University News
Marketing Activation: PEFA Murang’a Regional Youth Conference 2025
By Meshack M. Ngangi, MPRSK, MMCK | 19th December 2025 The Co-operative University of Kenya actively engaged with young people for a marketing activation at the PEFA Murang’a Regional Youth Conference between 15th and 19th December 2025. This major regional forum that brings together learners preparing for the transition from secondary school to university/higher education. Held at Gituru Boys High School in Kangari Zone, the conference attracted approximately 1,400 youths drawn from seven districts across Murang’a County, the majority of whom were high school students and recent Form Four leavers from the Pentecostal Evangelistic Fellowship of Africa (PEFA) seeking spiritual nourishment and mentorship, guidance on their academic and career pathways. The conference provided an ideal, community-based platform for the University to support young people at a critical decision-making stage in their educational journey. During the conference, Ms. Lilian Nkatha, a Marketing Officer in the University’s Corporate Communication and Marketing Department, delivered structured and student-centred career guidance sessions aligned with its mission of providing quality education, training, research, and consultancy that produce leaders for national and global development. Through interactive discussions and direct engagement with learners, participants were guided on career choice, emerging professional opportunities, post-secondary education pathways, and application processes. Emphasis was placed on helping students align their talents, interests, and subject strengths with future aspirations, reinforcing the importance of early career guidance in preparing young people for meaningful participation in the economy and society. The officers from the University, Meshack M. Ngangi and Marcella Kinya also used the forum to introduce learners to a wide range of Diploma and Degree programmes offered through its Institute of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (I-TVET) and its three academic schools: the School of Co-operative and Community Development, the School of Business and Economics, and the School of Computing and Mathematics. The form four leavers were guided on how these academic pathways are designed to respond to current labour market demands while promoting skills development, innovation, entrepreneurship, and community impact. This engagement reinforced the University’s positioning as a leading institution in co-operative education and community-focused development, underpinned by its commitment to quality co-operative training as a foundation for sustainable development and transformative leadership. Recognizing that access to higher education is often constrained by financial limitations, the University staff offered practical guidance on available government funding opportunities through the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), including scholarships, loans, and bursaries. Learners were taken through application requirements and pathways, enabling them to understand how to access financial support and plan responsibly for their higher education journey. This intervention was particularly significant for the many Form Four leavers in attendance and reflected the University’s commitment to inclusive access to education. Participation in the PEFA Murang’a Regional Youth Conference forms part of The Co-operative University of Kenya’s broader outreach and student support initiatives aimed at empowering communities and supporting young people as they transition confidently into university life. By engaging learners within a trusted church and community setting, the University continues to provide timely, accurate, and relevant guidance that nurtures ethical, innovative, and socially responsible leaders capable of contributing positively to national and community development.
CUK Leadership Retreat 2025: A Strategic Alignment to Performance Excellence
By Victor J. Njogu, MPRSK | 17th December 2025 The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) held a three-day Joint Management, Deans, Directors, Chairpersons of Departments (CoDs), and Heads of Departments (HoDs) Retreat from 15th to 17th December 2025 at the Morendat Training and Conference Centre in Naivasha. The retreat brought together senior academic and administrative members of staff, intending to strengthen strategic alignment, enhance performance management, and deepen a shared commitment to institutional excellence. Convened under the theme “One Strategy, One Team, One CUK: Empowering Leaders for a High-Performing University,” the forum provided an important platform for reflection, learning, and collective planning in line with the University Strategic Plan 2022–2027. The retreat was designed to ensure that departmental heads and key users across the University fully understood and effectively utilized the performance contracting (PC) system used in evaluating institutional and individual performance. Central to the discussions was the need to strengthen alignment across all the University’s units by harmonizing divisional, school, and departmental plans with the strategic direction. Participants also focused on cultivating a cohesive, accountable, and values-driven leadership culture, enhancing competencies in performance contracting and productivity, and exploring innovative approaches to resource mobilization and financial sustainability, including strengthening Income Generating Units (IGUs) and aligning resources to priority areas. Participants included members of the University Management Board, Deans of Schools, Directors of Institutes, Chairpersons of Departments, and Heads of Departments. During the opening session, Vice Chancellor Prof. Kamau Ngamau invited the participants and took them through a three-day programme, which outlined the objectives and expected outcomes of the retreat. The Vice Chancellor lauded the University’s strong Performance Contract results for the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 financial years and urged Heads of Departments to sustain high levels of performance alongside enhanced productivity. In the opening ceremony, Prof. Ngamau emphasized that resource mobilization was central to the achievement of CUK’s vision and mission and encouraged the leadership organs to proactively identify and seize opportunities that would elevate the University’s performance. The programme enabled members to jointly interrogate challenges within the work environment, review Performance Contract achievements for the 2024/2025 financial year, and examine proposed targets for the 2025/2026 fiscal year. Participants were also trained on the Performance Contracting Module within the Uniplus system, equipping them with practical skills to cascade targets to staff under their supervision. In addition, the Finance Officer, CPA Maxwel Nyaga, presented the University’s financial performance for the year, while the Principal Human Resource Manager (PHRM), CHRP (K) Anne J. Mmmata, led sessions on the employee satisfaction index and institutional culture. In the remarks of Prof. Esther N. Gicheru, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Finance, Planning, and Administration, emphasized that the retreat was intended to build synergies, strengthen team spirit, and address emerging challenges within the CUK work environment. She noted that the forum provided an opportunity for HoDs to share experiences and appreciate how their respective roles complement one another in advancing the University’s vision and mission. Prof. Gicheru underscored the importance of consultations, knowledge sharing, and continuous communication in enhancing institutional efficiency, while also acknowledging the Vice-Chancellor’s “Utumishi Bora” Award in recognition of his leadership in steering the University towards improved service delivery. Prof. Isaac K. Nyamongo, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic, Co-operative Development, Research and Innovation, commended Heads of Departments for their critical role in the successful organization of the University’s 10th Graduation Ceremony, which marked a significant milestone with the graduation of the institution’s pioneer cohort of four PhD candidates. Prof. Nyamongo further highlighted that CUK gained recognition as a cooperative leader in higher education during the 14th edition of the Institute of Certified Secretaries (ICS) Champions of Governance (COG) Awards 2025, where it received the winning recognition in the Education Sectoral Category. Prof. Nyamongo called upon HoDs to continue working together with unity of purpose, to accelerate service delivery by addressing slow processes, and to strengthen resource mobilization efforts in support of the University’s overall growth and sustainability. The retreat also featured a presentation by the Division of Finance, Planning, and Administration on the outcomes of the employee and customer satisfaction surveys. The findings revealed a customer satisfaction index of 51.2% against a target of 92%, and an Employee Satisfaction Index of 66.8% against the same target. Key areas of concern included grievance handling, particularly missing marks and delayed follow-up on complaints, basic student services such as finance, registration, and meals, and challenges related to infrastructure and the e-learning platform. Heads of Departments were therefore urged to champion a collaborative and positive organizational culture within their units, model strong work ethics, and act as key custodians of institutional values. Participants were further briefed on productivity mainstreaming targets as guided by the National Productivity and Competitiveness Centre (NPCC). In the 2024/2025 financial year, the University attained a high productivity score of 2.741, representing a significant improvement from the previous year’s score of 2.329. Departments were reminded of their responsibility to sustain and enhance productivity across the 15 national productivity metrics aligned to the University’s strategic objectives, particularly those cascaded to their respective units. In addition, the retreat highlighted the University’s customized automation system, which integrates strategic planning and performance contracting processes. The system enables alignment of departmental goals with the University Strategic Plan 2022–2022, supports the cascading of targets from the national Performance Contract signed between the University and the Ministry of Education, and facilitates effective monitoring, reporting, and accountability at all levels of implementation. Overall, the Naivasha retreat marked a significant milestone in reinforcing shared leadership, strategic coherence, and a performance-oriented culture at The Co-operative University of Kenya. By deepening understanding of performance contracting systems, productivity frameworks, and institutional culture, the retreat reaffirmed the collective commitment of University leadership to excellence, innovation, and improved service delivery. The deliberations echoed a shared resolve that achieving the University’s aspirations requires one clear strategy, one united team, and a sustained focus on building a high-performing institution.
45 CUK Students Attain HCIA Datacom Certification
By Meshack M. Ngangi, MPRSK, MMCK | 8th December 2025 As part of the ongoing partnership between The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) and Huawei, 45 University students in the School of Computing and Mathematics completed the Huawei Certified ICT Associate (HCIA–Datacom) training programme and received their official Huawei Professional Certificates from Mr. Michael Kamau, the Head of Huawei ICT Academy (Kenya). Throughout the certification programme, Huawei provided the training materials and certification examinations, while the School of Computing and Mathematics, under the leadership of Dr. Shem Mbandu, provided mentorship and training, ensuring that students benefited optimally from both industry-standard content and academic guidance. During the HCIA Datacom Certification Award Ceremony held on 8th December 2025, Prof. Lucy Kiganane, the Dean of the School of Business and Economics, represented the Vice Chancellor and highlighted that this achievement marked an important milestone for the University and strongly affirmed a two-core aspect of CUK’s academic mission. First, it demonstrated how the students are trained to become industry-ready, equipped with practical and globally recognised competencies that significantly enhance their employability and competitiveness in the ICT sector. Second, it underscored the strength and robustness of CUK’s academic programmes, as evidenced by the high level of student participation and the commendable performance in a rigorous international certification examination. The successful completion of the HCIA–Datacom programme reflects the value of strategic industry–academia collaboration. Speaking at the Award Ceremony, Rose Nkatha, a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering student, outlined that through the CUK–Huawei Partnership, students gain access to cutting-edge training aligned with current industry needs, bridging the gap between theory and practice. Rose Nkatha was the top among the 45 students examined for the HCIA Certification, having scored 935 marks. Such collaborations not only enrich the learning experience but also position the University as a hub for producing graduates who meet global professional standards. This milestone reflects CUK’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, industry relevance, and the empowerment of students through globally competitive skills. The University looks forward to celebrating the success of its students and to deepening its partnership with Huawei in advancing ICT education and professional development.
CUK Marks the 10th Graduation Ceremony
By Meshack M. Ngangi, MPRSK, MMCK | 5th December 2025 It was a day of pride, reflection, and forward-looking resolve as The Co-operative University of Kenya marked its 10th Graduation Ceremony, celebrating the Class of 2025 and a decade since its charter award. Dr. Benard W. Chitunga, the Chancellor, speaking for the first time to a graduating cohort, joined university leadership in congratulating the 2,826 graduands, a remarkable 27% increase from last year’s 2,220 and a clear signal of growing confidence in the University’s programmes and mission. The composition of the 2025 Graduating cohort indicated a narrative of incredible growth: certificate graduands declined to 44 from 71 in the preceding year, and undergraduate graduands to 1,169 from 1,428, while diploma graduands surged to 1,567, a 163% jump from 596, and master’s graduands rose to 45 from 21 — an increase of 114%. For the first time in CUK’s history, the university will confer doctoral degrees, with four PhDs to be awarded, three from the School of Co-operatives and Community Development and one from the School of Computing and Mathematics. The School of Computing and Mathematics recorded a striking 65% rise to 330 graduands (from 200), the School of Business and Economics saw a decline to 676 graduands (from 1,027), and the School of Co-operatives and Community Development recorded 209 graduands, a marginal drop. Beyond the numbers, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, outlined that the university framed these achievements as part of sustained academic growth and a commitment to relevance in a rapidly changing world. He expressed that The Co-operative University of Kenya currently runs five doctorate programmes, twelve master’s programmes, thirty-seven undergraduate/degree programmes, and twenty-three TVET programmes. During the year, the institution launched new doctoral programmes and prepared additional courses for accreditation. Key among recent curricular innovations is the introduction of Data Science as a foundational discipline for artificial intelligence, and the School of Computing and Mathematics has announced plans to launch a BSc. in Artificial Intelligence in September 2026, designed to prepare graduates to lead and shape AI-driven innovation. These expansions reflect a deliberate strategy: to embrace current trends and anticipate future demands so that graduates remain competitive and relevant. Student leadership and global engagement featured prominently in the day’s reflections. Seventeen students completed the Millennium Campus Network programme, a global student network that advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and nurtures student leadership for social impact. Over the previous three months, these 17 fellows demonstrated leadership, creativity, and dedication that raised the university’s profile internationally and underscored the power of young people to drive transformative change. Equally important was the recognition of the institution’s growing reputation, including the receipt of the Education Sectoral Award at the 2025 ICS Champions of Governance Awards, an honour that was cited as evidence of the university’s steadfast pursuit of excellence. During the Chancellor’s address, Dr. Chitunga combined institutional pride with personal reflection and a clear moral charge for the graduates. He paid tribute to the late Hon. Raila Odinga, recalling moments of mentorship and a final, quiet admonition, “Remain focused and always have courage”—that the Chancellor described as a lasting gift. In asking the 10th Congregation assembly to observe a moment of silence, he connected personal gratitude with national memory and urged graduates to carry forward the values of courage and service. Chancellor Chitunga also signalled institutional ambitions: to fast-track infrastructure expansion, innovation, growth, and partnerships that will support CUK’s next phase and make the university community proud. To the Class of 2025, the Chancellor offered a charge that was at once pragmatic and aspirational. Dr. Benard Chitunga reminded them that their journey unfolded amid global upheaval — from the disruption of COVID-19 to the acceleration of digital transformation — and that they now enter a world charged with both possibility and peril. Central to his message was a single, vital value: empathy. Defined as the ability to step into another’s shoes, understand their experience, and act to help, empathy was presented as the cornerstone for leadership in an era when technology often mediates human interaction. The Chief Guest, Hon. FCPA Dr. Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya, the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Co-operatives and MSMEs Development, encouraged the Graduands, encouraging them to step into a world filled with opportunities and responsibility. The Co-operatives Cabinet Secretary underpinned that a qualification from The Co-operative University of Kenya is not just a certificate; it is a calling that positions them not only as job seekers, but as job creators, not only as beneficiaries of the co-operative movement, but as future leaders, innovators, and visionaries. The Chief Guest expressed that MSMEs and co-operatives are shaping the nation’s next economic chapter, and that the new graduates are the generation expected to spark that change. The Graduating Class of 2025 was urged to stay curious so they can adapt to constant change; to treat failure as “success in progress,” learning from each stumble and helping others to rise; and to aim not merely to make a living but to make a difference, practicing kindness and uplifting the needy. The tone was warm and candid, peppered with humor about lifelong friendships and the hope of wedding invitations, yet firm in insisting that graduates become “architects of change, champions of justice, and trailblazers of innovation.” The University used the occasion to reaffirm its partnership role in Kenya’s cooperative and MSME sectors, thanking the Ministry and the State Department for Co-operatives for ongoing collaboration, including academic contributions to policy reviews such as those affecting the Co-operative Bill 2024 and SACCO Societies Act. The university announced an expanded alumni mentorship and engagement programme to accompany graduates beyond the campus gates. An Alumni Dinner, scheduled for early 2026, would double as a mentorship forum and networking opportunity, and the university pledged to be deliberate in assisting graduates to secure employment and other opportunities. Parents and guardians received particular gratitude for their sacrifices and support, as the university handed back to them empowered individuals ready to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully
CUK Hosts Cornell University’s SC Johnson College of Business Delegation
By Esther Nalotwesha | 6th January 2026 The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) hosted a delegation from Cornell University, SC Johnson College of Business, USA, for a 10-day academic and experiential study tour. This tour is aimed at advancing research and collaboration on sustainable cooperative models in emerging markets. The visit, which takes place from 6th to 15th January 2026, marks a significant milestone in strengthening international academic partnerships focused on cooperative development. The delegation comprised two faculty members and four students drawn from Cornell University’s globally renowned business school. The team is led by Prof. Fridah Mubichi-Kut and Prof. Todd Michael Schmit, accompanied by students Kaia Worrell, Miriam Frank, Syed Muhammad Abdullah, and Joseph Gicharu. Their visit to Kenya is anchored within Cornell’s Student Multidisciplinary Applied Research Teams (SMART) Program, an applied learning initiative that integrates field-based research, faculty mentorship, and student engagement to address real-world development challenges. The SMART study tour is designed to deepen understanding of how cooperative enterprises operate in diverse socio-economic contexts, with a particular focus on the application of International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) principles within Kenya’s vibrant cooperative movement. During their stay, the delegation will engage cooperatives and institutions across Nairobi, Kiambu, and Nyeri counties, examining governance structures, management practices, member participation, and the role of public policy in cooperative sustainability. In his welcoming remarks, the Vice Chancellor. Prof. Kamau Ngamau formally welcomed the Cornell University delegation to CUK and expressed his appreciation for selecting CUK as a partner institution for the inaugural SMART engagement in Kenya. A pre-briefing session was done by Mr. Silas Maiyo and Dr. Victor Wambua, who outlined the purpose and scope of the engagement. They emphasized that the study tour aims not only to collect empirical data but also to expose students and faculty from both institutions to practical cooperative environments, thereby enriching teaching, learning, and research outcomes. It was noted that data collected during the field engagements will support graduate-level research, particularly for master’s students, and contribute to comparative studies on cooperatives in emerging markets. The delegation is expected to interact with a wide range of cooperative forms, including coffee, housing, dairy, transport, and savings and credit cooperatives, as well as county-level cooperative development offices. The meeting also reflected on earlier academic exchanges, including a previous visit to Cornell University by Dr. Lydia Mutua, underscoring the continuity and growing depth of the CUK–Cornell relationship. Speaking during the session, Prof. Todd Michael Schmit highlighted the academic motivation behind the study tour, noting that the team seeks to examine how ICA principles are interpreted and implemented by cooperative management and county authorities in Kenya. He underscored the importance of understanding how these principles translate into operational effectiveness, member value, and long-term sustainability within diverse cooperative contexts. The Dean, School of Cooperative and Community Development, Dr. Lucy Ngare, welcomed the delegation and expressed optimism about the outcomes of the engagement, noting that the University looks forward to the research findings and to expanding collaboration with Cornell University across multiple disciplines. She reaffirmed CUK’s openness to joint research, staff and student exchanges, and co-publication initiatives that advance cooperative knowledge and practice. In his remarks, Prof. Todd Niemann emphasized the critical role of empirical data in validating cooperative research and informing policy and practice. He observed that cooperatives contribute an estimated 40 percent of Kenya’s economy, making research essential to understanding their effectiveness, resilience, and development impact. He noted that insights from the Kenyan cooperative sector would provide valuable comparative perspectives for global cooperative scholarship. Beyond academic discussions, the programme includes field visits and stakeholder engagements with key cooperative institutions such as CUK–Institute of Cooperative Development (ICD), the Co-operative Alliance of Kenya (CAK), ICA-Africa, Limuru Dairy Cooperative, National Police DT SACCO, 2NK Transport Cooperative, and the County Government of Nyeri, among others. These engagements are intended to provide first-hand exposure to cooperative operations, governance dynamics, and policy environments. The inaugural SMART engagement is strategically positioned as a foundation for a long-term partnership between The Co-operative University of Kenya and Cornell University. Future collaboration is expected to encompass joint research projects, longitudinal field studies, data collection and analysis, student and faculty exchanges, and co-authored publications that advance cooperative education and practice globally. As a leading institution dedicated to cooperative education, research, and outreach, CUK continues to position itself as a global hub for cooperative knowledge. Hosting the Cornell University delegation not only reinforces CUK’s international profile but also affirms its commitment to fostering evidence-based research, global partnerships, and innovative learning models that strengthen cooperatives as engines of inclusive and sustainable development.
CUK Hosts the ICA Africa’s Regional Board Induction Training
By Meshack M. Ngangi, MPRSK | 24th November 2025 The International Cooperative Alliance–Africa (ICA-Africa) announced the appointment of its new Regional Board Members on 15th October 2025, following elections held during the 18th Regional Assembly. The announcement marked the beginning of a new four-year leadership cycle, bringing together a diverse and experienced team tasked with advancing the Alliance’s vision of strengthening cooperative enterprises as engines of inclusive socio-economic development across the continent. The Board comprised six members, including designated Women’s and Youth Representatives, reflecting ICA-Africa’s commitment to inclusivity and balanced representation. The elected members were High Chief Ayeola Tajudeen Oriyomi of Nigeria, Mr. Macloud Malonza of Kenya, Mr. Mesfin Gebreslassie Gereger of Ethiopia, Mr. Thapelo Obateng of Botswana, Ms. Nelisiwe Prudence Mbatha Moerane of South Africa (the Women’s Representative), and Mr. Ronald Nyamukuwa of Zimbabwe (the Youth Representative). Collectively, their leadership, expertise, and regional perspectives are expected to guide ICA-Africa in promoting cooperative growth, resilience, and sustainability throughout Africa. High Chief Ayeola Tajudeen Oriyomi brought to the Board over 26 years of distinguished service in the cooperative movement at national, continental, and international levels. As the President of ICA-Africa, he had provided strategic and visionary leadership in positioning cooperatives as critical drivers of financial inclusion, sustainable livelihoods, and community development. Before he was elected President, he had served as a member-at-large on the ICA-Africa Board and chaired the Audit and Risk Committee, contributing significantly to governance and accountability frameworks. The Vice President of the Board, Mr. Macloud Malonza, and the Chairman of the Co-operative Alliance of Kenya represent one of Africa’s largest and most dynamic cooperative movements, encompassing over 22,000 cooperative societies and more than 15 million members. A veteran cooperative leader, he had previously served as Vice Chairman of the Alliance’s Board and continued to chair Harambee Sacco Society Limited, one of Africa’s leading savings and credit cooperatives. He also held the position of Chairman of Co-op Holdings Co-operative Society Limited, the majority shareholder of the Co-operative Bank of Kenya, underscoring his extensive experience in cooperative finance and governance. On 24th November 2025, ICA-Africa officially launched a three-day Induction Training Programme for the newly elected Board, hosted by The Co-operative University of Kenya. The programme was designed to strengthen collective leadership and deepen understanding of ICA-Africa’s governance frameworks. Board members engaged in sessions covering governance fundamentals, board roles and accountability, financial oversight, risk management, and sustainability leadership, drawing from global cooperative experiences. The training underscored the importance of aligning global corporate governance standards with cooperative identity principles rooted in democracy, equity, solidarity, and mutual care. The induction further highlighted the evolving landscape of the cooperative sector, which had expanded beyond its traditional agricultural base into finance, healthcare, transport, tourism, and digital platform cooperatives. This growth, driven by market changes and technological advancement, underscored the need for modern, responsive governance systems that preserved cooperative identity while meeting global standards. Discussions also addressed contemporary governance debates, including board tenure and term limits, emphasizing that democratic election alone did not always equate to best governance practice. Strong governance was reaffirmed as the foundation of sustainable cooperative success, shaping ethical leadership, transparent decision-making, and effective resource management. The role of the Board was recognized as central to organizational oversight, with inadequate capacity often leading to institutional failure. Against this backdrop, the cooperative movement’s longstanding public trust and its role in delivering inclusive development agendas across Africa placed a heightened responsibility on cooperative leaders to uphold the highest standards of governance. Speaking at this event, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, the Vice Chancellor of The Co-operative University of Kenya, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to championing good governance through training, research, and stakeholder engagement. Through its consultancy and training arms, the University had consistently supported boards and management teams across the sector, while also leading by example through continuous governance training and performance evaluation. Its partnership with ICA-Africa in building Board-level capacity was positioned as a strategic step toward strengthening cooperative leadership across the continent. High Chief Ayeola underscored that ICA-Africa has embarked on this new chapter with the appointment of the Regional Board Members, and the successful induction programme signaled a clear commitment to bold, forward-thinking leadership. With cooperatives increasingly recognized as major economic actors rather than peripheral institutions, the expectations placed on cooperative leaders had never been greater. Under the stewardship of the newly elected Board, ICA-Africa was poised to champion cooperative transformation, grounded in strong governance, cooperative values, and a shared vision for Africa’s inclusive and sustainable future.
CUK Empowers Students for Life After High School at the 2025 KSCF Camp
By Meshack M. Ngangi, MPRSK | 28th November 2025 The Kenya Students Christian Fellowship (KSCF) is a national, inter-denominational, and non-political organization that incorporates Christian Unions (CUs) in secondary schools and colleges across Kenya. Established in 1959, KSCF works collaboratively with the Ministry of Education to nurture students’ spiritual and moral development. Through school-based ministries, national and county camps, and conventions held during school holidays, KSCF promotes spiritual formation, leadership development, and character building. The organization also addresses contemporary issues affecting students, offering counseling, mentoring, and a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) ministry curriculum that empowers learners to influence their peers positively. A key focus of the 2025 KSCF camp was equipping learners with essential post-secondary school and University knowledge, and the participation of The Co-operative University of Kenya aligned with the varsity’s mission of producing competent human capital through quality education, training, research & innovation, and empowering communities through outreach for socio-economic transformation. Through interactive and student-centred sessions, the University staff, comprising Lilian Nkatha, Lilian Wekesa, and Meshack Ngangi, guided participants on critical areas including career choice, higher education pathways, available funding opportunities, and application processes. The discussions by the Corporate Communication and Marketing Departmental staff were designed to empower students to make informed decisions aligned with their talents, interests, and future aspirations, reinforcing the University’s commitment to nurturing competent and ethical human capital. As one session emphasized, “Early career guidance enables students to align passion with purpose and prepare for meaningful participation in the economy and society.” As part of this engagement, learners were introduced to a wide range of Diploma and Degree programmes offered through The Co-operative University of Kenya’s Institute of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (I-TVET) and its three academic faculties: the School of Co-operative and Community Development, the School of Computing and Mathematics, and the School of Business and Economics. These cutting-edge programmes reflect the University’s positioning as a leading institution in co-operative education, innovation, and community-focused development. Over 500 form four leavers were guided on how these academic pathways respond to current labour market demands while promoting skills development, innovation, entrepreneurship, and community impact. In line with the University’s motto, the sessions underscored the importance of “empowering communities” as a foundation for sustainable development and transformative leadership. The Co-operative University of Kenya actively participates in forums such as the Kenya Students Christian Fellowship camp as part of its broader mandate to increase its brand visibility, positioning, and support young people transitioning from secondary school to higher education. Guided by its vision of being a leading university in co-operative training, education, research, and innovation, the University recognizes the unique challenges faced by form four leavers and deliberately provides targeted support to help them transition confidently into university life. These engagements form part of the University’s outreach and student support initiatives aimed at empowering communities and fostering inclusive access to higher education. This approach reflects the University’s core values of professionalism, integrity, creativity, and innovation. As highlighted by Ms. Lilian Nkatha, “career guidance is not just about choosing a course; it is about preparing young people to become ethical, innovative, and socially responsible leaders.” In addition, students received practical guidance on government funding opportunities, including scholarships, loans, and bursaries offered through national agencies. The University also provided clarity on application requirements and pathways, ensuring that learners understood how to access financial support for higher education. This intervention is especially critical in promoting equity and accountability by ensuring that financial limitations do not stand in the way of deserving students pursuing their academic and professional goals. Through such initiatives, The Co-operative University of Kenya continues to demonstrate its commitment to empowering young people through quality education, informed choice, and community-oriented development.
CUK’s Vice Chancellor Honored with Integrity Award at Utumishi Bora Awards 2025
By Meshack M. Ngangi, MPRSK | 29th November 2025 The Co-operative University of Kenya proudly celebrates its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, who was recently honored with the prestigious Integrity Award at the 11th Utumishi Bora Awards (UBA) 2025. The ceremony, organized annually by the Kenya Christian Professionals Forum (KCPF), took place on the evening of 29th November 2025, at the Best Western Premier in Westlands, Nairobi. The event brought together distinguished leaders, professionals, and institutions committed to ethical service and principled leadership across the country. The Integrity Award is one of the highest recognitions presented during the UBA ceremony. It is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated unwavering ethical conduct, exceptional leadership, and a commitment to values that uplift communities and institutions. During the ceremony, Prof. Ngamau received the award from Mr. Joseph Ogutu, Chairman of the Safaricom Foundation, in a moment that underscored the significance of moral leadership in both public and private sectors. In his acceptance remarks, Prof. Ngamau expressed deep gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the importance of virtuous leadership rooted in Christian principles. He noted that integrity remains an essential virtue for every Christian leader aspiring to inspire meaningful and transformative organizational change. He further highlighted that institutions like The Co-operative University of Kenya thrive when leaders uphold honesty, accountability, and service, and he reaffirmed his dedication to fostering those values that align with the university’s core values. The Utumishi Bora Awards, established by the Kenya Christian Professionals Forum, aim to celebrate and encourage servant leadership among Christian professionals in Kenya. KCPF’s mission is to promote ethical governance, professional excellence, and faith-driven public engagement. Through the UBA platform, the Forum recognizes individuals and organizations that embody integrity, social impact, and transformative leadership qualities that Prof. Ngamau has consistently demonstrated throughout his academic and administrative career. Prof. Ngamau’s recognition aligns strongly with The Co-operative University of Kenya’s own institutional values, particularly the emphasis on integrity as a guiding principle. Under his leadership, the University has continued to strengthen its culture of ethical decision-making, responsible governance, and corporate social responsibility. His award serves as an inspiration to students, faculty, and staff, reinforcing the message that leadership grounded in integrity creates lasting positive change. The University community extends heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Ngamau on this well-deserved honor. His achievement not only reflects his personal commitment to ethical leadership but also highlights the institution’s ongoing dedication to nurturing leaders who exemplify integrity, excellence, and service to the nation.
CUK Celebrates 46 Students Who Successfully Complete Huawei HCIA–Datacom Certification Training
The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) is proud to announce that 45 students have completed the Huawei Certified ICT Associate (HCIA) – Datacom Training, earning eligibility for their official Huawei Professional Certificates. This accomplishment, achieved under the ongoing CUK–Huawei Partnership, reflects the effectiveness of a collaboration in which Huawei provided the training materials and examinations, while CUK delivered the instruction through its Huawei ICT Academy. This achievement reinforces the University’s commitment to developing industry-ready graduates equipped with globally recognized, practical competencies. It also highlights the strength of CUK’s academic programmes, which continue to demonstrate high participation and exceptional performance in internationally benchmarked certification pathways. During the certificate issuance exercise, Mr. Michael Kamau, who oversees the Huawei ICT Academy Programme, commended the students for their outstanding dedication and expressed strong confidence in the growing partnership between Huawei and CUK. He emphasized that Huawei works with universities across Kenya, the region, and the globe to cultivate ICT talent for a rapidly evolving digital industry. He celebrated the impressive performance of CUK students and appreciated the University’s active involvement in Huawei initiatives, including the global ICT Competition, where students gain the opportunity to showcase their capabilities and potentially engage with Huawei, its partners, and customers. Mr. Kamau further noted that the partnership will continue expanding into high-demand areas such as Cloud, Artificial Intelligence, and other emerging technologies, strengthening CUK’s training ecosystem and creating even more opportunities for students. Among the trainees, Nkatha Gitonga, a Second-Year BSc. Software Engineering student who emerged as the top performer expressed her gratitude for the opportunity. She described the training as deeply eye-opening and highly educational, noting that it has inspired her to pursue higher-level Huawei certifications, including HCIP and HCIE. The Dean, School of Computing and Mathematics, Dr. Shem Mbandu, congratulated the students and reaffirmed the School’s appreciation for Huawei’s continued support and investment. He highlighted the University’s ambition to broaden the partnership further to include areas such as Cloud technologies and additional emerging fields that define the future of ICT. Dr. Mbandu emphasized CUK’s commitment to fostering strong industry linkages that ensure its students acquire relevant, competitive skills for the labour market. He also encouraged prospective students to join the University’s programmes, assuring them of a learning environment that is closely aligned with industry needs and rich with opportunities to engage with cutting-edge technologies. All students who completed the HCIA–Datacom training have been invited to participate in the Huawei ICT Challenge 2025–2026, a global platform for aspiring ICT professionals to demonstrate their skills and compete for international recognition.