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CUK Procures Kenya Rural Transformation Centres Digital Platform’s Server
By Meshack Ngangi The Co-operative University of Kenya’s Kenya Rural Transformation Centres Digital Platform (KRTCDP) has taken quite a drastic cause after the project acquired a modern technological server that is purposely intended to digitalise the farmers’ productivity and strengthen the cooperatives in the pilot areas of Nakuru, Narok, and Baringo counties. The server acquisition is an attestation to the progressive strides the University and the project implementation partners have taken in realising the funding goals of the project’s financier, the African Development Bank (AfDB). This novel technological gadget has the capacity for sustainable and enhanced farmer connectivity, boosting farmer cooperatives, eliminating the perpetual risks of agricultural market cartels, and supporting the economic empowerment of the farmers. The University’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, speaking at the server handing over function, reiterated that the institution intends to leverage the robust potential of this technological infrastructure for streamlined and smooth farmer connectivity and seamless interactions between various stakeholders within the target value chains. Through this noble programme and the possibilities presented by the digital server, smallholder farmers can now access crucial agricultural services and inputs through an integrated system that incorporates agro-suppliers, produce markets, and integral public services from the government. Prof. Ngamau reaffirmed the KRTCDP’s projected potential in realising the government’s Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). The result of this initiative coincides with the BETA tenets of an economically empowered and food-secure nation through collaborations between cooperative movements in key value chains such as Irish potatoes, dairy farming, and maize. The server goes a long way in helping farmers to utilise mobile technology information superhighway through smartphone-enabled systems and programmes. They will have real-time access to weather updates from the meteorological department and critical market information, which is paramount for agricultural decision-making and taking advantage of seasonal changes for optimised production. The server goes a long way in helping farmers to utilise mobile technology information superhighway through smartphone-enabled systems and programmes. They will have real-time access to weather updates from the meteorological department and critical market information, which is paramount for agricultural decision-making and taking advantage of seasonal changes for optimised production. At the core of this AfDB’s Fund for Africa Private Sector Assistance (FAPA) funded KRTCDP project lies the objectives of enhanced productivity, profitability, and sustainability within farmer cooperatives, hence fortifying and bringing a ripple effect in the entire agricultural sector. The beneficiaries of this initiative comprise a multi-stakeholder base, including agricultural farmer cooperatives, banking sector players such as the Co-operative Bank of Kenya, development partners, government agencies, and researchers. Elaborating on the server’s suited technical capabilities, Prof. Isaac Nyamongo, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic Co-operative Development Research and Innovation (ACDRI), expressed that it has embedded dual Intel Xenon Platinum modern-tech processors. Additionally, Prof. Nyamongo explained that the server is fitted with 24 hard drives with enhanced data storage capabilities tailored to the dynamic KRTCDP project’s particular needs and the University’s digital network.
VARSITY PARTICIPATES IN 2022, MATER HEART RUN
The staff and students of The Co-operative University of Kenya participated in The Mater Hospital’s noble cause dubbed Mater Heart Run “Touching a child’s heart” which was held on Saturday, June 11, 2022, at KICC as part of CUK’s corporate social responsibility. The Mater Hospital has a Cardiac Program that was begun about 20 years ago after researching and finding out that very little cardiac work of good quality was being carried out in the country. In that line, the Mater Hospital launched The Mater Heart Run which was started in 2002 as one of the main fundraising avenues for the Cardiac program that seeks to cater to children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to get world-class cardiac treatment and Medicare. This no ble cause has seen over 3,000 heart procedures that have prevented premature deaths and radiated healthy and happy lives thanks to the values of the Sisters of Mercy, which emphasizes compassion for all and seeks to uplift the lives of the underprivileged in the society. The Co-operative University being a hub of the co-operative movement will continue supporting The Matter Hospital in its noble course as part of the University’s Corporate Social Responsibility. CSR activity. See below the photos of the eventful day.
The Rising Star: Cuk’s Metropolitans Drama Club Shines at Kupaa National Drama Festivals
By Meshack Ngangi The battle for supremacy and retaining victory crown at the Kenya Universities Performing Arts Association (KUPAA) 2023 Drama, Beauty Pageantry, and Film Festivals by The Co-operative University of Kenya’s Metropolitans Drama Club did not end at the Regional level but ensued to the National competitions held at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Nyeri between 3rd and 10th November 2023. This iconic Festival marked the 5th series since the organization KUPAA initiated the competitions in the Kenyan Universities and attracted over 3,000 students from 40 Universities in the country. The Metropolitans Drama Club performs the Kiswahili Play “Hali Tete” at KUPAA National Drama, Beauty Pageantry, and Film Festivals at the Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Nyeri on Thursday, 9th November 2023. This year’s KUPAA Festivals were themed “Supporting Economic Transformation through Performing Arts” under the hashtag “.” The theme highlighted the core of the Government’s agenda of empowering Youth in Kenya through leveraging talents and abilities beyond the classroom setting. KUPAA’s mandate, which is to improve the standing of Kenya’s performing and visual arts, music, and film industry through a commitment to developing work of the highest quality and promoting music, theatre, visual arts, and film, was the spearheading spirit behind the resounding success of this event. The participation of CUK students at the national Festivals organized by KUPAA resonated with the University’s vision of becoming a University of excellence in education, research, innovation, and co-operative training that traverses the classroom confines but seeks to nurture all-rounded graduates, competent enough to suit the contemporary world. The University utterly recognizes the essence and centrality of harnessing learners’ talents for an empowered society in pursuit of socio-economic transformation. The CUK’s Metropolitans Drama Club members in action during the 5th KUPAA National Drama, Beauty Pageantry, and Film Festivals held at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Nyeri. Our University Drama Club undertook and competed on three items in different performing arts genres: a dramatized African play (Mbaitu Nimukuly’a), a Kiswahili Play (Hali Tete), and a Puppetry. These creative works of art performed differently, with the dramatized African praise poetry, acted by Lucas Kalonzo, scooped the 1st runners-up, followed by the Kiswahili play emerging the 2nd runners-up and puppetry garnering the 3rd runners-up position in the stiffly competitive national KUPAA Festivals. Nonetheless, the University’s Metropolitans Drama Club’s Hali Tete, under the short film category, won several awards as the short film with the best sound design and edited short film. Also, Abdulaziz Dima, a member of the Drama Club and a first-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Finance at CUK, won the best actor award under the short film category. The University takes pride in the incredible results posted by The Metropolitans at the National Drama Festivals and pledges support to all registered student clubs.
University Officially Launches the Kenya Rural Transformation Digital Centers Platform (Krtdcp) Project in Nakuru County – May 2023
UNIVERSITY OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES THE KENYA RURAL TRANSFORMATION DIGITAL CENTERS PLATFORM (KRTDCP) PROJECT IN NAKURU COUNTY – MAY 2023 The Agricultural Secretary, State Department of Crop Development Mr. Josphat Muhunyu (seated centre) together with the Vice Chancellor Prof Kamau Ngamau, and other dignitaries and stakeholders during the KRTDCP project launch in Nakuru County on May 8, 2023 The Co-operative University has officially launched the Kenya Rural Transformation Centres Digital Platform (KRTCDP) project which aims at putting farmers at the centre of a single electronic “ecosystem” and connecting them with all the sectors in the agricultural value chain. Speaking at the official launching ceremony on Monday, May 8, 2023, in Nakuru County, the Agricultural Secretary, State Department of Crop Development Mr. Josphat Muhunyu noted that the government is keen on ensuring that farmers are able to gain maximum returns from their produce. He lauded the University for mooting and getting funding for this great project noting that “The university through this project is keen on developing African Solutions for African challenges.” The Chief Guest, Agricultural Secretary, State Department of Crop Development Mr. Josphat Muhunyu The Co-operative University has officially launched the Kenya Rural Transformation Centres Digital Platform (KRTCDP) project which aims at putting farmers at the centre of a single electronic “ecosystem” and connecting them with all the sectors in the agricultural value chain. Speaking at the official launching ceremony on Monday, May 8, 2023, in Nakuru County, the Agricultural Secretary, State Department of Crop Development Mr. Josphat Muhunyu noted that the government is keen on ensuring that farmers are able to gain maximum returns from their produce. He lauded the University for mooting and getting funding for this great project noting that “The university through this project is keen on developing African Solutions for African challenges.” The Co-operative University has officially launched the Kenya Rural Transformation Centres Digital Platform (KRTCDP) project which aims at putting farmers at the centre of a single electronic “ecosystem” and connecting them with all the sectors in the agricultural value chain. Speaking at the official launching ceremony on Monday, May 8, 2023, in Nakuru County, the Agricultural Secretary, State Department of Crop Development Mr. Josphat Muhunyu noted that the government is keen on ensuring that farmers are able to gain maximum returns from their produce. He lauded the University for mooting and getting funding for this great project noting that “The university through this project is keen on developing African Solutions for African challenges.” The KRTCDP project which is to be implemented by The Co-operative University of Kenya has been supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB) through the Fund for Africa Private Sector Assistance (FAPA). The pilot phase of the project will be implemented in Nakuru, Baringo, and Narok counties, with an initial focus on maize, Irish potatoes, and dairy. The Vice Chancellor speaks to the media about the KRTDCP Project The Vice Chancellor, Prof Kamau Ngamau, in his opening remarks, commended the team from the university for the initiative and progress made by the project noting that it fits in very well with the government’s Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) that is aimed at transforming the lives from the bottom. “I am delighted that we are launching the KRTCDP project that is designed to enable smallholder farmers to connect to all critical players in the agricultural forward and backward value chains. Through the shared digital platform, farmers will be able to easily engage input suppliers, agro-dealers, financiers, insurance agencies, marketers, and buyers, among other service providers, on a mobile phone platform.” Prof Isaac Nyamongo, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, Co-operative Development, Research and Innovation (DVC-ACDRI), in his remarks, reiterated that the KRTCDP projects goal is that of increasing productivity, profitability, and sustainability of agricultural cooperatives and consequently impacting the entire agriculture/food trade value chain and spurring holistic growth across the agricultural sector. He further appreciated the African Development Bank for funding the project and the consultants who have been selected to develop the platform. The project is expected to be completed in 3 years and will culminate in the official launch of the complete digital platform. A section of the stakeholders during the official launch of the KRTDCP Project in Nakuru County on May 8, 2023
Co-operative Movement Stakeholders’ Annual Conference
By Meshack Ngangi History will remember June 2023 as a milestone-marking month since the first-ever Co-operative Movement Stakeholders’ Annual Conference was held in Mombasa between the 13th and 15th. The Co-operative University of Kenya organized this transformative event in collaboration with the Government of Kenya through the Ministry of Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development. Ministry of Co-operatives & MSMEs Development CS Hon. Simon Chelugui (centre seated) flanked by PS Patrick Kilemi (seated 6th left), University Council Chairperson Dr. Jeremy Bundi (seated 6th right), University Management Board, and Delegates in the first Co-operative Movement Stakeholders’ Annual Conference pose for a photo during the opening ceremony on 13th June 2023. Council Chairperson Dr. Jeremy Bundi (centre seated) and Vice Chancellor Prof. Kamau Ngamau (seated 5th left)lead the CUK Delegation during a photo session after concluding the Conference. The conference theme Co-operative Business Model for Socio-Economic Transformation closely aligns with the government’s agenda and its principal focus leveraged on optimizing the foundational tenets of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). This well-curated theme goes deeper than the scribbled words. It powerfully advocates for vibrancy in the co-operative sector by calling all stakeholders to harness and utilize its unlimited potential to unlock economic gateways in diversely distributed value chains under which co-operatives operate. Delegates in the First Co-operative Movement Stakeholders’ Annual Conference follow presentations during the three-day event held at Sarova Whitesands Hotel in Mombasa. Speaking at the conference, the Co-operatives and MSMEs Development Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Simon Chelugui, outlined that the co-operative movement has a core mandate in Kenya’s economy and has proven to be a turn-around sector that has impacted the lives of millions of Kenyans through economic empowerment. In addition, he highlighted the Ministry’s devotion to ensuring that policy structures are developed to guarantee the sustainability of co-operatives and promise a streamlined future through the Co-operative Amendment Bill 2023. At the conference, delegates representing worker co-operatives, transport co-operatives, housing co-operatives, mining and blue economy co-operatives, and platform co-operatives shared their experiences through plenary discussions. Also, this game-changing stakeholder’s conference imparted new insights to revamp and reenergize the co-operative sector through presentations delivered by vastly knowledgeable speakers vouched from profound industry leaders and front-running champions of co-operatives. From the conference, the economic revolution of our country has been pegged on the transformative role of the co-operative movement, which ranks first in Africa and seventh (7th) globally. The topics of discourses in the three-day event traversed the practices and opportunities of the co-operative business model, new frontiers for co-operative development, technology, and cyber security. More areas of the conference engagements included expanding the co-operative enterprise in the East and Central African region, opportunities for export marketing and farmer financing, and CUK’s facilitative role in co-operative development, among others. Altogether, these tailored topics converged at the point of farmer co-operatives through value addition and aggregation of produce within the precincts of well-facilitated market systems. The Ministry, government representatives, co-operative leaders, and delegates of the Co-operative Movement Stakeholder’s Conference hailed the efforts of The Co-operative University of Kenya through its administration in initiating, organizing, and overseeing the success of the conference since it created an incredible impact among the co-operators. In the same spirit, CUK appreciated the conference attendees and, with great regard, acknowledged the support of different event partners and sponsors, including the International Labour Organization, Co-operative Bank, Safaricom, Sidian Bank, CIC Group, and New KPCU.
CUK Holds the 7th Annual Conference 2023
By Meshack Ngangi The Co-operative University of Kenya in collaboration with Moshi Cooperative University organised the 7th Annual Conference 2023 under the theme: “The Role of Social and Solidarity Economy in Sustainable Development, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation”. This two-day event took place at The Co-operative University of Kenya’s Karen main campus in Nairobi between the 3rd and 4th of August 2023. The conference brought together industry leaders, academia, researchers, policymakers, youth, and co-operative sector practitioners to share knowledge and experiences. It also provided a platform for knowledge exchange and helped practitioners and researchers to chart a way forward under the unprecedented global effects of climate change. The Chief Guest in the 7th Annual Conference, Cabinet Secretary Co-operatives and MSMEs Development Hon. Simon K. Chelugui addresses participants and delegates in the opening ceremony on 3rd August 2023 at The Co-operative University of Kenya’s main campus, Karen – Nairobi. Speaking at the opening ceremony the Chief Guest Hon. Simon K. Chelugui, EGH, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Co-operatives & Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development recorded his gratitude to the University for organising this very important conference that converged professionals in academia and industry to discuss matters of co-operative development. He noted that the theme speaks well to the contemporary and emerging challenges faced by the adverse impacts of climate change. Delegates and participants in the 7th Annual Conference follow proceedings and presentations by keynote speakers at the venue of the event, Nordic Hall in The Co-operative University of Kenya. The CS lauded the two Universities for the collaborative efforts they put towards the transformations and professionalisation of the co-operative space noting that the students being trained at The Co-operative University of Kenya and Moshi Co-operative University are the future leaders in the co-operative movement. Hon. Chelugui also indicated that there are plans that his ministry is putting in place to ensure that all personnel within the co-operative movement are trained on the co-operative philosophy to better serve their members better. The Cabinet Secretary made a clerical call that the institution stays at the forefront of this very critical training need. Co-operatives and MSMEs Development CS Hon. Simon K. Chelugui (centre seated) poses for a photo with other Government officials and management of The Co-operative University of Kenya and Moshi Co-operative University at the sidelines of the 7th Annual Conference. The Vice Chancellor of The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK), Prof Kamau Ngamau in his remarks at the conference noted the great milestones the University has made over the years in the areas of research and innovation. The early August event being the CUK’s 7th edition was hosted by the University and organised in collaboration with Moshi Co-operative University (Tanzania) and speaks to the significance and centrality of collaborating in the spirit of cooperation among cooperators. The Chief Guest Hon. Simon Chelugui plants a commemoration tree flanked by delegations from The Co-operative University of Kenya and Moshi Co-operative University. With him are the Principal Secretary State Department of Co-operatives Mr. Patrick Kilemi and the Commissioner for Co-operative Development Mr. David Obonyo. The 7th Annual Conference identified that sustainable development, climate change, human existence, and well-being are intricately intertwined in different facets and through multiple pathways. Since climate change transforms ecosystems, it, therefore, disrupts natural environmental processes and hastens species decline, culminating in the loss of cultural heritage, vulnerability, and deterioration in livelihood. The resolutions of this conference spoke to the core of raising awareness of these climate change impacts and are expected to push the world toward a more effective and sustainable globe to implement ambitious mitigation and adaptation mechanisms. The 8th edition of the annual conference will be hosted by the Moshi Co-operative University, Tanzania in 2024.
CUK and OCDC Co-Host a Participatory Forum and Dialogue
By Meshack Ngangi The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) co-hosted a Participatory and Dialogue Forum on Evidence and Action to Strengthen Co-operatives in Kenya with the US Overseas Co-operative Development Council (OCDC) at Serena Hotel, Nairobi on Friday, August 25, 2023. Hon. Simon K. Chelugui, represented by Mr. El-Samma Ndegwa, officially opened the Forum and highlighted the centrality of Co-operatives in the government’s Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). Mr. El-Samma Ndegwa, representing the Co-operatives and MSMEs Development Cabinet Secretary Hon. Simon K. Chelugui delivers opening remarks during the Participatory Forum and Dialogue Event at Serena, Nairobi on Friday, 25th August 2023. In his remarks, the Cabinet Secretary reiterated the government’s efforts in enacting legal and institutional interventions for economic transformation through the co-operative business model. In the spirit of a revitalized economy and ensuring sustainable growth through BETA, Hon Chelugui noted that co-operatives are pivotal agents for this transformation since their potential is far-reaching. He outlined the new co-operative Act among several milestones his Ministry of Co-operatives and MSMEs Development has worked on to streamline, support, and optimize the productivity of the co-operative movement in Kenya throughout the seventeen (17) identified value chains. This Participatory and Dialogue Forum among co-operators proves the CUK’s significant essence in the Co-operative Sector through partnerships and collaboration with key stakeholders in this industry with a keen interest in empowering communities. Further, the University pledged to engage in robust research to create knowledge for the co-operative sector and ensure that co-operators embrace new thinking in Kenya, East Africa Region, and globally while harnessing technology and innovation possibilities. Panelists (L-R): Mr. Steve Otieno, Mr. Stanley Migwi, Prof. Esther Gicheru and Mr. Simon Muli react to key findings on Evidence and Action to strengthen cooperatives in Kenya during the Friday 25th Forum. Speaking at the Forum, Dr. Judith Hermanson – Director of the Overseas Co-operative Development Council’s International Co-operative Research Group, expounded on research findings on what difference co-operatives make; a study conducted in Kenya focused on greater inclusion and effectiveness. Director Hermanson further expressed co-operatives’ significant role in ensuring resilience during unforeseen global shocks and calamities that threaten human existence, like the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Hermanson – Director, OCDC presents on what difference do cooperatives make in Kenya during the Participatory Forum and Dialogue Event at Serena Hotel, Nairobi. The Friday participatory and dialogue Forum drew several deliberations and key potentially transformative concerns and a turn-around for the co-operative industry. These included youth involvement in co-operative leadership for seamless transition and succession, utilizing the co-operatives as platforms to share universal healthcare information and attaining the government’s goal of universal healthcare, ensuring equitable education opportunities for both genders (male and female) to ensure women’s representation in co-operatives. Moreover, supporting the co-operative business model for sustained resilience to climatic shocks in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands and regions of Northern Kenya, rethinking the place of women, youth and integrating technological innovations into the core of the co-operative sector were among the issues of crucial concern discussed.
USHERING A NEW ERA: Andrew passes on the GDSC’s Lead Baton to Ms. Kwara
By Dr. Shem Mbandu and Meshack Ngangi The Co-operative University of Kenya’s Google Development Student Club (GDSC) has been at the helm of the clubs and societies for the last two years, owing to the insightful mentorship of Dr. Shem Mbandu and the leadership of the immediate former Lead, Andrew Nderitu. This indomitable group of like-minded tech-savvy students has seen growth and achievement of tremendous milestones through relentless dedication by members and efficient leadership that has earned admiration across the institution and won unwavering support from the University’s administration. A new era has downed for the GDSC, with Ms. Ruth Kwara assuming the noble role of GDSC Lead at The Co-operative University of Kenya. This opportunity opened after the tenure of Andrew Nderitu ended this year in July; now, Ms. Kwara takes over the Club’s Lead from August 2023 through July 2024. The big question is whether Kwara will fit in Andrew’s shoes or whether Andrew’s shoes will be small for her. Time will remain the ultimate judge to deliver this verdict and provide an answer to this colossal interrogation. Ms. Ruth Kwara, a student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at The Co-operative University of Kenya and the current GDSC Lead at the University, the new appointee to succeed Andrew Nderitu. Great expectations constitute the front face for Ms. Kwara as the new GDSC Lead. Her efforts in facilitating and playing a pivotal role in fostering technical education and practical skills development among GDSC Members is a constant and paramount aspect of her leadership. Her primary responsibilities include organizing, coordinating, and hosting technical workshops that enrich student members’ knowledge of emerging technologies. Andrew Nderitu (front centre) interacts with GDSC Members after a training workshop on MongoDB at The Co-operative University of Kenya’s main campus, Karen – Nairobi, on Friday, March 31, 2023. The fundamental purpose of these workshops is to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge, practical application, and real-life utilization of technological skills in solving world challenges across all fields. Also, the GDSC training sessions seek to provide students with hands-on experience, valuable insights, and exposure to the rapidly evolving tech industry. Implementing Google Developer Student Club’s programmes at The Co-operative University of Kenya is poised to benefit the student community that spans Computing and Mathematics, Co-operative and Community Development, Business, and Economics faculties. These programs will equip students with the skills, knowledge, and networking opportunities necessary to thrive in the competitive job market. By participating in GDSC activities, students will gain exposure to real-world projects, industry trends, and collaboration with peers who share their passion for technology. Ms. Kwara assumes the prominent role of GDSC Lead from Andrew Nderitu, who, throughout his leadership tenure, effected significant achievements for the Club and at an individual level. Under his stewardship, the GDSC community at The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) benefitted magnanimously from numerous Google events that he organized. Andrew’s fervent and effortless dedication to fostering a thriving tech community on campus has been commendable. As a University, we take pride in the notable achievement during Andrew Nderitu’s time as GDSC Lead at CUK, where he steered his team’s victorious participation in the UNESCO INDIA – AFRICA Hackathon, emerging the best in their Category. This coordinated milestone showcased the team’s exceptional, innovative skills and solution-oriented thinking in the tech and development sphere. Andrew Nderitu (Centre), the exiting GDSC Lead at CUK, poses for a photo with his victorious team receiving their UNESCO INDIA AFRICA HACKATHON 2022 Award at Gautam Buddha University in India on November 25, 2022. Ink on paper cannot conclusively pen down the outstanding contributions of Andrew Nderitu as the immediate former GDSC Lead at CUK. This iconic student and super Lead, Andrew Nderitu, was awarded the Google Developers Student Club’s Impact Amplifier Award, a testament to his remarkable impact as the GDSC Lead at CUK. His commitment to empowering students and achieving excellence in the tech community has left a lasting and irrefutable legacy, and his contributions will continue to inspire and benefit the University’s future generations. We, the GDSC members at The Co-operative University of Kenya, warmly congratulate Ruth Kwara on her appointment as GDSC Lead. We firmly believe her dedication, leadership, and enthusiasm for technology education will positively impact the CUK student fraternity. We wish her a successful and rewarding tenure as she guides students on their journey to becoming proficient and sought-after professionals in technology.
Huawei Kenya Launches 2023-2024 Huawei Ict Competition Registration at CUK
By Dr. Shem Mbandu and Meshack Ngangi In a dynamic and inspirational event on September 21, 2023, The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) welcomed special guests Michael Kamau and Lydia Lanoi from Huawei Kenya. Their mission for the visit revolved around igniting the passion for technology and innovation among CUK students and setting the stage for the Huawei ICT Competition 2023. Mr. Michael Kamau from Huawei Kenya delivers a presentation during the launch of Huawei ICT Competition 2023-2024 registration at The Co-operative University of Kenya Main Campus, Karen – Nairobi. This event was remarkable, with an impressive turnout of over 250 Students from the esteemed School of Computing and Mathematics. The distinguished faculty members from the School graced the occasion, showing their unwavering support for the students’ tech journey. The atmosphere was electric, a perfect blend of liveliness and vibrancy. Students hung onto every word as they listened to the awe-inspiring success stories of those who had walked this path before them. Riwell, a former CUK student, stood as a shining example. He participated and emerged as the undisputed national, regional, and global champion in the 2022 edition of the Huawei ICT Competition. His journey from CUK to global recognition was a beacon of hope and possibility. Lecturers and Students from the School of Computing and Mathematics follow presentations in Lecture Theatre during the launch of Huawei ICT Competition 2023-2024 registration at The Co-operative University of Kenya Main Campus, Karen – Nairobi. As the students listened intently, they couldn’t help but feel inspired to follow in the footsteps of Riwell, the reigning champion in the Network Track of the competition. Dr. Katila, Riwell’s mentor, took the opportunity to make a promise. He pledged to mentor an even larger pool of attendees this time around, ensuring that the CUK team for the 2023 competition would be well-prepared and poised for success. The Huawei ICT Competition 2023 is now officially open for registration as of September 2023, and the first round of the competition is set to kick off. The School of Computing and Mathematics at CUK has a reputation as the hotbed for nurturing the next generation of tech innovators in the region. With a diverse range of undergraduate programs, including Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Data Science, Actuarial Science, Applied Statistics and Data Science, Statistics and Information Technology, Business Information Technology, Applied Statistics and Economics, Cyber Security Engineering, and Digital Forensics and Network Engineering and Cyber Security, the School is well-equipped to assemble entrants across all four tracks of the Huawei ICT Competition. School of Computing and Mathematics Dean Dr. Shem Mbandu (7th right) leads the Huawei Kenya Team, faculty staff, and students in marking the Huawei ICT Competition 2023-2024 registration launch at The Co-operative University of Kenya Main Campus, Karen – Nairobi. The future holds the promise of greatness for these enthusiastic students. As they embark on their journey towards the Huawei ICT Competition 2023 – 2024, which will culminate in global finals in February 2024, one thing is clear: time will be the ultimate judge of the impact they will make. The dedication of students, the support of mentors, and the passion for technology will undoubtedly fuel CUK’s aspirations to shine brightly in technology and innovation.