REMARKS BY THE COUNCIL CHAIRPERSON, THE CO-OPERATIVE UNIVERSITY OF KENYA DR. IBRAHIM M. ALI ON THE OCCASION OF THE OPENING OF THE CO-OPERATIVE UNIVERSITY OF KENYA’S 2ND ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON INNOVATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE CO-OPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT 26TH MARCH, 2018 AT THE CRCC

⦁The PS State Department of Co-operatives Mr. Ismael Noor

,⦁ Members of the University Council

⦁ The Acting Vice-Chancellor, The Co-operative University of Kenya, Prof. Kamau Ngamau

⦁ The Deputy Vice-Chancellors & Members of the University Management Boards and Senates present,

⦁ CEOs of NACCOs, Co-operatives Societies and other organizations

⦁ The Co-operative University of Kenya Staff and Students

⦁ Invited Guests

⦁ Members of Staff and students;

⦁ Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am happy to be part of this Conference on ‘Innovations for Sustainable Co-operative Development’ at The Co-operative University of Kenya. On my own behalf and on behalf of the University Council, I wish to pass my regards to the University Management Board and particularly to the Division of Co-operative Development, Research and Innovation for organizing this conference. I would like to first of all, wish all of you, a fruitful 2-day Conference here at CUK. Thank you for making it time to be here.

Chief Guest,

We are on the path to building a Shining University; we need not to concentrate to building towers but have a Knowledge Based University. That is how great Universities like Harvard, Stanford and others have differentiated themselves. The University Council is happy to note that CUK is taking matters academics seriously since award of a University Charter in the year 2016. The Council is informed that last year, such a conference could not materialize due to unpredictable political climate in Kenya then. We are hopeful that moving forward, annual conferences become more fruitful and beneficial to the University and attendants. Since antiquity, Universities have to generate knowledge, share ideas and provide tangible solutions to the challenges facing the society. To this end, this conference and future conferences held in this University must end on a high note; providing innovative solutions to concerns in the society. This way, we remain upbeat and in touch with humanity.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

At the National level, Co-operatives remain a powerful tool in pushing for economic growth. Further co-operatives have been taunted to remain strong in times of economic crisis. Many praises have been heaped on co-operatives. But, can co-operatives afford to remain dormant and enjoy the praises? You will all agree with me that times are changing fast and competition in the World is tight. Coops must wake up and run with the rest. Perhaps the Principles of Co-operatives may not change in the near future but may need redefinition. This University and such conferences must provide critical knowledge to the ‘future co-operative society’. Distinguished Participants,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am indeed hopeful that over the next two days, you will be able to exchange ideas, share knowledge and have a constructive discourse without interruptions. At a University level, such an opportunity to share knowledge must be taken nobly whichever the discipline it comes from. My Council would be keen to get positive gesture that this conference was a success. As a Council we believe that CUK has a great opportunity to shine as a young University. We remain steadfast to supporting good courses to build a better and an outstanding University.

 Chief Guest,

In conclusion, I wish to once again commend the efforts of everyone here today and those who will be here tomorrow for making this conference your memorable one. At the same time, my sincere appreciation goes to the sponsors of this conference for your financial support. I wish you all a memorable conference at CUK during your stay here and hopefully you achieve your objectives and aims.Ladies and Gentlemen, at this point in time, allow me to invite the Chief Guest who is the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Co-operatives, State Department of Co-operative Development Mr. Ismael Noor to officially open this conference.
Thank you