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.
