By Esther Nalotwesha | 19th December 2025
The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) marked its End-of-Year Luncheon with deep gratitude, reflection, and celebration of a year defined by growth, resilience, and shared purpose. The occasion provided an opportunity for the university community to pause from its busy schedules and give thanks for God’s protection, guidance, and grace, while recognising the collective dedication and commitment of staff who continue to drive the institution forward. At the heart of CUK’s progress remains a strong culture of unity, collaboration, and mutual support, where every milestone achieved is the result of teamwork and a shared vision.
The year was particularly historic for the university following the appointment and installation of a Chancellor after a seven-year vacancy. His Excellency Hon. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, appointed Dr. Benard William Chitunga as Chancellor, a milestone that marked a new chapter in CUK’s leadership journey. Dr. Chitunga, described as a young and visionary leader, has brought renewed momentum, ambition, and hope to the institution. His leadership is expected to play a critical role in positioning CUK more firmly on both the national and global stage.
Under the Chancellor’s leadership, the Chancellor’s Legacy programme has emerged as a transformative force, spearheading initiatives aimed at strengthening infrastructure, stimulating innovation, and expanding strategic partnerships. Notable developments include the ongoing construction of a 2,520-bed student hostel under the Government’s Affordable Housing Programme, alongside plans for a state-of-the-art academic complex and a medical facility that will serve both the university and the surrounding community. The signing of several Memoranda of Understanding has further opened doors for collaboration, reinforcing CUK’s commitment to becoming a future-ready and globally competitive institution.
Academically, the university has continued to respond proactively to the evolving needs of the job market and the modern economy. In the 2025/2026 placement cycle, CUK successfully placed students in new programmes designed to equip them with highly marketable and in-demand skills. These include the Bachelor of Development Studies, Bachelor of Science in Network Engineering and Cybersecurity, and Bachelor of Science in Biostatistics. Looking ahead to the 2026/2027 placement cycle, the university anticipates admissions into additional programmes such as the Bachelor of Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance and the Bachelor of Counselling Psychology. Through these market-driven and socially responsive programmes, CUK continues to nurture talent, foster innovation, and contribute meaningfully to national and global development.
Student enrolment has also shown steady growth across all programmes, reflecting increased trust in the university’s core mandate of education and research. Rising enrolment strengthens internal academic vibrancy and institutional capacity, while externally it signals credibility, relevance, and confidence in the quality of graduates. The increasing number of graduates is a strong indicator of the university’s expanding impact, culminating in a historic achievement during the 10th Graduation Ceremony when CUK graduated four PhD students for the first time in its history.
Staff development and achievement remained a key highlight of the year. The university congratulated members of staff who attained additional academic and professional qualifications, acknowledging their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to lifelong learning. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to the entire university community and reinforce the belief that education should be a tool for positive change, shaping not only professional competence but also attitudes, values, and outlook on life. Staff promotions were also recognised as milestones of growth, impact, and service, reminding all that progress is a continuous journey rather than a single destination.
From an institutional performance perspective, CUK recorded significant improvements. In the 2023/2024 financial year, the university attained an “Excellent” Performance Contract rating for the first time since its inception, with a score of 2.3293. This achievement was further strengthened in the 2024/2025 financial year, where the score improved to 2.2147. Productivity also rose markedly, with a score of 2.741 in 2024/2025, classified as “High Productivity.” These gains were attributed to improvements in processes, financial management, ICT uptime, and academic output. However, leadership emphasised the need for focused interventions in key risk areas, enrolment, academic efficiency, financial sustainability, and stakeholder satisfaction, to sustain and surpass current performance levels.
The university’s progress has continued to attract external recognition. CUK emerged as the winner in the Education Sectoral Category during its first participation in the Champions of Governance Awards organised by the Institute of Certified Secretaries. In addition, the Vice Chancellor received the Integrity Award at the Kenya Christian Professional Forum’s 11th Utumishi Bora Awards 2025, further affirming the institution’s commitment to ethical leadership and good governance.
In recognition of its Excellent rating in the 2023/2024 Performance Contract cycle, the university announced the introduction of performance-based bonuses for eligible staff for the first time in its history. Implemented strictly in accordance with Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) guidelines, the bonuses apply only to staff who individually attained a performance appraisal rating of “Very Good” and above. Staff rated “Excellent” qualify for 100% of one month’s basic salary, while those rated “Very Good” qualify for 80%. Council members will receive 80% of the Vice-Chancellor’s one-month salary, based on the applicable June 2024 salary. Staff whose ratings fall below the threshold do not qualify, as required by statute. The university expressed optimism that similar opportunities will arise in future cycles and encouraged all staff to actively engage in the performance management process to improve individual and departmental outcomes.
As the year drew to a close, the university community was reminded of the true spirit of the festive season, caring for one another, sharing love, and nurturing a culture of kindness and generosity. It is also a time for reflection and renewed intention, encouraging staff to focus on personal growth, skill development, and self-improvement, with the understanding that growing oneself enables the growth of others and the institution as a whole.
The End-of-Year Luncheon concluded with warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and a blessed 2026, alongside a renewed commitment to excellence, accountability, and shared purpose. With gratitude for the past year and optimism for the future, The Co-operative University of Kenya looks ahead with confidence, faith, and unity.
