University News

The Co-operative University College of Kenya signed an MOU on strategic partnership with the County Government of Meru on Friday 4th July 2014. This is the first of its kind on strategic partnership with county governments upon devolution. The CEC in charge of Co-operatives in Meru County Hon. Ntoitha Ntomithiaru who represented the governor lauded this move and said it is going to spark development in Meru County. The signing of the MOU was done in Meru County’s old chambers. The Principal of The Co-operative University College of Kenya Prof. Douglas Shitanda reiterated on the need to make use of the new relationship to revamp Meru County in the areas of co-operation for the mutual benefit of the two institutions. The scope of this co-operation will spur radical transformation on various aspects between the two parties in areas that may/ will include various fields under co-operatives and its associated sectors involving Trade and Promotion, Technical and Human Resource Training, Exchange of Information, Tourism, Agriculture, Finance, Livestock, Insurance, Consultancy, Research and Development, Investment, Devolution, Leadership, Community Development, ICT, Education, Entrepreneurship, Governance and any other areas that may be agreed upon from time to time. Other aspects of partnership are: Capacity building for co-operatives; Research and consultancy on various Arid and semi arid land reclamation in Meru County Establishment of various co-operatives Establishment of co-operatives incubation centre in Meru county; Reviving of old Meru co-ops; Commissioning research on Miraa The Co-operative University College of Kenya (CUCK) is a leading center for quality co-operative education, training, research and consultancy in Kenya. We were established as a Constituent College of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) via Legal Notice No. 161 of 2011. Meru County is a key leader to Kenya’s vibrant co-operative movement. The co-operative movement in Kenya is the strongest movement in Africa and 7th best in the world. It is in this realization and scope of the devolved governance that The Co-operative University College of Kenya is seeking to work with the County Government of Meru to make strong the impetus of the sector. The co-operative aspect is one of the sectors that have been devolved by the government. This is a key pillar to rural and urban development in poverty alleviation. Therefore then, CUCK and Meru County has an opportunity to grab and function on in a speedy logic.

The Co-operative University College of Kenya students and staff joined the Co-operative movement in Kenya to mark the Co-operatives Environmental day on Saturday 14th June 2014. The event is an annual exercise to clean the environment as a show of solidarity and co-operation among the co-operators. This year’s event was graced by the African Vice President of Co-operatives Mr. Isaiah Muchiiri who is also the chairman of the Co-operative Bank of Kenya. The event organized by the Shirika National Council in Kenya was marked by planting of trees at the Jamhuri Park in Nairobi. This event comes a few weeks to Shirika Day Celebrations in Kenya slotted for the Saturday 5th July 2014 at Uhuru Park. Other notable guests at the event included among others the Nairobi regional senior manager of KUSSCO Mr. Arnold Munene who is also the chairman of the cuck alumni association and Mr. Daniel Malube, the CEO of the Co-operative Alliance of Kenya (CAK). Hundreds of co-operators also were in attendance.

Emerald knowledge Ambassadors Workshop, held at CUCK on 23rd, May 2014

The Co-operative University College of Kenya students and staff joined thousands of Kenyans in the 2014 Mater Heart Run on Saturday 24th may 2014. The Mater Heart Run is an annual event organized by the Mater Hospital to raise funds for the treatment of children with heart complications. CUCK participates in this event annually as part of its CSR activity.

The commission for University Education (CUE) toured the co-operative university college of Kenya ahead of the charter award. The commission was led by the CEO Prof. David Some and Dr. Karimi among other resource persons and officials of the commission. The principal of the co-operative university college of Kenya Prof. Douglas Shitanda expressed hope and optimism that the Varsity’s commitment to an award of charter before 4th November 2014 as stipulated in the law was a dream the University College is ready for. The commission is expected to give a report of their visit on the university after 14 days. The Co-operative University College of Kenya became a Constituent College of JKUAT on 4th November 2011; 3 years after the Legal Notice, according to the Universities’ Act 2012, the university college should become a fully fledged university.

FORUM FOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND CO-OPERATIVE LEADERS/ MANAGERS THEME: MOMENTUM FOR SUSTAINABLE CO-OPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT: SETTING AN AFRICAN AGENDA FOR ACTION The 2014 ICA Forum for Government and Co-operative Movement Leaders in Africa to is currently being held at The Co-operative University of Kenya, 12-14 May 2014; at the Co-operative University College retreat center is meant to bring various government officials and co-operative leaders/ managers together and have them taught on ways to ensure sustainable co-operative development. Chaired by Prof. Peter K’Obonyo, Janet Kalulu, Mohammed Kerre and the Principal of the Co-operative University College of Kenya, offers further insight into the Co-operative movement in Kenya and the rest of Africa. Also present is the former minister for co-operative development Hon. Nyagah The forum highlights issues which hinder and curtail the sustainable co-operative movement in the region and Africa, additionally ways to accelerate the growth of our own co-operative movements will also discussed upon.

The Co-operative University College of Kenya is hosted the Ministers/ County Executives in charge of Co-operatives in the Kenya’s 47 counties in Karen, Main Campus on 23rd May 2014. The theme of the forum was ACCELERATION OF DEVELOPMENT THROUGH CO-OPERATIVES AT COUNTY LEVEL. FAO representative to Kenya Mr. Luka Alinovi who was the Chief Guest challenged the Counties to embrace Co-operatives as economic vehicles to radically transform the lives of the rural and urban poor. Mr. Luka noted that Co-operative enterprises are the best business models to move and spearhead development in Kenya. The principal of The Co-operative University College of Kenya, Prof. Douglas Shitanda, while opening the workshop reiterated the commitment of the University in working closely with the County Governments to spearhead capacity building in Co-operative movement all over the Country. Prof. Shitanda noted that Co-operatives are important vehicles for mobilization of resources to promote economic and social development of the Nation. He noted that, “In our new constitution dispensation, most of the Co-operative activities will be managed at the County level. Therefore, there is need for the County Governments to be equipped with requisite knowledge and skills to promote and steer various types of Co-operatives.” Prof. Shitanda added that since The Co-operative University College of Kenya is the leading institution offering Co-operative education, training, research and consultancy services in Kenya and the region is well placed to collaborate with County Governments to provide the necessary training to County Government leaders, staff and Co-operative leaders to prepare them to manage co-operative activities. He added that this strategy will revamp Co-operatives and propel Counties to effectively play their role towards making Kenya a middle level income country as envisaged in vision 2030. The workshop takes one day ahead of the annual regional value chain to be held in august 2014 at The Co-operative University College of Kenya.

All students were scheduled to end this semester exams on Wednesday 17th December, 2014. I am therefore releasing the following information: I wish to thank all of you for your co-operation and support that has facilitated a smooth and successful semester. As ambassadors of this university college you are requested to participate in marketing the institution for the January 2015 intake that is on-going. Finishing CCA courses are reminded to apply for the January 2015 intake. You will be expected to clear from the hostels on Friday 18th December, 2014 by 9.00am. Surrender hostel keys on or before 19th August, 2014. Failure to surrender hostel keys will attract a surcharge of Kshs. 500/= payable before all other dues. Confirm the fees for next trimester from the finance department. Clear all outstanding fees arrears on or before the opening date. Next semester will be starting on Thursday 8th January, 2015. Lectures will commence on Wednesday 12th January, 2015 for those who will have paid at least 50% of the tuition fees. Resident students will be expected to pay full accommodation fees on the opening day.   Thank you  

The 3rd Graduation Ceremony of CUCK saw a record of 401 students graduate with various Diplomas and Certificates on Friday 5th December 2014. The CEO of National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovations Dr. Moses K. Rugut presided over the graduation ceremony representing the Cabinet Secretary for Education Science and Technology Prof. Jacob Kaimenyi. Dr. Moses ailed the varsity’s efforts in the establishment of e-learning as a fast for the new era. He noted that the University’s role in championing the vibrant Co-operative movement in Kenya is an epic of the moment that will turn around the Kenyan economy towards attainment of the vision 20130 by training the professional to manage the sector. On his part the JKUAT chancellor Prof. Geoffrey noted that The Co-operative University College of Kenya is mature and ready to attain a charter any time. He noted that over the last one year since the 2013 graduation ceremony, the university had grown in leaps and bounds. The Council chairman Dr. Gladys Mwiti noted that the university college is determined to continue with its mandate to train the much needed human resource needed in the vibrant co-operative movement, “It is in recognition of these facts 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. This calls for promotion of an academic centre of excellence for the professional development of Human resources for the Co-operative movement both locally and internationally. The Co-operative University College of Kenya was established with that vision in mind. Consequently, my Council shall spare no effort to ensure that this University College realizes its full mandate and moves to the next state of being a fully-fledged Co-operative University of Kenya.” The Principal of The Co-operative University College of Kenya Prof. Douglas Shitanda noted that As a Constituent University College, the University College had witnessed a steady increase in student population. From a population of 780 students in 2011/2012 academic year, the student population now stands at 2,561, which represents above 320% increase in enrollment. As the University College is looking forward to transit to a fully-fledged University, the population of students in the University is expected to increase tremendously. Increase in students’ enrolment has created need to expand and modernize facilities in the University; towards this end, the University College management has undertaken several immediate measures: Putting up modern lecture theatres which will be able provide learning facilities for about 2000 students at a go. The block is expected to be completed at the end of this financial year. Constructed high quality prefabs to provide learning space for about 400 students to meet current need for space. renovated and converted 8 staff houses into hostels to provide accommodation for increased number of students and 6 houses into offices to cater for the increased number of staff Apart from the projects being implemented now, the University College has identified flagship projects to be carried in the next five years: The University College has commenced plans to construct of an ultra-modern Learning and Research Resource centre with sitting capacity of 6,000 persons, estimated to cost Kshs 1.2 billion. The university college is also set for a mega ICT project; this project is aimed at a paperless system and enhancement of ICT application in the college- at Kshs 1.3 billion. Guests hailed The Co-operative University College of Kenya’s remarkable steps towards development of new programmes, hiring of senior administrative and academic staff, infrastructural expansion, online distance learning, all under the new dispensation. It is worth noting that despite financial constraints and inadequate physical facilities, the University College endeavors to deliver on its mandate without compromising academic standards.

The Co-operative University College of Kenya (CUCK) wishes to announce its 3rd graduation ceremony that will be held at the Langata (Main) Campus on Friday 5th December, 2014 starting at 9.00 a.m. All candidates who have qualified for the award of various Certificates and Diplomas of academic year 2013/14 are hereby informed to participate.EXAMINATION RESULTS All the students of academic year 2013/14 can check their examination results from the respective faculties and campuses from 15th November 2014.   CONFIRMATION OF NAMES Candidates are requested to visit the University College website (www.cuk.ac.ke ) to confirm their names by November 20th, 2014. Further, Candidates are advised to check the spellings and correctness of their names, and order the way they will appear.   FEES All graduands are required to have cleared any outstanding fee balances by 15th November, 2014, failure to which one will be excluded from the graduation list. All payments must be through Co-operative Bank, Acc/No. 01129062663600 Karen branch. S/n Award Graduation fee Academic dress Alumni fee Total payable 1. Certificate / Diploma 1,000 1,000 500 Kshs. 3,000   ACADEMIC DRESS Graduation gowns are available for hire for both Diploma and Certificate upon presentation of the original National Identity card. Gowns should be collected beginning Monday 1st December to Wednesday 3rd December, 2014 at the Main Campus in the housekeepers’ offices and they should be returned by 11th December, 2014 failure to which a penalty of Kshs.200 per day will be charged.   REHEARSAL All graduands are expected to attend the rehearsal on Thursday 4th December, 2014 at 10.00 a.m. at the graduation square in full academic attire.   INVITATION CARDS During the hiring of academic gown, each graduand shall be given three (3) invitation cards for their guests. Persons without graduation cards shall not be allowed into the graduation square.PUNCUTALITY Graduands and their guests are required to be seated by 8.30 a.m.; late comers will not be allowed into the graduation square. For further information contact the College on:-Telephone: 0724311606 registrar.aa@cuk.ac.ke . Website: www.cuk.ac.ke We take this early opportunity to congratulate all the graduands for the 3rd graduation ceremony.