By Esther Nalotwesha | 11th February 2026
The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) proudly celebrated its 27 Millennium Fellows graduates in a vibrant ceremony held on Wednesday, 11th February 2026, at CRCC, Main Campus, Karen. The event marked a significant milestone for student leadership, innovation, and global engagement, as fellows were recognized for completing the prestigious Millennium Fellowship programme.
Convened under the guidelines of the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) and the Millennium Campus Network (MCN), the Millennium Fellowship is a competitive leadership development programme that equips undergraduate students with the skills, networks, and institutional support necessary to drive measurable social impact within their communities. Through the programme, fellows conceptualize and implement projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing pressing global challenges such as quality education, climate action, gender equality, health, and sustainable development.
The ceremony was chaired by Dr. Benson Nyankone, the SGDs Club Patron and MCN Civic Learning Council Member, and graced by senior University leadership, including Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, Prof. Isaac K. Nyamongo, the DVC of Academics, Co-operative Development, Research, and Innovation (ACDRI), Mr. Zachary Njeru, Ag. Registrar (ACDRI), CHRP (K) Hellen Njuki, the Assistant Registrar Examinations and Certification, among others. The University leadership, in their remarks, commended the fellows for demonstrating initiative, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership throughout the fellowship cycle. They emphasized that such global programmes reinforce CUK’s commitment to nurturing graduates who are not only academically competent but also socially responsible and globally conscious.
Prof. Kamau Ngamau highlighted the importance of student-led innovation, noting that universities play a critical role in shaping leaders capable of responding to societal challenges with integrity, creativity, and vision. The recognition of the Millennium Fellows, he observed, reflects the University’s broader mandate of providing education and training with emphasis on Co-operative development. It provides consultancy and research services to the co-operative sector and related economies.
Mr. Kevin Mang’usu, the Chief Operating Officer at Africa for SDGs, represented its Founder and CEO, Dr. Joe Bonga. He highlighted the dire need for institutions to partner and work towards the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 in preparation for the Pact for the Future. The celebration featured the issuance of certificates and appreciation items in recognition of the fellows’ dedication and successful completion of their projects. The atmosphere was marked by pride and reflection, as the graduates were applauded for translating ideas into action and for demonstrating the power of youth leadership in driving tangible community impact. Each project undertaken during the fellowship period represented a meaningful contribution toward sustainable development and social transformation.
By participating in the Millennium Fellowship, The Co-operative University of Kenya continues to strengthen its global partnerships and align its academic mission with international development frameworks. The recognition of the graduating fellows stands as a testament to the University’s dedication to fostering leadership beyond the classroom, leadership rooted in service, accountability, innovation, and measurable impact. The celebration reaffirmed the University’s role as a hub for transformative learning and purpose-driven education, shaping graduates who are prepared to make meaningful contributions both locally and globally.
