University News
CUK Hosts a Capacity Building Workshop for the I-TVET Staff
By Meshack M. Ngangi | Friday, March 14, 2025 The rapid evolution of the education industry demands and the growing need for skilled labour in Kenya have placed significant emphasis on the quality of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). To ensure the effectiveness of TVET programs offered in the University TVET Institutes and other institutions, the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) plays a crucial role in regulation and accreditation processes. Institutions need to adopt effective Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) systems, Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) frameworks, and Competency-Based Education and Training Assessment (CBETA) methodologies. In light of this, The Co-operative University of Kenya’s Institute of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (I-TVET) organized a capacity-building workshop between 10th and 14th March 2025, under the auspices of TVETA, to equip TVET staff with the necessary knowledge and skills to enhance curriculum delivery and assessment. Speaking at the opening ceremony on Monday, 10th March 2025, the CUK-ITVET Director, Dr. Daniel Lang’at said, “This five-day workshop is aimed at strengthening participants’ understanding of Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) mechanisms in TVET institutions in line with TVETA standards, enhance knowledge of Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) models and their implementation as prescribed by TVETA, and provide practical insights into Competency-Based Education and Training Assessment (CBETA) approaches in compliance with TVETA regulations.” Additionally, it sought to improve the capacity of TVET staff to align training programs with industry needs and Kenya’s National Qualifications Framework (KNQF) while fostering collaboration and experience-sharing among TVET professionals within the TVETA framework. Dr. Calvins Were elaborated to the participants through one of the key areas of Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) in TVET institutions, emphasizing its importance in ensuring the credibility of training programs. The staff from I-TVET explored how to establish and maintain effective IQA systems as per TVETA requirements, the role of TVETA in accreditation, compliance, and monitoring, and strategies for continuous improvement to meet national and international quality standards. Another critical theme explored by Dr. Were was the overview of Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) and Assessment processes, where discussions focused on understanding CBET principles and their relevance to industry-driven education in Kenya. The workshop addressed the development of competency-based curricula under TVETA guidelines, integration of workplace-based learning into CBET programs, and engagement of industry stakeholders in curriculum development and implementation. Ms. Janice Bogita explored in detail Competency-Based Training (CBET), focusing on the key principles of CBET and how they align with TVETA’s assessment standards. Participants gained insights into the development of training and assessment tools to measure competence based on TVETA-approved standards, strategies for formative and summative assessment in CBET, and methods to ensure reliability and validity in competency-based training. Moreover, the workshop introduced concepts of TVET quality assurance and its benefits, emphasizing continuous monitoring and evaluation to ensure that training programs meet the required standards. Accreditation and certification under TVETA were highlighted as key factors in maintaining institutional credibility, improving funding opportunities, and increasing enrollment. The workshop facilitator, Ms. Janice Bogita, also addressed the quality assurance cycle and ability models, detailing how institutions can systematically enhance training quality. The quality assurance cycle includes planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and review and improvement. These steps ensure that objectives, policies, and standards are well established and consistently refined. Furthermore, ability models in TVET were discussed, focusing on knowledge-based, skill-based, competency-based, and adaptive models that ensure a well-rounded education for learners to meet industry needs. Another key aspect explored by Ms. Bibiana Otieno during the workshop was the Input, Process, and Output (IPO) model, which serves as a fundamental framework for evaluating the effectiveness of TVET programs. The input phase includes the resources required for training, such as curriculum, facilities, instructional materials, trainers, and student entry qualifications. The process phase focuses on how training is delivered, incorporating teaching methodologies, assessments, workplace-based learning, and adherence to CBET principles. Finally, the output phase examines the outcomes of training programs, including the competency levels of graduates, employability rates, industry satisfaction, and certification under TVETA. By understanding and implementing the IPO model, TVET institutions can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their training programs while ensuring alignment with national and industry needs. As explained by Mr. Alfred Mwanzia, to ensure a hands-on learning experience, the workshop employed interactive and participatory methods, including expert presentations by TVETA officials and education specialists, group discussions to encourage peer learning, case studies and practical exercises to apply knowledge in real-world scenarios, and panel discussions that facilitated dialogue between TVET staff, policymakers, and industry representatives. By the end of the workshop, participants had gained a deeper understanding of IQA, CBET, and CBETA within the context of TVETA regulations. They also developed actionable strategies to enhance quality assurance mechanisms in their institutions, strengthened their ability to implement CBET effectively, acquired practical skills in developing and conducting competency-based assessments, and established professional networks for ongoing knowledge sharing and collaboration. The capacity-building workshop on IQA, CBET, and CBETA under TVETA marked a significant step for CUK’s I-TVET toward improving the quality of TVET programs. By equipping TVET staff with the necessary tools and methodologies, the University invested in enhancing their training effectiveness, ensuring that Diploma and Certificate graduates meet industry standards, and contribute to national economic development under the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
CUK Hosts India’s NEDAC Delegation
By Victor J. Njogu | February 27, 2025 The Co-operative University of Kenya hosted a high-impact seminar that brought together experts and policymakers to discuss the role of cooperatives in food security, rural development, and global collaboration. The event featured a delegation from India’s Network for the Development of Agricultural Cooperatives in Asia and the Pacific (NEDAC). A key highlight was the signing of the CUK-NEDAC collaboration agreement, aimed at strengthening partnerships for cooperative growth. The Chief Guest at the occasion, Mr. David Obonyo, the Commissioner for Cooperatives in the Ministry of Co-operatives and MSMEs Development, emphasized that cooperatives are a key pillar in Kenya’s economic transformation and a major driver of the government’s Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Isaac Nyamongo reaffirmed the University’s commitment to fostering impactful collaborations with both local and international partners to advance the cooperative agenda, particularly as 2025 marks the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC).
Chancellor’s Inaugural Visit: A Homecoming of Inspiration
By Meshack M. Ngangi | January 30, 2025 The Co-operative University of Kenya’s community was excited as it welcomed the newly appointed Chancellor, Dr. Bernard William Chitunga, on his inaugural visit. This was no ordinary occasion—it was a homecoming filled with emotion, nostalgia, and an inspiring reminder of the power of perseverance. Once a junior staff member serving as an Assistant Programmes Officer at the University’s Agri and Co-operative Training and Consultancy (ATC) Services Ltd, the Chancellor’s rise to the titular head of the institution was a testament to dedication and growth. His return was met with admiration, pride, and an overwhelming feeling of possibility for both staff and students. The Chancellor’s appointment, effective 10th January 2025, was made by His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, and officially gazetted, marking a significant milestone in his distinguished career. He is the second Chancellor to be appointed since the university was chartered in October 2016, succeeding the late Hon. Joseph Nyagah, the institution’s inaugural Chancellor. His leadership is expected to usher in a new era of transformation and excellence for CUK. Beyond his zeal to elevate the institution’s status, Dr. Bernard William Chitunga has established strong international ties with world economic powers such as China. These connections are expected to open doors for strategic partnerships, research collaborations, and infrastructural advancements that will further elevate the university’s global standing. Before this role, he served as Head of Partnerships, Donors, and Special Projects at the African Development Bank (AfDB), showcasing his exceptional leadership across Africa. With a passion for education and development, Dr. Chitunga’s academic journey culminated with a doctoral thesis at Selinus University. His motto, “Son of Chegulo and Africa,” reflects his deep connection to his heritage and his commitment to advancing Africa’s progress. Dr. Chitunga envisions establishing strong partnerships for infrastructural and academic developments, ensuring the university remains at the forefront of innovation and excellence. The Chancellor was met with enthusiastic applause as he arrived on campus, greeted by the university’s Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kamau Ngamau, Deputy Vice-Chancellor—Finance, Planning, and Administration Prof. Esther Gicheru, Deputy Vice-Chancellor—Academic, Co-operative Development, Research, and Innovation Prof. Isaac K. Nyamongo, senior management, faculty members, and staff. The atmosphere was electric as colleagues and former mentors exchanged warm words, reflecting on his early days within the institution. Many long-serving employees fondly shared memories of working alongside him, recalling his commitment, attention to detail, and the camaraderie he fostered. As the Chancellor walked through the university’s halls, now in a position of leadership, the moment underscored a remarkable full-circle journey. During his tour of the university’s key facilities—including lecture halls, the cutting-edge environmental laboratories for the School of Co-operative and Community Development, advanced computer laboratories in the School of Computing and Mathematics, and outstanding Agri and Co-operative Training and Consultancy (ATC) Services Ltd—the Chancellor made it a priority to engage with staff. He listened intently to their concerns, celebrated their successes, and reassured them of his commitment to advancing the university’s academic and infrastructural growth. One of the most significant moments of the visit was the Chancellor’s meeting with the University Council. In an impactful speech, Dr. Bernard W. Chitunga spoke about the need for cooperative courage—the ability to stand together in the face of challenges, embrace opportunities, and collaborate toward common goals and the achievement of the University’s mission. He emphasized that the future of The Co-operative University of Kenya depends on teamwork, adaptability, and a shared vision of excellence, the very tenets that form the foundation upon which our core values are derived. In the discourses, the Chancellor emphasized harnessing the “cooperative courage” to scale up the University to incredible heights of excellence as a world-class institution of higher learning. Present at the meeting were Council Members: Ms. Christine Kariuki, a representative of the PS State Department for Higher Education and Research; Ms. Susan Kariuki, a representative of the PS National Treasury; Ms. Elizabeth Kimkung; Mr. John W. Kihara; Ms. Peris Onsarigo, Mr. Christopher Ogechi Ombati, the Council Secretary & Vice Chancellor Prof. Kamau Ngamau, PhD, EBS. Additionally, the Chancellor addressed pressing concerns related to facilities and infrastructure, highlighting the need for continued investment in modernizing classrooms, laboratories, and student accommodations. Dr. Chitunga emphasized that a university’s strength is not only in its people but also in its ability to provide cutting-edge resources that foster innovation and academic excellence. Perhaps the most moving part of the visit was the Chancellor’s speech to the staff. His words resonated deeply as he recounted his journey from a junior staff member to his current role. He reflected on the values that shaped him—hard work, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in education’s transformative power. “Standing before you today, I am reminded of my humble beginnings within these very walls. This journey has been one of resilience and continuous learning. Let this be a reminder that every role in this institution, no matter how small it may seem, is significant in building a thriving academic environment,” said the Chancellor, Dr. Bernard William Chitunga. His words were met with nods of agreement and bursts of applause as staff members felt both seen and inspired. He went on to outline his vision for the university, pledging to champion academic excellence, prioritize staff development, and advocate for improved welfare. He assured everyone that his leadership would focus on fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and empowering work environment. In addition to discussing cooperative courage, the Chancellor also spoke passionately about cooperative genius—the collective intelligence and creativity that emerge when individuals work together toward a shared vision of CUK. He encouraged staff to harness their diverse skills and ideas to drive innovation and excellence, and make The Co-operative University of Kenya a university of excellence in education, research, innovation, and cooperative training.
An Exclusive Interview with Ms. Julia Beideck, DAAD Scholar
By Meshack M. Ngangi | January 24, 2025 The Co-operative University of Kenya continues to be a global leader and trailblazer in academia, especially with particular emphasis on cooperative training. This January 2025, we had the privilege of hosting Ms. Julia Beideck, a doctoral student in the Faculty of Management, Economics, and Social Sciences at the University of Cologne in Germany. In an interview with Meshack Ngangi, a public relations officer at the university, Ms. Beideck, a Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) scholar, identified her keen interest in cultural cooperatives, which form the basis of her doctoral dissertation. She noted that there are cultural cooperatives in Germany, which are a relatively new subtype of cooperatives, giving examples of cinema cooperatives, theater cooperatives, and museum cooperatives, among which handicraft cooperatives exist. With an unquenched thirst for knowledge beyond borders, Ms. Beideck expressed academic curiosity about handicraft cooperatives triggered by a scientific paper she had engaged with. Given that Kenya’s cooperative movement is ranked the leading in Africa and seventh globally with an asset base of over 1 trillion Kenyan Shillings, her interest in collecting data on Kenyan handicraft cooperatives and enhancing a deeper understanding of them by attending (doctoral) courses has been further established. The data collected in combination with the insights gained from the university professors and faculty staff would essentially inform her planned scientific study paper, which would provide a comparative case study of a handicraft cooperative in Kenya and a handicraft cooperative in Germany. Expounding on her fulfilling experience, Ms. Beideck noted that both purposes of her academic exploration had been accomplished since she had the chance to collect the data and attend a few courses. “I met a few people. I had several conversations, for example, with the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, with different professors, PhD students, and the Co-operative Alliance of Kenya (CAK), and with several stakeholders here at the campus. So I’m really happy and glad to be here because I could fulfill both of my purposes,” said Julia. Further, Ms. Beideck highlighted that she achieved beyond her expectations because the opportunity to be in Kanya afforded her a chance to interact with many people, exchange ideas, and experience the kind and warm hospitality of everyone she met on a personal basis and in her research endeavors. The stay at the University was a golden opportunity for her to expand her network, especially scientific networks, by connecting with Kenyan scholars on diverse research perspectives. “I would recommend it to every PhD student, not only from Germany but maybe from the whole world, to apply for a DAAD scholarship. A lot of things are new and different, but if you are open and interested, respectful, and kind, you will experience the same, and things will come back to you in the same way,“ said Ms. Beideck. As her parting shot, Ms. Julia Beideck expressed that greater and groundbreaking achievements would be attained if researchers (worldwide) like her interested in cooperatives worked together since they have so much that connects them in terms of ideas, expertise, competencies, and interests.
Strengthening Leadership, Collaboration, and Organizational Excellence for Future Growth
Strengthening Leadership, Collaboration, and Organizational Excellence for Future Growth The Co-operative University of Kenya recently hosted a high-level workshop for the University Council and the University Management Board (UMB) under the theme “Strengthening Leadership, Collaboration, and Organizational Excellence for Future Growth”. The workshop was aimed at equipping participants with critical leadership skills, enhancing board governance practices, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability within the institution. The sessions focused on developing leadership skills that drive innovation and sustainable growth, improving governance structures, and strengthening the collaboration between the board and management. Participants explored strategies for increasing productivity and organizational performance, with an emphasis on fostering a results-driven culture. Additionally, the workshop provided insights into financial management, reporting, and the external auditing process to promote transparency and accountability in decision-making. The workshop featured distinguished facilitators who led engaging sessions on various topics. FCPA Dr. John Mudany delivered an insightful session on Effective Leadership and Finance for Non-Finance Managers, equipping leaders with essential financial acumen. Ms Damaris Ndungwa shared expertise on Building High-Performance Teams through Organizational Culture, highlighting the significance of a strong institutional identity in driving success. FCS, Jeremiah Karanja, CEO, ICS, led an engaging discussion on Team Dynamics & Collaboration in Governance and Emotional Intelligence for Cohesive Teams, emphasizing the need for synergy in leadership. Ms. Jacqueline Manani from the Public Service Commission (PSC) guided participants through the complexities of Labour Laws & the Legal Framework for Human Resource Management, ensuring a thorough understanding of compliance and best HR practices. Ms. Jane Maina from the National Productivity and Competitiveness Centre (NPCC) provided valuable insights into Productivity Management in Public Service & Productivity Improvement Strategies, focusing on operational efficiency and service delivery. Mr. John Karingithi from the Office of Auditor General (OAG) elaborated on the External Auditing Process, outlining the critical role of audits in ensuring accountability and the emphasis that the government has on zero-fault audits. Additionally, a session on Risk Management by Mr. Griffine Songole from the Institute of Internal Auditors highlighted the importance of proactive risk assessment in strategic planning with the organization. This workshop was an invaluable opportunity for leaders to refine their skills, align their strategies with best practices, and enhance collaboration for future growth. The discussions and insights shared during the event will undoubtedly contribute to strengthening leadership, governance, and overall institutional excellence at the university. The Chairperson of the University Council, Dr. Jeremy Bundi, gave the firm commitment the university council has in steering CUK to greater heights and ensuring that they provide effective leadership to fast-track the implementation of the Strategic Plan 2022-2027. “The full implementation of the ambitious and bold strategic plan 2022-2027 will ensure that the University goes into the future stronger and financially stable,” he noted.
CUK CULTURAL FESTIVAL 2025
By Meshack M. Ngangi | March 18, 2025 The Cultural Festival 2025 presented a significant aspect of The Co-operative University of Kenya’s community since cultural diversity is a strength when celebrated as a fabric that holds any human society together. The week-long celebrations of different cultures within the CUK fraternity provided a platform for students and staff to celebrate their cultural heritage, showcase talents and creativity, and promote cultural diversity within a multicultural environment. The CUK Cultural Festival 2025 was celebrated under a unifying theme, “Our Culture, Our Diversity, Our Pride.” The festival assumed various genres, including music festivals, traditional dances, cultural wear exhibitions, sports and athletics, theatrical performances, and beauty pageantry as a means to promote cultural exchange and understanding. In the opening ceremony, Mr. Chris M. Kathoka, the Registrar of Finance, Planning, and Administration represented the Vice Chancellor in delivering the inaugural address. The day one event’s venue was filled to the brim with students, staff, and the Chief Guest from the Directorate of National Cohesion and Values. This informed the high regard the University upholds cultural diversity and celebrates its beauty of unifying the institution as a strength that complements our oneness in the spirit of cooperation. “The University as a teacher of life, establishes the foundation and sustains academic excellence in developing society-suited holistic intellectuals. Cultural diversity is our inevitable human condition; however, this year’s Cultural Festival allows us to unite our voices to speak even louder to promote unique African diversity with pride,” the Ag. Vice Chancellor remarked. Mr. Edward Nyongesa Wafula, the Guest Speaker and the Deputy Director of the Directorate of National Cohesion and Values underscored that cultural events like the CUK Cultural Week 2025 are an excellent opportunity for the people of Kenya to come together and celebrate the beauty of our shared heritage – they are avenues that help to promote cultural understanding and foster a sense of community. The Cultural Festival opened with creative traditional dances and cultural wear exhibitions from the Maasai, Kamba, Kikuyu, Kalenjin, and Luhya communities which showcased the beauty of diverse cultural heritage. The cut-throat competition was a means to celebrate and uphold the beauty of our Institution’s cultural heritage, preserve cultural diversity, and appreciate cultural identities. The Luhya community carried the day with the best cultural dance presentation. Throughout the Monday to Friday Cultural Festival, different dressing themes were observed including, cultural regalia, official attire, denim wear, sportswear, and dinner wear, and the best-dressed individual of each day was awarded. Thursday, 13th March 2025, was a special day that presented sporting activities that were geared towards building, cementing, and sustaining a cordial relationship between the staff and students as both parties embarked on competitions of different sporting activities such as Football, Netball, Tug-of-war, egg race, sack race, 100 m and 200 m race, and rugby. In the Football men category, the Student’s Football team thwarted the Staff Team 2-1 with the Ladies’ Student’s Football team beating the Staff Team 1-0. Only ladies who participated in the Netball competitions with the Staff Netball team claimed the victory. Maureen Soyandet from the Admissions and Students Registry and Rodgers Oguta, a 4th-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce in the School of Business and Economics, won the egg race in the ladies’ and men’s categories respectively. In sack race competitions, Maureen Simiyu, a staff in the Catering Department, and Omwambo Ogutu, a 3rd-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Finance in the School of Business and Economics, won in the ladies’ and men’s categories respectively. In both the ladies’ and men’s categories, CUK Staff claimed victory for the tug-of-war, and student Rugby Team A won against their counterpart Team B. In the 100m race, John Brian (student), and Banice Wanjiku, a 3rd-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce in the School of Business and Economics, won in the ladies’ and men’s categories respectively while Brian Mutuse, a 1st-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Business Management in the School of Business and Economics, and Lucy Katheu, a 2nd-year student pursuing a Diploma in Supply Chain Management in the Institute of Technical and Vocational Education and Training, in the 200m ladies’ and men’s categories. The final day of the CUK Cultural Festival 2025 went down at the Carnivore Grounds, Nairobi. Students and staff led by the Cultural Week Organizing Committee officials descended the venue donned in dinner wear as pomp, glamour, and class met the occasion. The major event was the beauty pageantry modeling contest and crowning of Mr. and Miss CUK 2025/2026. The Friday night Carnivore affair featured entertainment by a student artist, Iano Simi, and the Guest Artist, Tipsy Gee also known as Kelvin Njenga. The crown for Mr. and Miss CUK 2025/2025 was heavily contested with models exhibiting cutting-edge creativity and innovation in the beauty pageantry. Raymond Mutua and Brenda Cheronoh won the Mr. and Miss CUK 2025/2026 titles respectively. On the other hand, Chris Muga and Mutemi Damaris were the first (1st) runners-up for Mr. and Miss CUK, Eugine Kibet Rutto and Polly Owino were the second (2nd) runners-up for Mr. and Miss CUK while Ezra Hakeem and Clarice Akinyi carried the Mr. and Miss Congeniality 2025/2026 titles respectively.
The Co-operative University of Kenya Hosts High-Impact Seminar on Agricultural Cooperatives and Sustainable Development
The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) hosted a pivotal seminar on February 27, 2025, under the theme “Empowering Agricultural Cooperatives for Sustainable Rural Development: Celebrating 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives with a Cross-Regional Focus”. The event brought together key stakeholders, policymakers, and experts to explore the role of agricultural cooperatives in fostering food security, rural livelihoods, and global collaboration. The seminar began with a guided tour of the university for members of the Network for the Development of Agricultural Cooperatives in Asia and the Pacific (NEDAC). Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Isaac Nyamongo welcomed participants and set the stage for discussions on strengthening cooperatives as key drivers of development. The Chief Guest, Commissioner for Cooperatives, Mr. David Obonyo, delivered a keynote address, emphasizing the crucial role cooperatives play in Kenya’s economic transformation agenda. He highlighted that cooperatives are an enabler in all key pillars of the current administration, including agricultural transformation, ICT, affordable housing, and healthcare. He noted that the most effective way to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor is by encouraging more Kenyans to form and join cooperative societies. Another key highlight of the event was the signing of instruments for the CUK-NEDAC Collaboration through a Letter of Intent, marking a significant step in strengthening partnerships for cooperative development. Prof. Isaac Nyamongo expressed appreciation for the collaboration, emphasizing that the Letter of Intent signed during the event would unlock great opportunities for cooperation, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building between the university and cooperative stakeholders not just in Kenya and Africa but also across the globe. The seminar featured a series of panel discussions addressing key aspects of cooperative growth and sustainability. The first discussion, moderated by Prof. Kennedy Waweru, focused on how agricultural cooperatives contribute to reducing hunger, enhancing rural livelihoods, and promoting sustainable farming practices. Panelists, including Mr. Balasubramanian Ganpathy Iyer, Mr. Roeland Monasch, Samuel Omwakwe from Caritas Kakamega, and Joab Osumba from Fineline Consultants, explored how cooperatives align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the ways in which social and financial education empower communities. The second session, led by Prof. Lucy Kiganane, examined opportunities for strengthening ties between Asia and Africa through cooperative models. Panelists, including Mr. Virgilio Rodriguez Lazaga, Mr. Jyoti Saroop, Dr. Moses Gweyi, and Mr. Michael Mutuma, shared insights on successful case studies and identified best practices for cross-regional adoption. The discussion emphasized the importance of international knowledge exchange in building resilience within cooperatives. Following a networking tea break and a group photo session, discussions resumed with a panel on government policies for cooperative growth, moderated by Dr. Lucy Ngare. Speakers, including Mr. Sudhir Mahajan, Mr. P. Chandra Shekara, Commissioner for Cooperatives Mr. David Obonyo, and Hon. Diana Kendi, CEC Trade, Tourism, Culture, and Cooperative Development, Nyeri County, explored strategies for engaging governments in developing cooperative-friendly policies that drive rural development and food security. Case studies from countries with strong cooperative frameworks provided valuable lessons for policymakers. The final panel, moderated by Dr. Moses Gweyi, centered on leveraging the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 as a platform for advocacy and collaboration. Panelists, including Mr. Praveen Reddy Aligireddy, Mr. Bhima Subrahmanyam, Mr. Paul Wanjala from KUSCO, and Ms. Monica Chepkirui from the School of Co-operatives and Community Development, discussed ways to amplify the role of cooperatives in achieving the SDGs and positioning them as global agents of economic and social transformation. The one-day seminar concluded by recognizing the contributions of all participants and reaffirming the commitment to advancing cooperative development through strategic partnerships. A networking lunch provided an opportunity for further engagement, strengthening the foundation for continued collaboration in shaping the future of agricultural cooperatives.
Exploring Inclusive Photojournalism: Public Relations and Advertising Students Participate at Canon World Unseen Exhibition
By Meshack Ngangi The sunset rays of Wednesday, December 4, 2024, send a message of a brighter dawn to our Bachelor of Public Relations and Advertising Students as they participate in the Canon World Unseen exhibition held at the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS), Upper Hill, Nairobi. This coveted experience was an eye-opening opportunity for learners who expositioned a staunch interest in photojournalism. Organized by Canon, the exposition explored photography’s inclusivity element and the inspirational belief in the power of images to change the world. Speaking to students, Canon’s Managing Director for Central and North Africa, Somesh Adukia, explained, “This special moment that Canon has held its first Canon World Unseen Exhibition in Sub-Saharan Africa here in Kenya. Innovative technologies that integrate elevated printing, immersive audio descriptions, and braille inspire the World Unseen and embody Canon’s resolve for inclusivity with art and technology blended in an infinite creativity of incredible imagery.” With over 2.2 billion visually impaired people worldwide, 26 million of these in Africa suffer a similar fate, Canon World Unseen presented an opportunity to champion inclusivity and creativity. Through a sensory-rich experience of an exposition where one does not need to see, the World Unseen aimed at changing how both the visually impaired and sighted experience photography. Among the 17 Bachelor of Public Relations and Advertising students were Felistus Museng’ya and Stacey Chagala, our second-year, who expressed their sentiments about the experiential learning they received at the Canon World Unseen exhibition, which sparked their interest in photojournalism. Other Partners in the exhibition were the Kenya Society for the Blind and the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS), which hosted the event that featured exhibition images of renowned local and international photojournalists, including Samo Vidic of Slovenia, Kenya’s Peter Ndungu and Brian Mwangi, Nigeria’s Yagazie Emezi, and Brent Stirton of South Africa among other contributors.
Prof. Esther Gicheru Debunks the Kenya’s Co-operative Movement at the ICA Global Conference 2024
By Meshack Ngangi Between the 25th and 30th of November 2024, the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) held its Global Conference in New Delhi, India. The event launch, which was graced by the Prime Minister of India, H.E. Narendra Modi, the Hon. FCPA Wycliffe A. Oparanya, EGH, Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development, and international dignitaries brought together over 3,000 cooperative movement enthusiasts from more than 100 countries worldwide. Hosted by the Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative (IFFCO), the conference was inaugurated under the theme, “Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All,” and it guided the discourses across four plenary sessions and accompanying parallel sessions, which aimed to create an Action Agenda for Cooperatives to accelerate the SDGs. Among the delegates of this International Forum were our Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, PhD, EBS, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Finance, Planning, and Administration, Prof. Esther N. Gicheru (Mrs), OGW, who was a keynote speaker on Kenya Co-operative Movement: A Shared Prosperity at the launch of the Year of Cooperatives 2025. In 2007, Prof. Gicheru was bestowed the highest honor of the ICA and is the only recipient of the Rochdale Pioneers Award in Africa. This is owed to her immense contribution to the cooperative movement in Kenya, Africa, and on the global stage. Debunking the topic, Prof. Gicheru highlighted that SACCOs are the most predominant, with over 50% of all 22,344 registered co-operatives, followed by agri-coops at about 27%. “Agricultural cooperatives remain the main anchor to Kenya’s economic growth, contributing 33% of total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and commands about 60% of informal employment and 60% of total exports. The downstream agro-processing is estimated to generate an additional 3.2% of GDP and 2.4% of employment,” explained Prof. Esther Gicheru.
University bank accounts
Co-operative Bank –Account No.01129062663600 (Karen Branch). The University does not accept cash payments
Equity Bank of Kenya-Account Number 1250277107862(Karen Supreme branch)