of 2024 for their extraordinary achievements and standing at the threshold of a new adventure, equipped with knowledge and skills that will undoubtedly be the foundation of a promising future. “The alumni association shares an everlasting bond with every student of our ‘alma mater’ by walking a similar path, facing common challenges, and emerging stronger with heightened capabilities,” said Mr. Kinuthia. Delivering his Graduation address, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, PhD, EBS, noted that the excellence, success, and incredible growth witnessed in the 9th CUK Graduation Ceremony could be associated with the University’s dedicated faculty members and administrative staff who work tirelessly to ensure seamless operations and excellent service to customers. In maintaining the position of Kenya’s leading institution in higher education, The Co-operative University of Kenya continues to develop new programs that attract new students and respond to industry needs and dynamics.  “The state-of-the-art facilities support learning and the university’s conducive environment suits our students’ academic pursuits. The University has enhanced physical and ICT infrastructure and has procured an additional 200 computers, established two (2) additional computer laboratories, two (2) environmental laboratories, two (2) psychology laboratories, and built a fully-equipped Hospitality Students’ Kitchen. In response to the bulging number of learners, the construction of new classrooms is ongoing, and they are expected to be handed over on or before January 15, 2025,” noted Prof. Kamau Ngamau.  Also, the Vice Chancellor expressed that the University is in the process of implementing the Kenya Rural Transformation Centres Digital Platform (KRTCDP), which is funded by the African Development Bank through the African Development Fund. In March 2024, the KRTCDP project acquired a server tailored to the project’s needs and the University’s network requirements. In curriculum development and preparedness for receiving the first Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) trained cohort in the 2028/2029 academic year, the University undertook a training workshop for the faculty staff on CBC readiness. Additionally, we are in the process of reviewing the university’s academic programs to align with the competency-based curriculum requirements and installing the requisite infrastructure to support the newly approved curriculum in the Kenyan education sector. Ms. Elizabeth Kimkung, Ag. University Governing Council Chairperson highlighted that the apex University governance body will perpetually support the University management board to ensure consistent development in line with the Strategic Plan 2022-2027. In addition, the Council Chairperson reiterated the efforts and bold steps the institution has

By Meshack Ngangi November 11, 2024 The Second Co-operative Movement Stakeholders’ Annual Conference and the Platform Cooperativism Conference 2024 were co-organized by the Ministry of Co-operatives and MSMEs Development, The Co-operative University of Kenya, and the Platform Cooperativism Consortium through a Joint Co-operative Conference 2024 Organizing Committee that was chaired by our Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, PhD, EBS. The five-day Conference presented a unique touch to co-operatives with discussions and deliberations geared towards promoting the adoption of digital technologies in co-operative sector operations. Cognizant of the global shift towards digitalization, information technology, and vast changes associated with technological dynamics, the co-operative movement enthusiasts at the Conference congregated at Sorova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa in Mombasa County between Monday, 4th November 2024 and Friday, 8th November 2024, to chart a way forward in the race to transform the sector.  The Conference was structured into two phases, with the first two of five days reserved for the Second Co-operative Movement Stakeholders’ Annual Conference, which brought together the crucial players in Kenya’s expansive co-operative movement to deliberate on infusing technology into the core of the country’s co-operative space. Conference participants from Kenya’s co-operative spectrum met to strategize and preempt the theme, Digital Africa Rising, with key insights and discussions touching on revolutionizing the sector’s adoption of digital technologies. The last three Joint Conference days, November 6th, 7th, and 8th, 2024, were devoted to an international audience featuring delegates of the Platform Cooperativism Consortium from over thirty-three countries globally who discussed the scientific perspectives and shared experiential elements of platform co-operatives. The official opening ceremony for the 2nd Co-operative Movement Stakeholders’ Annual Conference and the Platform Cooperativism Consortium Conference 2024 was graced by Principal Secretary of the State Department for Co-operatives, Mr. Patrick Kilemi, who represented the Chief Guest, Hon. Wycliffe A. Oparanya, FCPA, E.G.H., Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Co-operatives and MSMEs Development. In his opening remarks, the Chief Guest reiterated that digital transformation is essential for realizing the African Union Agenda 2063, and ensuring that co-operative movements are digitized and digitalized is a key milestone worth exploring. “More than 400 million of Africa’s population utilize the internet, and more than 600 million people in the continent have access to smartphones, hence making it ultimately needful to infuse and adopt digital technologies in the operations of co-operatives to unlock the economic potential of Kenya, Africa, and the globe,” the Principal Secretary noted. The ever-evolving digital environment is challenging traditional co-operative models; hence, the Chief Guest urged the delegates, participants, and stakeholders in the co-operative movement to take the lead in realizing our country’s and the continent’s future by making viable deliberations and resolutions of the Joint Co-operative Conference 2024. Under the theme “Digital Africa Rising,” the University reiterated its commitment to drive deliberate efforts to usher in a digital transformation future. This is a crucial element in a broader discussion and targeted strategies for attaining social justice that align with co-operative principles and values to actualize and realize advancements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, and technology. Hon. Victor Oyegoke, the Representative of the Honourable Minister of State for Agriculture & Food Security, Federal Republic of Nigeria, expressed that the theme of this conference resonates deeply with Nigeria’s vision for agricultural development and recognizes the critical role of digital technologies in enhancing productivity, improving market access, and promoting inclusive growth. Speaking at the conference’s opening ceremony, Hon. Oyegoke noted that Africa’s co-operative movement has been a cornerstone of economic development, and I firmly believe that platform co-operatives can unlock new opportunities for our communities. Local and international delegates and participants from over 33 countries gained transformative insights that inculcated real-life examples and experiences of co-operators across the globe. The conference’s thematic areas informed discourses on the latest trends and best practices in co-operative development. These included Digitization and Digitalization in Co-operatives, Digital Technologies to enhance Co-operative Activities, Technology and Climate Change, Technology and Inclusivity, Leadership and governance of co-operatives in a digitized environment, The place of Platform Co-operatives in Co-operative Development, and Legal, regulatory and compliance issues in the era of digitization. Speaking at the conference, Prof. Trebor Scholz, the founding director of the Platform Cooperativism Consortium, acclaimed that Platform Cooperatives in the Digital Economy like Smart and Stocksy generate annual revenues of approximately $200 million and $18 million, respectively, thereby making it increasingly necessary for the discussion revolving around the theme of the conference. The Joint Co-operative Conference 2024 provided a unique networking opportunity. Participants connected with industry leaders, policymakers, and potential partners from the Country and worldwide, giving the conference a global outlook and a world-class experience. “The Second Co-operative Movement Stakeholders’ Annual Conference and the Platform Cooperativism Consortium Conference 2024 was a resounding achievement that attracted over delegates and participants representing the Ministry of Co-operatives and MSMEs Development, County Governments, Co-operative Societies, National Co-operative Organizations and Development Partners, and from over 33 counties globally” pointed out Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, PhD, EBS. Prof. Ngamau expressed that the diversity of ideas and experiences shared from both local and international viewpoints showcased a promising future for Kenya’s co-operative movement and a better future for the global economies, outlining the limitless potential of integrating technology into the operations of co-operatives towards attaining the economic empowerment of our times. “The profound success of the Joint Co-operative Conference 2024 could only be attributed to the definitive spirit of co-operators, their dedication, and firm belief that the co-operative movement is the new game-changing economic transformation model that empowers communities to achieve economic freedom,” remarked Prof. Esther Gicheru (Mrs.), OGW. Additionally, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Finance, Planning, and Administration) outlined that the 21st Century is characterized by ever-changing technological developments, the fast-rising influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and a global shift towards the Internet of Things with the coming of the 5th Generation (5G) network. Such instances spark curiosity in the co-operative movement to introspect the impact of the digital era on co-operatives in Kenya, Africa, and globally.  The Second Co-operative Movement Stakeholder’s Annual Conference and