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The 7th Graduation Ceremony of The Co-operative University of Kenya was graced by several stakeholders from the government, with Hon. Simon K. Chelugui, the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Cooperative and MSMEs Development, as the Chief Guest. The success of our 3019 (with 1937 female and 1082 male graduates) graduating cohort of December 2022 was witnessed with jubilation by the University fraternity, parents, guardians, and benefactors. It was among the few physical graduation ceremonies held in higher learning institutions after COVID-19 ravaged our globe, continent, and mother country, Kenya. CS Hon. Simon K. Chelugui During the Reception at The Co-operative University of Kenya The graduation ceremony theme, “Leveraging on Co-operative Advantage to Drive Bottom-Up Economic Growth,” was strategic in articulating the University’s key mandate and furthering the government’s agenda through the Bottom-Up model of achieving the projected economic development. The chief guest, Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Simon K. Chelugui said, “By the end of 2021, there were over 26,000 registered co-operatives with an accumulated membership of over 14 million. With an accumulated total asset base of over KShs 1.5 trillion, the sector had savings of over KShs. 1 trillion. In addition, approximately 30% of Kenya’s annual savings are through co-operatives. Aware of this potential, the government has set up the Ministry of Cooperatives and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise Development.” Cabinet Secretary Hon. Simon K. Chelugui (centre) Pose for a Photo with The CUK Management Board and The University Chair of Council, Dr. Jeremy Bundi The economic growth in Kenya, Africa, and beyond depends on the requisite skills, knowledge, and expertise acquired through education offered in our learning institutions. “As the titular head of the University, I take great pride in developing new market-driven academic programmes that the university continues to undertake,” Dr. Jeremy Bundi, the Ag. Chancellor of The CUK stated. The University has played a paramount role in harnessing the immense potential of the young people who enrol in academic programmes offered with a clearly defined purpose of producing the much-demanded human capital for our labour market at local, regional, and international job markets. CPA Johnson Njuguna, the Representative of the PS State Department of University Education and Research, Signs the Visitors Book in the Presence of the CUK Council Members and The University Management Board Members. CUK takes diligent initiatives to ensure the relevance of education and training by integrating competency-based programmes into its curriculum. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, noted, “The University is also participating in the ongoing conversation around Competency Based Curriculum and is preparing herself to admit the first batch of CBC students into the University in the academic year 2028/2029.” In line with the government’s agenda of ensuring relevance in Kenya’s higher education, the University stays abreast of the developments in the Ministry of Education. Graduates after Conferment of Degrees and Award of Diplomas at The University Graduation Square The University relates very closely with the fact that excellence does not exist in a vacuum but is achieved through diligence and dedication with a ruthless focus on the objective. In this regard, CUK has featured on the global map in academia by producing two students who participated in the UNESCO-India-Africa Hackathon Competition and made it to the finals. Progress can be measured in numerous ways; however, the most definitive way is through meritocracy, whereby achievement speaks for itself. CUK has done this, and its successes defend its credibility to produce competent graduates.

The Co-operative University was on 12th July honored to host representatives from The Co-operative University’s board and management, The Ministry of Education and other stakeholders who were on campus to witness the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between The Co-operative University of Kenya and The Vives University. The MoU will create areas of collaboration and intends to pilot the exchange of undergraduate students for study or/and placement, Exchange of teaching and or academic staff, bring about Cooperative applied research and development activities, Collaborative teaching activities, joint degree programs, conferences/symposia, Participation in curriculum review or development and last but certainly not least, the exchange of academic materials and Benchmarking. The Co-operative University of Kenya Vice Chancellor Prof Kamau Ngamau,left, Mr Joris Hindryckx , President, VIVES (centre) and Mrs. Tinest Head of Global engagement (left) exchange the MoU documents Vives University of applied sciences is situated  at Doorniksesteenweg 145, 8500 Kortrijk and Xaverianenstraat 10, 8200 Brugge, Belgium. The prestigious university is well known for its excellence in producing excellent graduates who are professionally oriented in Bachelor’s Degrees and Associate Degrees and ensures that its students contribute to the globalized world both as human beings and as professionals. Similarly, The Co-operative University of Kenya, located in Karen, Kenya is an excellent hub for producing great manpower that is well trained in matters of education, research, innovation and cooperative training. With that said and done, we look forward to a synergistic collaboration between the two institutions. Prof. Isaac K. Nyamongo – DVC, CDRI left and Mr Joris Hindryckx , President, VIVES pose for a photo after successful signing of the MoU

The Co-operative University of Kenya is home to many talented students, and one of them recently made a significant impact on the international stage. Andrew Nderitu Muriithi, a fourth-year student at The Cooperative University of Kenya pursuing a bachelor’s degree of science in Information Technology and his teammates impressed the judges with their innovative and creative solution for the health industry by working on an application that can be used to predict early complications of diabetes while providing self-care routines and diet management. The hackathon, which was focused on using technology to solve real-world problems, brought together close to 603 students from 22 countries across Africa inclusive of India to compete and showcase their skills. Our Co-operative University of Kenya student stood out from the crowd with his unique approach to the health industry and ability to think outside the box. The student’s hard work and dedication paid off, as he and his team were declared the hackathon winners, taking home gold medals, certificates and a good amount of money. CUK Student,Andrew Nderitu (centre) pose for a photo with his team after receiving their award Andrew hopes to create a positive impact on society by building more solutions and uplifting others in the technological field. He also plans to utilise the newly formed friendships and connections to advance in his career and also help his peers grow their skills. The Co-operative University of Kenya is proud to have produced such a talented individual and we look forward to seeing more of our students excel in the future. The win at the hackathon competition in India is a testament to the quality of education offered at the Co-operative University of Kenya and the potential of our students to make a real difference in the world.

CUK and Morvey Business Ltd Signs KRTCDP Project Contract Yesterday, 27th March 2023, The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, hosted the Morvey Business Limited CEO, Mr. Mordecai Muthui, and his delegation. The purpose of the meeting was to undertake contract signing for the Kenya Rural Transformation Centres Digital Platform (KRTCDP) Project, funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB). Accompanying the Vice Chancellor was Prof. Isaac Nyamongo, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of the Co-operative Development Research and Innovation (CDRI), Dr. Lydia Mutua, Registrar (CDRI), Prof. Wycliffe Oboka, Director for the Institute of Corporate Development (ICD), Prof. Kennedy Waweru, Director of Research and Innovation, and Mr. Peter Muriithi, Head of Procurement Department. Seated (from left) is Madam Margaret Waithaka, Communication and Public Relations officer at Morvey Business Ltd., Prof. Isaac Nyamongo, DVC Co-operative Development, Research and Innovation (CDRI), Prof. Kamau Ngamau (Centre), CUK Vice Chancellor, Mr. Mordecai Muthui, CEO Morvey Business Ltd., and Mr. David Gitau; standing (from left) is Prof. Wycliffe Oboka, Dr. Lydia Mutua, Prof. Kennedy Waweru, and Mr. Peter Muriithi who pose for a photo after the contract signing. The mid-morning meeting came after two successful meetings involving the University and the lead government agencies, including the Ministry of Co-operatives and MSMEs, The State Department of Co-operatives, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, and the State Department of Crop Development. These engagements with the key Ministries and State Departments sought to solicit government support for the KRTCDP Project, which anchors the core plan itemised under the Agriculture Sector Growth and Transformation Strategy (ASGTS) 2019-2029. Prof. Isaac Nyamongo, the project explained that “The objective of this KRTCDP Project is to develop a programme that links farmer organisations or co-operatives through upstream and downstream agricultural dynamics and support the ASGTS 2019-2029,” He further indicated that two (2) contracts would be signed, including the actual KRTCDP project development and the communication strategy. Prof. Nyamongo outlined that three areas have been earmarked, with Lord Egerton zone in Nakuru County taking the first phase. Madam Margaret Waithaka, the Head of Communications and Public Relations at Morvey Business Limited, ascertained that their company had sufficiently reviewed the contract and highlighted the strategic recommendations offered. Additionally, Mr. David Gitau appreciated the contract award through a thorough and competitive process, assuring that Morvey Business Ltd would execute it with uncompromised professionalism.

The Co-operative University’s Stakeholders’ forum to give final inputs on the 4-year strategic plan took place in main campus on Friday 24th May 2015. The stakeholders, among others, were drawn from the internal staff to include the University’s Management Board and Heads of Departments and Sections and also from among the students’ body represented by their Union leaders. External stakeholders included representatives from the CUCK alumni association; national co-operatives including the umbrella co-operatives body CAK, the Co-operative bank, KUSCCO, CIC insurance group, SASRA, KERUSSU, ICA Africa among others. The one day stakeholders’ workshop presided over by the CUCK Principal Prof. D. Shitanda saw the strategic plan ventilated upon to include views and reasons of all the stakeholders. Prof. Shitanda marked that as the University College geared up towards being a fully fledged University, it needed development path to travel in revamping the existing infrastructure to cater for the expected growth in terms of staff and students’ population. He noted that the CUCK is a champion in Global Co-operative trends and it must remain afloat. Key among other issues deliberated upon in the forum was the key strategic corporate objectives of the plan meant to achieve the following: (a) To Provide quality demand driven courses and programs;(b) To Promote and participate in innovative research, consultancy and dissemination of information;(c) To Transit the University College to a fully-fledged University;(d) To Strengthen linkages with the co-operative movement and other stakeholders;(e) To Strengthen The Co-operative University College of Kenya financial resource base;(f) To Strengthen governance and human resource structures;(g) To Benchmark internal processes to international standards;(h) To Develop and expand existing infrastructure; and(i) To Enhance corporate social responsibility programs for improved corporate image The strategic plan, upon its launch will provide strong support to the already vibrant co-operative industry in Kenya and world through our students, as well as by training people in the field with short-term and long term training.

Friday 17th, March 2023 marked a significant milestone for the Co-operative University Google Development Students’ Club (GDSC) through a training workshop organized by Andrew Nderitu. The rejuvenated students converged at the University Computer Laboratory 3 at 11:30 AM. The Google Crowdsource event significantly depicted the growing relations between the Club and the Google community. This event occurred a week after Ms. Sandra Kuria engaged the students on Firebase Google technology. Ms. Tabitha Kavyu (right) gifting GDSC Members with Crowdsource branded bags after the training. The Google Crowdsource SSA Community Manager, Ms. Tabitha Kavyu, succinctly explained Crowdsource as a fun and easy method of using personal abilities to contribute to the building components of Artificial Intelligence. She integrated the Google Crowdsource Learning Community into the University and urged the students to remain abreast of the opportunities for learning novel techniques. From an engaging session, students learnt much about making contributions that positively impact Google’s Artificial Intelligence (AI). The facilitator, Ms. Kavyu, highlighted that Google Crowdsource has many benefits, such as undertaking and exploring machine learning certification and getting to connect with “Googlers” globally.     Ms. Tabitha Kavyu handing a Crowdsource-branded notebook to Dr. Shem Mbandu on 17th March 2023 in the presence of Andrew Nderitu (GDSC Lead) and CUK students.   After the session, the students who attended the workshop were gifted with Google Crowdsource branded merchandise and devoted themselves to joining the learning community to improve the world. Dr. Shem Mbandu, the university’s Director of the Directorate of Quality Assurance, attended the workshop and congratulated the facilitator for giving eye-opening insights and the students for availing themselves of the training.

The tree planting exercise on 21st December 2022, along Ushirika Road in Karen was led by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), Kenya Forest Service (KFS), State Department of Roads, and Siham Limited – the Contractor who had been awarded the tender to construct the new tarmac road. In the event, The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK), a key stakeholder, expressed a great motivation and sense of duty towards making the environment friendly through increasing forest cover within the institution’s surroundings. University staff members, KURA officials, KFS representatives, officials from the State Department of Roads, and CUK students pose for a photo before the commencement of the tree planting exercise.   The KURA Asst. Director Engineer Nicholas Chelugo emphasised on the need to protect the environment through tree-planting and expressed the fundamental objective of KURA projects is to ensure sustainable development. He added that the significance of the activity was to develop an approach towards a climate-resilient infrastructure and attain the goal of ensuring that carbon-sinking initiatives are executed with the support accorded to the KURA by the Government of Kenya.           Mr. Chelugo noted that about 3500 tree seedlings had been planted within Nairobi County, wherever KURA had been engaged in infrastructure projects. He gave an example of Likoni Road, where 1800 seedlings were planted the previous week. “Today we are going to plant 400 tree seedlings along Ushirika road, and this aligns with the Kenya Forest Service objective of attaining 20% tree cover by 2030” said Mr. Chelugo. Mr. Martin Mutie, an official from KFS demonstrating the correct way to plant a tree seedling on 21st December 2022.   Kenya Forest Service (KFS), represented by Mr. Martin Mutie, applauded the initiative of KURA and expressed the strategic need to plant trees, especially on the day the President of Kenya, H.E. Dr. William Ruto, was celebrating his 56th birthday. He added that a similar tree-planting exercise was taking place at Ngong Forest, where over 10,000 tree seedlings were to be planted to mark the day, indicating the President’s great interest in increasing tree cover. The words of Mr. Mutie were supported by Mr. Adulnasir, a representative from the State Department of Roads who expressed gratitude for such an initiative. He lauded the contractor’s idea of planting trees along Ushrika road as a gesture of concern for the environment. Through the Public Relations Officer, Mr. Victor Njogu, the University thanked the involved stakeholders in the tree planting exercise. Mr. Njogu relayed the inspirational message from Mr. Chris Kathoka, Registrar Division of Finance, Planning and Administration, that the University has a culture of tree planting and that a serene environment would support the learning and research work. “CUK at heart has the interest and immeasurable support for tree planting. As an institution of higher learning, we have shouldered our responsibility and will continue cooperating with organisations like KFS and KURA to ensure our environments are protected through such exercises.” Mr. Njogu also appreciated the participation of CUK students through the Student Governing Council President, Collins Otundo, and their action toward the event’s success.

On Wednesday, 8th March 2023, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, met with the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MEMEs) Development, Hon. Simon K. Chelugui, EGH. The meeting was also attended by the PS State Department of Co-operatives, Mr. Patrick K. Kilemi. The University’s top management officials accompanying the Vice Chancellor were Prof. Isaac Nyamongo, The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (ACDRI), Prof. Kennedy Waweru, and Dr. Lydia Mutua. Prof. Kamau Ngamau and Hon. Simon K. Chelugui during the Wednesday 8th KRTCDP meeting at Mercure Hotel in Nairobi. The meeting held in Mercure Hotel in Nairobi predominantly engaged discussions and deliberations on the strategic place of the Co-operative University of Kenya in spearheading the development of farmer co-operatives through Kenya Rural Transformation Centres Digital Platform (KRTDCP) through collaboration with the Ministry mentioned above. This project aims to increase productivity, boost profitability, and uphold sustainability within agricultural cooperatives, integrating small-holder farmers with other stakeholders in the farm input supplies, food production, and agriculture value chain. Representatives of the University Management with CS, Hon. Chelugui, and the PS, Mr. Patrick Kilemi, pose for a group photo during Wednesday’s 8th meeting at Mercure Hotel – Nairobi. PS Kilemi expressed his satisfaction and enthusiasm for the initiative taken by the Co-operative University of Kenya in addressing the gaps within our society and making efforts to turn the situation of our country from a hunger-stricken nation into a food-secure country. He pledged the readiness of the State Department for Co-operatives to support the KRTDCP project since it ensures food security and empowers many Kenyans living below the poverty line through co-operative societies. Cabinet Secretary Hon. Simon Chelugui signs the Visitor’s book before the commencement of the Wednesday 8th Meeting at Mercure Hotel – Upper Hill, Nairobi. Also, Hon. Chelugui emphasised the intention of his Ministry to work very closely with the CUK in executing primary development goals through mutual engagements. The CS said, “I have gratitude to the leadership of The Co-operative University of Kenya for setting foot in the forefront in leading the reformation and transformation of the Co-operative Movements in this country.” The Vice-Chancellor ascertained that through the endowment of knowledge, skills, and expertise, the University would ensure that farmer co-operatives benefit from the institution’s professionalism throughout the establishment, management enlightenment, and training. “With the support from your Ministry, Hon. Simon K. Chelugui, our university is prepared to gather the arsenal of vastly experienced academicians, including professors and doctors, in attaining this big vision of digitalising the agricultural production and marketing processes,” Prof. Ngamau said.

The computing student community at CUK has become vibrant in harnessing the knowledge and skills imparted to them through holistic learning. This move has been influenced by the central and strategic role computing technology has and plays in the 21st century; its potential to transform the world by enhancing the quality of human living by bringing solutions to perpetual problems facing humanity.   The university’s Google Developer Students Club (GDSC) recently organised a high-level training dubbed “Get to know Compose and Firebase”. The event organiser was Andrew Nderitu (4th year Bachelor of Science student), the GDSC Lead at CUK who doubles as the winner at UNESCO India-Africa Hackathon 2022. The training occurred at CUK’s main campus (Karen) computer laboratory on Friday, 10th March 2023. The student turnout was pleasing 40 participants, majorly from the School of Computing and Mathematics (SCM). This depicted learners’ intuitive motivation and quest for computer technology expertise.   The leading facilitator of the event was Sandra Kuria, a Senior Android developer, Women Tech Makers Ambassador, and ex-GDSC Lead at Mount Kenya University. Through her vast knowledge, understanding, and expertise, Ms Kuria took trainees through android development using Firebase – a Google technology. The students accessed a rare opportunity to get immersed in Firebase technology concepts through practical sessions. They demonstrated an exclusive degree of engagement, making the training lively and interactive. This training featured efficiency and succeeded due to the accessibility of the venue by the CUK students. It was advantageous since it allowed those (students) without personal laptops to participate equally by using the computers in the computer laboratory. At the end of the intensive and all-inclusive training, the student attendees expressed interest and zeal to participate in such events. Sandra, a seasoned trainer, encouraged from her personal experience and urged the participants to take advantage of such pieces of training and events to build their capacity. “These kinds of events expose students to industry standard tools for applications and systems development,” said Sandra. The Director of the Directorate of Academic Quality Assurance (DAQA), Dr Shem Mbandu, affirmed that building the students’ capacity in these professional skills alongside academic training produces fully baked and industry-ready graduates.

In remaining relevant to empowering communities, the Co-operative University of Kenya’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, on Wednesday, 15th March 2023, visited Mr. Kello Harsama, the Principal Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, State Department of Crop Development, at Kilimo House. The objective of the meeting was to engage and deliberate on the KRTCDP Project. This follows a successful meeting with officials from the Ministry of Co-operatives and MSMEs Development on 8th March 2023. The Agriculture Secretary, Mr. Josephat Mahunyu, and The Co-operative University of Kenya Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, at Kilimo House on 15th March 2023. The twin meetings were meant to bring on board the two line Ministries that will oversee the project and agree on a suitable implementation zone. The KRTCDP project, sponsored by the African Development Bank (AfDB), will place farmers in co-operatives on a digital platform that links them to suppliers of inputs, service providers, extension services, marketers, and other value chain players. The project’s successful implementation will be incredibly beneficial to farmer co-operatives since it will prevent exploitation occasioned by information asymmetry and enable them to reap higher fortunes from their produce. The Vice Chancellor was accompanied by Prof. Kennedy Waweru, Dr. Lydia Mutua, and Dr. Lucy Kiganane. Prof. Ngamau acknowledged the Ministry’s efforts towards making Kenya a food-secure nation and pledged the University’s support towards assisting the government in achieving its plans as itemised in the Agriculture Sector Growth and Transformation Strategy (ASGTS) 2019-2029. From left: Prof. Kennedy Waweru, Dr. Lucy Kiganane, Mr. Josephat Mahunyu, Prof. Kamau Ngamau (Vice Chancellor), Dr. Lydia Mutua, and Mr. Peter Owoko during the 15th March 2023 Meeting at Kilimo House.   On his part, the PS thanked the University for its proactive initiatives and activities geared towards solving the challenges affecting the country. He pointed out that the project would go a long way towards making the country food secure, besides creating market channels and raising farmer incomes. Mr. Josephat Muhunyu, the Agricultural Secretary, echoed his sentiments.