University News
Exploring Energy Research: Students Visit IESR
By John Maina July 13, 2024 Students from The Co-operative University of Kenya embarked on a knowledge-packed journey to the Institute of Energy Studies and Research (IESR) in Ruaraka, Nairobi, Kenya. The six-hour visit aimed to deepen their understanding of research operations in the energy sector. The educational visit was organized for students pursuing Master’s degrees in Cyber Security and Data Science. Their mission was to gain practical insights into the intriguing works of energy research. From power generation to distribution, the IESR representative, Dr. Jeremiah Kiplagat, who is also a director at the Institute, promised a mind-blowing experience. Located along Thika Super Highway, the IESR has long been a regional center of excellence. Formerly known as the Kenya Power Training School, it now stands as a beacon for energy-related education and innovation. Here are some key takeaways from the visit: The field learning exercise exposed our cyber security and data science masters students to applied learning and research understandings. The Students had an opportunity to witness real-world practical applications of theoretical concepts. They explored cutting-edge research equipment and observed various systems, machines, and operation rooms. The academic visit to IESR revealed that it is not just a training institution but a habitat for groundbreaking research. Our students engaged with five senior personnel by asking them research-related questions about ongoing projects and learning about renewable energy sources, grid stability, and energy efficiency. The day’s expedition strengthened the University-industry collaboration, with representatives from Kenya Power sharing their expertise. Discussions revolved around the challenges faced by the energy sector and potential solutions. Dr. Kiplagat mentioned that the Institute was ready to support any of the students who had data or a project that could help come up with solutions or contribute to the growth of the energy sector in Kenya. He promised to work hand in hand with Dr. Shem Mbandu, Dean School of Computing and Mathematics, to make sure that such student(s) would get help like funding for their projects. “The visit has been eye-opening; seeing the integration of technology and energy systems is inspiring,” said Jane Mwangi, a Cyber Security student. John Kamau, from the Data Science program, added, “I now appreciate the role of data analytics in optimizing energy distribution.” As the students bid farewell to the IESR, they carried with them newfound knowledge and enthusiasm. The visit highlighted the importance of collaborations between academia and industry—a relationship that fuels progress.
CUK Hosts the Ushirika Blood Donation Drive 2024
By Meshack Ngangi June 11, 2024 The Co-operative University of Kenya hosted the Principal Secretary of the State Department of Co-operatives, Mr. Patrick Kilemi, who officiated the 2024 Pre-Ushirika Day Celebrations Ushirika Blood Donation Drive. The PS lauded the University’s role in realizing the 7th Cooperative Principle, Concern for the Community. Mr. Kilemi challenged the co-operative movement in the country to rally efforts in support of the health sector to supplement the dire need for blood in the national blood banks managed by the Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service, an organ under the National Tissue and Transplant Authority. The PS reiterated that blood donation is not only an ultimate sacrifice and an act of charity that transcends any donation one can give but also a lifeline that sustains communities. This statement reinstated the co-operative’s role of transforming communities and ensuring sustainable economic empowerment, starting with movement membership. In his remarks, PS Kilemi expressed great satisfaction with the initiative to host the Ushirika Blood Donation in June, the same month the World Health Organization commemorates World Blood Donor Day on 14 June. PS Kilemi outrightly congratulated multi-partner efforts The National Council for Ushirika Day Celebrations adopted through the Chairmanship of Mr. Macloud Malonza for organizing the blood donation that answers the pertinent healthcare challenge. He noted that the forged relations among the partner organizations, the Co-operative Alliance of Kenya, Red Cross Society of Kenya, Kenya Tissue and Transplant Authority, and The Co-operative University of Kenya should be sustained to bring more success to the co-operative sector and significantly impact the society. The State Department of Co-operatives head outlined that since they took office with the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Co-operatives and MSMEs Development, Hon. Simon Chelugui, they have made The Co-operative University of Kenya their center of operations due to the institution’s robust foundation on the principles of co-operatives. He challenged CAK’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Daniel Marube, to take the initiative to sponsor needy students at the university whenever they have the necessary resources. Further, PS Kilemi revealed that the Government, through the National Treasury, had approved the State Department’s request to recruit officers through the Public Service Commission (PSC), adding that they would prioritize competently trained degree holders from The Co-operative University of Kenya. During the day’s event, the Co-operative Alliance of Kenya’s CEO, Mr. Daniel Marube, expressed that Ushirika Blood Donation is an annual event that seeks to ensure the co-operative’s goal and principle of concern for others (community) adheres to the latter. In his briefing, he underscored the 500-pint blood target of the University-hosted blood drive, a precursor to the International Day for Co-operatives that will be celebrated on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre under the theme, “Co-operatives Build a Better Future for All.” In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of The Co-operative University of Kenya, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, expressed the great honour the University has of hosting the 2024 Ushirika Blood Donation Drive and challenged the 10,000-plus student population to reciprocate by turning up in large numbers for this life-saving initiative. “It has been reported that we have a very serious shortage of blood in our blood banks where it is said that with our population, we should have at least one million pints of blood donated annually, but we are very far from that,” exclaimed Prof. Ngamau. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Finance Planning and Administration, Prof. Esther Gicheru, Nairobi and Eastern Regional Manager for Kenya National Blood Transfusion Services Festus Koech, Officers from the Ministry of Co-operatives and MSMEs Development, and our University staff and students were present at the blood donation drive. The Ushirika Blood Donation Drive 2024 was covered by several media outlets including; Kenya News Agency, Hope TV, WesTV, Capital FM, and KASS FM. Hope TV, https://www.youtube.com/live/2HkEVkzusOA?si=j86lB_QNLHwerdVY WesTv; https://www.youtube.com/live/m47RAjr7Blg?si=RqaBExYfHNhuJPcD KASS FM; https://www.facebook.com/share/v/A92UzyLFchVLdqHz/?mibextid=qi2Omg
Groundbreaking: SBE Dean’s Elections 2024
By Meshack Ngangi and John Maina June 4, 2024 The June 4th elections for the Dean School of Business and Economics were a groundbreaking achievement in the history of our University. The transition from appointed dean to an elective 2-year term position presented an opportunity that attracted two worthy contestants who qualified for this elective deanship seat, Dr. Methuselah Bichage and Dr. Lucy Maina. This process came at a period nearing the end of the current Dean, Dr. Monicah Nderitu’s term in office. The first democratic process for electing deans at The Co-operative University of Kenya was steered by the Board of Elections chaired by Dr. Shem Mbandu, Dean of the School of Computing and Mathematics, and comprised of Dr. Lydia Mutua, Ms Catherine Wamabari, Mr. Clinton Nyamongo and Ms. Salome Mwangi, as the members. On the material day, the elections occurred at The Co-operative Retreat and Conference Centre (CRCC). This noble function attracted twenty-one (21) dons in the School of Business and Economics, which statistically translated to 100% voter turnout. Out of the 21 eligible voters, Dr. Lucy Maina claimed a triumphant win, scooping sixteen (16) votes, while Dr. Methuselah Bichage garnered five (5) votes without any spoilt ballot. The election’s returning officer, Prof. Kennedy Waweru, observed this process as having a turn-about potential that the University has tapped to re-engineer its business processes and claim more victory as an academic giant commanding higher education in Kenya. In an interview with Dr. Shem Mbandu, Chairperson of the Board of Elections for the Dean (SBE), he described the elections as a first-time experience and a steep learning curve where its members learned and designed the electoral process on the go. Dr. Shem clarified that the elective deanship aligned with the University’s vision and was a bold step in bolstering attaining its mission. Speaking at the elections, Dr. Duncan Nyale, The Co-operative University of Kenya’s Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) Secretary General, observed the process as a watershed moment for the entire university fraternity. He described some of the primary roles of the Dean-elect as holding enriching discussions and representing the interests of her faculty members. In his remarks, Dr. Nyale expressed complete confidence in Dr. Lucy Maina’s capability to lead the SBE faculty to higher heights.
Matriculation: Fresh Ladies and Gentlemen, May 2024
By Meshack Ngangi May 14, 2024 The atmosphere of Tuesday, May 14, 2024, dawn was filled with a breathtaking sense of purpose, resolve for academic excellence, and a decisive resolution to conquer the higher education pursuit among the freshly admitted students. During the day’s opening session, which began at 8:00 a.m., the Ag. Registrar for Academic Co-operative Development, Research and Innovation (ACDRI) Dr. Lydia Mutua exemplified the dire need for students to prioritise their quest for academic growth. She further emphasised the importance of harnessing their infinite innate power of self-actualisation for holistic development and to conquer the ever-dynamic challenges of the contemporary world. The admissions and student registry department, through Madam Joy Ayuma, onboarded the fresh men and women to the academic processes of admissions and maintaining studentship. The presentation targeted the precise areas of registration, deregistration, deferment of studies, change of course and academic leave application process. On the change of course subject matter, Madam Ayuma encouraged the students to use career guidance and the counsel of academic mentors in the departments, appeal to their critical thinking, and ultimately factor in the elements of passion and individual academic capabilities. Sensitisation on student finance issues never lagged but was a prominent concern and issue of discussion during the first day of the matriculation exercise. Samuel Njiru of the University’s Finance department demystified student finance by providing a concise framework that guides the institution’s fee payment policy. In his remarks, he outlined the mechanisms the University has established through a streamlined, real-time integrated payment system that strictly requires students to utilise their registration numbers when making payments to the University’s Co-operative Bank and Equity Bank accounts (as indicated on the University website). Several finance-related aspects were stressed, including the accurate indication of The Co-operative University of Kenya’s name in the cheques, the M-pesa payment enabled method through the student portal, the fee payment plans, the prohibition of personal cheques and cash payments, and semesterly finance registration. George Kanja, who represented the principal ICT officer in the orientation exercise, handled the ICT-related matters. “The ICT Department undertakes the roles of ICT support, providing technical support, managing the university’s computing resources, and cyber security, among other crucial functions,” expressed Mr. Kanja. In the presentation, the new students were procedurally and practically guided through registering and navigating the student online management system—the uniplus, e-masomo and unit registration, email activation, and changing their password on the student portal. The ICT officer further explained the University’s endowment with four fully equipped modern-technology-powered computer laboratories that enable students to undertake practical lessons without hassle. In the patting shot, Mr. Kanja expressed the department’s recent achievement of the newly launched University website, which has heavily integrated the current technological trends of Artificial Intelligence (AI), making it more interactive and responsive to client engagements. The Examinations Department of the University expressly gave a detailed presentation of the procedures and rules governing the conduct of examinations. Hellen Njuki explained the bedrock core attributes of trust, honesty, and unparalleled academic integrity, among others, that constitute the department’s guiding principles. She categorically outlined the grave disciplinary penalties that come with involvement in examination malpractices as guided by the University policies. The presentation centrally infused the different types of examinations offered and the assessment framework, giving students a clear direction on the University’s expectations regarding examinations. The Ag. Dean of Students, Dr. Grace Okello, explicitly indicated that her office deals with student welfare matters that facilitate the holistic growth of the student body. Speaking at the orientation forum, Dr. Okello outlined the pivotal role the Dean’s office plays in connecting students’ matters to University management. Among other functions, the office supports student life within the University by offering guidance and counselling, registering student clubs and societies, facilitating democratic student elections, supporting games and sporting activities, handling alumni services and coordinating their activities, career services, HIV/AIDS sensitisation and control, and upholding the general student behaviour matters. Under the Health Unit, Tabitha Kiarie acquainted the new students with the services the medical unit provides, detailing the pharmacological procedures one needs to follow to be attended to. She underscored the proactive strategies the health provider has enacted to handle student emergencies such as injuries and asthmatic attacks. “The medical facility, Health Unit, has been equipped with top-notch medical and laboratory equipment that enable us to serve the ever-growing needs of the University’s student population,” Tabitha said. The Registrar’s Finance, Planning, and Administration office oriented the new cohort on the utilisation and stewardship of university resources. Speaking at the orientation activity, Mr. Nelson Lwiki expressed the necessity of every student responsibly upholding optimal utilization of University resources for academic purposes and personal wholesome growth. At the orientation function, Robert Matano, the Ag. Chief Security Officer (CSO) strategically singled out the element of securing oneself since security is a personal initiative that each student is responsible for the same. Security issues at the orientation were given a 360-degree viewpoint, with every party having a role to play. The security officer exemplified the code of conduct that translates to an offence under the accepted decorum by the University rules and regulations governing their stay at the institution. The library department, through its representative Kelvin Kimathi, elaborated on the services offered, including the provision of learning materials, both physical and online. Further, the representative stressed the University’s resolve to uphold academic standards and integrity through tools such as Turnitin. The Corporate Communication and Marketing Department sensitised the students on complaints and complaints handling infrastructure and the Access to Information Act of 2016. The department’s presentation spanned the departmental structure, functions, channels of communication, the University’s publications, and the complaints handling process. At the close of day one, The Co-operative University of Kenya’s Student Union leadership, led by their chairperson, Mr. Newton Kipleting, had an interactive session with the new students, offering them the nitty-gritty of surviving University life. The students’ president congratulated the new cohort on reaching a milestone in their academic journey and welcomed them to the
Grave Mistakes Students Make When They Join University
By Daniel Muinde Due to the copious amount of freedom and latitude to make choices, many students in the university fall into the trap of the following mistakes: Forgetting about God It is incredible how spirit-filled and God-Oriented students matriculate into the university and wonder how they misplace God in their equation of life at the cost of the pleasures and pressures of the university. At the onset of their stay in the university, most students seriously attend spiritual forums such as the Christian Union and are committed to its activities. Sooner or later, some students equate God with a raincoat, which is only used during the rainy season. During the tough times and climes of adversity. Importantly, students should prioritize God in their lives and their daily endeavors; never should He be an option. Poor Time Management Henrik- Jan van der aptly states, “Time is the scarcest resource in any organisation. Unlike money, it passes with every second and you’ll never be able to earn it back.” Besides the stipulated class schedule, many students lack personal schedules. They easily flow with the current of available activities. Commonly, they respond to tasks on the verge of deadlines. Precisely put, they are not goal-oriented. A goal-oriented and planned student sets aside time for study, social interaction, spiritual growth, and leisure. One should pen down activities scheduled for the next day each night before sleeping, not forgetting their order and the time allocated for each activity. Falling under the Trap of Peer Pressure Lack of self-principles makes students fall to the whims of peer pressure. What your friends are doing may be correct, but what they are doing is essential to you now. Is it urgent? Here comes the vast difference between you and your peers; a priority to self may not be a priority to a friend. Students should set their priorities right and align their activities to the order of importance and urgency to battle being carried away by the negative influence of peer pressure. Remember, it may be essential but not a priority. Decide the course you want your life to take and use it as a road map. Never be a feather that can be blown in any direction. Cohabiting Here comes the deadlock. The dilemma of this and that, especially this. Is it right or not? Scrutinising the outstanding text by Robert T. Kiyosaki, “Why ‘A’ Students Work for ‘C’ Students and ‘B’ Students for the Government,” you will find out that life has 3 Windows (phases) of learning: First Window: Birth to age 12, Second Window: Age 12 to 24, and Third Window: Age 24 to 36. The second window is called the ‘rebelling window.’ University students fall under this age bracket. Majorly students know with certainty that God designed sex for a married couple but still object to that fact. Curiosity takes the better part of them, involving them in life accidents, which at times result in the traffic of life casualties. The best alternative is clad in self-control. Be guided by self-principles. Drug and Substance Abuse Born omnivores, but competing with herbivores. Khat and the likes, of what help are they? Sniffing and injecting non-medicinal drugs, of what help are they? I partially ‘concur’ that there may be a slight feeling of satisfaction, but only temporal. It is common for students to attend mega parties during weekends to steam off, but others overdo it in the process. Consuming alcoholic drinks and other substances causes more harm to the body than help. Drugs interfere with your mental ability and potential. Laziness and Lassitude Some students busy their bodies with immense laziness as if gifted. Maintaining high standards of hygiene is just an issue. Others get tired even before starting a task or an assignment. Such are usually readily available to cling to others, benefiting from other student’s hard work. Such students never want to tire their brains with thinking, which is highly classified as hard work. The contributor is a public speaker and a BSc. Banking and Finance student at The Co-operative University of Kenya.
Courtesy Call: WETCU Delegation from Tanzania
By Meshack Ngangi Tanzania’s Western Zone Tobacco Growers Co-operative Union (WETCU) delegation of Board Members led by Hamza Rajabu Kitunga today paid a courtesy visit to The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) on their benchmarking trip within the Ministry of Co-operatives and MSMEs Development. The WETCU team was accompanied by Mr. Henry Mwangi and Ibrahim Gichuki, officials from the Ministry’s State Department of Co-operatives. The Institute of Co-operative Development Director, Prof. Wycliffe Oboka, and the Agri and Co-operative Training and Consultancy Services Ltd. (ATC) representative, Dr. Moses Gweyi, attended the welcoming event. The University management, led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic, Co-operative Development, Research, and Innovation, Prof. Isaac Nyamongo, hosted the WETCU delegation of co-operators and discussed the areas of collaboration between the two organizations. The discourse for the day was grounded on the necessity of realizing Principle 6 of the Co-operatives, which is cooperation among co-operatives. The Co-operative University of Kenya has underscored its role in revolutionalising and sustaining Kenya’s co-operative movement through quality education, training, research, and innovation and empowering communities through outreach for socio-economic transformation. “The University through the Kenya Rural Transformation Centres Digital Platform (KRTCDP), a project funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), has made efforts to bolster farmer co-operatives in Nakuru, Narok, and Baringo counties, which represents the first phase of the project’s implementation,” Prof. Isaac Nyamongo. The attainment of the KRTCDP project deliverables targets strategic value chains of maize, Irish potatoes, and dairy, which are critical to the economic empowerment of the people at the bottom of the economic pyramid. These efforts represent the crucial concern for the University’s collaboration with partners in the co-operative movement, especially the Ministry of Co-operatives and MSMEs Development, financial institutions, and international bodies, including the United States Overseas Co-operative Development Council (OCDC), in realizing our mission. Prof. Oboka, the Director of the Institute of Co-operative Development (ICD), remarked on the crucial role the University continues to play through his institute’s programs. The ICD’s short courses are intended to retool, update, and upgrade the knowledge and skill endowment of the officers and board members, and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) serving the co-operative sectors in the national government, devolved/county governments and Savings and Credit Co-operative entities. Dr. Moses Gweyi, the ATC’s representative and a lecturer in the School of Co-operative and Community Development (SCCD), expressed the pivotal role research has played in aiding the growth and development of Kenya’s co-operative sector. This research function of ATC can be owed to the seamless functioning of the University’s consultancy arm, the Agri and Co-operative Training and Consultancy Services Ltd. (ATC). Since its establishment in July 2004, the ATC has been an active player in Kenya’s and regional private sector development in agriculture by providing quality training and consultancy services in agribusiness, co-operative rural development, and associated sectors of the economy.
SGC Inauguration Ceremony: Passing on Leadership Baton
By Meshack Ngangi April 11, 2024, was marked by a spectacular event with the Student Governing Council’s inauguration that was nothing short of pomp, colour, and style that alluded to the theme of the day’s oathing ceremony for the new team assuming office. This symbolic and democratic annual event depicted the central part of The Co-operative University of Kenya’s Student Union (CUKSU) constitution and the University’s deliberate initiative to uphold the rule of law stipulated in the regulations that govern every organ. The April 2024 exchange of leadership baton from Mr. Amos Kamotho and his exiting SGC to Mr. Newton Kipleting and the newly sworn-in team presented a new phase in the institution’s student governance history. The Student Union President Emeritus Amos Kamotho described the exceptional function the University, through its management, has performed in shaping the academic experience at The Co-operative University of Kenya. Also, in his farewell address as the retiring student president, he alluded to the dedication, unwavering support, and expertise the university staff have invested in nurturing students who have blended into a superior educational experience that meets and exceeds expectations. The 2023/2024 Student Governing Council, through their Chairperson, enumerated strategic but rather countless efforts the office of the Dean of Students has made in making student life at CUK an admirable and fulfilling “voyage” in the ocean of academic immersion.
Dining with Champions: Vice-Chancellor’s Luncheon
By Meshack Ngangi On 11/04/2024, the Vice Chancellor of The Co-operative University of Kenya, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, held a luncheon to celebrate the victory brought by different teams representing the institution in various regional and national competitions in March 2024. This celebration event was attended by students who participated in beauty pageants, sports, and music competitions. In the luncheon, the University management highlighted the importance of extracurricular activities in shaping the futures of learners and developing a holistic person. The activity aimed to underscore the institution’s support in nurturing talents and encouraging students to explore exposure beyond the classroom setting. Also, this initiative sought to appreciate the resilient efforts dedicated by our brilliant teams for bringing victory to our University and a recognition of the dedication, hard work, and passion the teams demonstrated by carrying our flag high. Our sports teams managed to participate in various Nairobi South Kenya University Students Association (NASOKUSA) regional games and bag three (3) trophies. These included the first (1st) runners-up in Lawn Tennis Ladies, second (2nd) runners-up Hockey Men, and second (2nd) runners-up in Netball Ladies in NASOKUSA games that were held last month at the University of Nairobi. Ang’ila Lizzy Atieno, a third-year student taking Bachelor of Commerce in the ladies’ Netball team, performed exceptionally well and was selected to represent Kenya’s Under 21 Netball ladies team in South Africa later in the year. At the national Kenya Universities Sports Association (KUSA) competitions held in March 2024 at Pwani University in Mombasa, our Badminton Ladies team, composed of Elizabeth Kemunto, Bilha Achola, Mercy Chepkoech, and Brittney Misoy, won the first (1st) runners-up award in a cut-throat competition. The University is committed to nurturing holistic graduates through supporting talents and extra-curricular activities by students with the requisite resources and facilities to achieve their personal and academic development goals. Our Choir, The Chosen Choir, managed to participate in the third (3rd) KUPAA National Music, film, dance, and Elocution Festival held at The Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) between 17th and 22nd March 2024 and won three (3) out of the eight (8) items that they presented. The institution’s Chosen Choir defended their crown as Kings and Queens of melody and the conquerors of the 2024 music festivals by emerging victorious. In the spirit of victory and triumph, the winners of this year’s modeling and beauty pageant, Mr & Miss CUK 2024/2025 Victor Saenyi and Venessa Handas, respectively, together with the contestants, made a name for themselves and will remain in the memory lane of the University’s history as achievers who dared to dream. Their impressive modeling skills were blended with teamwork and coordination, which gave it a golden touch that was nothing short of exemplary. The talent, effort, and creativity you showcased in the competition were genuinely inspiring and set a high benchmark for future contestants.
Cultural Week and Crowning of Mr & Miss CUK 2024/2025
By Meshack Ngangi Showcasing cultural genres of dance, art, music, sporting activities, fashion, and modeling in the 2024 cultural week festivals formed the backbone of the integration mechanisms that The Co-operative University of Kenya deploys in fostering unity in diversity. Students and staff from diverse cultural backgrounds accessed a platform to depict their unique performances in the spirit of this year’s Cultural Week theme, celebrating cohesion in our cultural diversity. The intra-institution interactions during this cultural fest boosted staff-student cooperation, as evident in the performances’ synergy, vibe, and fun unfolding. The joy, unity, beauty, and creativity of diversity were witnessed through expressive language, including the beauty pageantry contest that went down on March 1, 2024, at Carnivore Grounds, Nairobi. The Co-operative University of Kenya’s multicultural setting enriches cultural diversity and integration manifested in synchronized, unique institutional and corporate identity. The Cultural Week 2024 inter-cultural interactions boosted the University’s appreciation of Kenya’s cultures and strengthened statesmanship, spirit, and national cohesion. This annual event occurs with the principal goal of bolstering constructive inter-cultural intermingling. The coronation of Mr. and Miss Co-operative University 2024/2025, Victor Saenyi and Vanessa Handas, respectively, is a perfect recap for March student activities that are vivid and bring to life the memories of the cultural week 2024.