![](https://i0.wp.com/www.cuk.ac.ke/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/chief-guest.jpg?resize=1170%2C500&ssl=1)
CO-OPERATIVES TO PLAY A KEY ROLE IN ACHIEVING OF THE BIG 4 AGENDA
I wish to congratulate the Co-operative University of Kenya on this very special occasion as it celebrates the 3rd Graduation Ceremony of the since award of university charter in October, 2016. Indeed this graduation marks a milestone in the history, development, and expansion of Co-operative Education and Training in this country.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Co-operatives will continue to support the Co-operative University of Kenya as it continues to produce manpower requirements for the Cooperative sector and related economy and provide solutions for challenges facing the Cooperative movement. This will enable the Cooperatives play their rightful role in the socio-economic transformation of this country and contribute significantly in achieving the ‘Big Four’ agenda and Vision 2030.
Cumulatively, in Kenya, the Co-operative movement has over 20,000 Co-operatives, over 12 million members, about 500,000 employees, and a capital base of over Kshs. 450 Billion and contributing more than 45% to GDP. As such Kenya’s cooperative Model is the best in Africa and ranked 7th Globally. This University has contributed immensely towards this achievement that we are proud of as a Nation. The University will also be expected to play a key role in assisting the Ministry in policy formulation and in the review of the regulatory regime in the Cooperative sector.
Lastly, I take this opportunity to congratulate the CUK Class of 2018 for successfully completing their studies and warmly welcome them to the world of work in the Cooperative sector.
MESSAGE FROM THE VICE CHANCELLOR JKUAT, PROF. MABEL IMBUGA
I am happy to be part of this occasion of the first graduation ceremony conducted after the elevation of the Co-operative College of Kenya to a Constituent College of JKUAT.
I acknowledge the fact that the college has started on a good footing since the commencement of the training programs under the new dispensation.
Today, the University College is dispatching 395 professionals of various disciplines into the job market. I want to assure the public that the graduands have attained the requisite qualifications that meet the approved standards of the university and Commission for Higher Education.
To the graduands, I call upon all of you to exhibit professionalism, and provide the much needed skills to the society. Your input will contribute immensely in raising the living standards of Kenyans through the co-operative business model.