University News

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.

By Victor J. Njogu | April 7, 2025 In Kenya, money has never been just about numbers. It’s been about people pulling together when life gets hard, lifting each other when opportunities come knocking, and dreams that are bigger than what one person can carry alone. This resonates with why, long before formal banks were established in rural towns or mobile money transfers came to be, Kenyans were already saving, lending, and building futures together. Whether in small village circles or urban estates, the culture of “tuungane tushirikiane” was already shaping how we handled money. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the one-day workshop on Shared Futures: Reciprocity, Savings, and Credit in Kenya, the Ag. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Nyamongo, noted that the Chamas and SACCOs are solidarity economy entities with shared futures within reciprocity, savings, and credit provision. At the heart of this culture lie two homegrown financial pillars: chamas and Saccos. They are more than systems—they are social institutions, born out of necessity, guided by trust, and now evolving into powerful engines for wealth creation. Their pasts are rich, their present is dynamic, and their future is just beginning to unfold. Prof. Justin Willis, a Professor of History at Durham University, delivered a presentation on the past, present, and the future of Saccos and Chamas: an agenda for historical research during the Workshop, noting that the earliest forms of banking happened around kitchen tables and under trees. People came together to save, lend, and help each other pay school fees, buy seeds, build homes, or get through illness. This wasn’t just charity; it was reciprocity—the unspoken understanding that “today it’s you, tomorrow it’s me.”  In addition, Prof. Willis argued that out of this culture came chamas, the informal savings groups that have quietly powered Kenyan communities for decades. Alongside them were Saccos, the more structured cooperatives that gave workers and professionals access to credit when banks wouldn’t. Both are rooted in the same values: trust, transparency, responsibility, and a deep belief that when we move together, we move further. Chamas are also a living archive of our social and economic history. Each one tells a story of women organising quietly in the margins, of communities building wealth without waiting for permission. Scholars are now turning their attention to these groups as crucial players in Kenya’s post-independence development and gender empowerment movements. Representing the Commissioner for Cooperatives in the State Department of Cooperatives at the event, the Workshop’s chief guest and University Council Member, CPA Peter Wanjohi Kiama, encouraged the attendees to engage in research that bridges the gap between knowledge and practice, and ensures a responsive Kenyan cooperative movement. In the African lingual context, the word chama simply means “group” in Kiswahili, but its meaning in Kenyan life runs deeper. Prof. Willis explained from a study perspective that in the 1970s and 80s, chamas were mostly women’s groups—informal, handwritten-ledger savings circles that rotated contributions to help members with family needs or start small businesses without offices or logos, but endowed with discipline, commitment, and cohesion. During panel discussions, it was evident that today, chamas have transformed into smart, ambitious investment engines. Some manage millions, own real estate, trade in stocks, and launch joint ventures. Many are now registered with the Department of Social Protection, opening up access to government support and financial services. While they remain largely informal compared to SACCOs, their impact on household incomes, women’s empowerment, and grassroots development remains massive. Addressing the participants during the Workshop, Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA) CEO Mr. Peter Njuguna, explained that solidarity economy needs efficient regulatory frameworks for effective operation and that as both chamas and Saccos evolve—handling larger sums, using digital platforms, and attracting younger members—the question of regulation becomes more urgent and a necessity. Referring to the Sacco Societies Act of 2008, CEO Peter Njuguna expressed that SACCOs are regulated by SASRA (Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority), which ensures proper licensing, audits, risk management, and consumer protection. This oversight gives members confidence that their savings are secure and their loans are responsibly managed. But it’s also a challenge for smaller Saccos that may struggle to meet compliance costs in a fast-digitising economy. Mr. Paul Wanjala, an Advocacy Officer at Kenya Union of Savings & Credit Cooperatives (KUSCCO), highlighted that SACCOs and Chamas play intertwined functions concerning reciprocity, savings, and credit provision in Kenya, and emphasised that the Workshop represented a clear indicator of the empirical evidence to support this assertion. The Workshop deliberations identified that chamas operate in a much greyer regulatory space, with the majority registered as self-help groups under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection and having no centralised regulation of their financial practices. This means their success relies heavily on internal governance: trust, elected leadership, and well-written constitutions. And while this works for many, some groups have fallen victim to mismanagement or outright fraud. As chamas increasingly handle investments and scale up, there is a growing need for light-touch regulation—one that offers protection without strangling the flexibility and trust that make chamas so effective. Some experts suggest tiered models: voluntary licensing, financial literacy programs, and access to dispute resolution mechanisms. Others see digital platforms as the future of self-regulation, with apps that track contributions, issue reminders, generate reports, and keep records safe in the cloud.