By Meshack M. Ngangi | May 3, 2025
The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the African Guarantee Fund (AGF) in the presence of the newly installed Chancellor, Dr. Benard William Chitunga. The memorandum between the two premier institutions in higher education and finance, respectively, underscores the need to co-create programmes that strengthen the co-operative movement to contribute more than the current 45-47% of Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Also, the forged relationship will benefit the University’s students and faculty through research grants funded by AGF.
Speaking at the occasion, African Guarantee Fund Group CEO, Jules Ngankam, noted that this partnership with CUK seeks to improve accessibility to capital and resources, and capacity-building for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by working closely with SACCOs and cooperative institutions, which form part of the larger cooperative movement. He emphasized that this partnership will play a key role in job creation and equity development, thus fostering the country’s economic growth.
Chancellor Dr. Benard William Chitunga highlighted that the co-operative stimulus programme is domiciled within the Chancellor’s Legacy Programme and seeks to enhance the University’s role of empowering communities through cooperative training. Dr. Chitunga emphasised that The Co-operative University of Kenya has the mandate to support the co-operative movement across the country, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity granted to serve the University by His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto and the support the Ministry of Education and the Office of the Attorney General have accorded towards the ratification of the engagement.
