By Meshack M. Ngangi, MPRSK | September 15, 2025
The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) officially welcomed its September 2025 intake during a moving matriculation and orientation ceremony held at the New Lecture Theatre. Vice Chancellor Prof. Kamau Ngamau, flanked by senior university leadership, inspired the University’s newest students to pursue academic excellence, innovation, and integrity as they begin their studies.
Prof. Ngamau expressed pride in the size and diversity of the intake — noting that over 2,554 students were admitted to CUK and congratulated them for choosing CUK. He reassured the freshmen that the University is committed to delivering a high-quality student-centred experience: “We will endeavour to deliver as per your expectations and even beyond.”
In his welcome address, Prof. Isaac K. Nyamongo, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic, Co-operative Development, Research, and Innovation), urged the new students to seek the highest standards in their studies while maintaining a balanced, holistic approach to learner development. He called on freshmen to take full advantage of CUK’s academic programmes and co-curricular opportunities in order to become well-rounded, industry-ready graduates.
Prof. Esther N. Gicheru, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance, Planning, and Administration), highlighted the university’s modern facilities that support teaching, research, and student development, and reminded students of their responsibility as stewards of institutional resources. Her message emphasized respect for campus assets and personal accountability as foundational to sustaining the learning environment.
The Vice Chancellor outlined key institutional strengths and opportunities. The Vice Chancellor traced the University’s history from its origins in 1952 as a School of Co-operatives to its current status as a chartered public university (chartered on 7 October 2016), and underscored CUK’s strategic role in supporting the country’s cooperative sector — a major contributor to Kenya’s economy.
At the VC’s address, students were informed about professional and industry linkages designed to strengthen employability. The University currently offers several professional programmes and partnerships that students can enroll in alongside their academic degrees, including:
- Certified Co-operative Professionals (CCOP)
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Certified Secretary (CS)
- Certified Investment and Financial Analyst (CIFA)
- Accounting Technician Diploma (ATD)
- Certified Procurement and Supplies Professionals of Kenya (CPSP-K)
- Associate in Procurement and Supplies Professional of Kenya (APSP-K).
The University management also briefed students on the practicalities of financing higher education under the new student-centred funding model (SCFM). The transition brings new procedures for scholarships, HELB loans, and means-testing; CUK has set up a dedicated HELB liaison help desk at the Office of the Dean of Students to assist those who need guidance. Freshmen were urged to complete applications on the HEF portal and to follow up through the University’s support channels.
As the September 2025 cohort began this transformative chapter, Prof. Ngamau ended his remarks with a warm invitation to participate fully in campus life, to work hard, and to look out for one another.
