By Meshack M. Ngangi, MPRSK | September 15, 2025 The Co-operative University of Kenya hosted a delegation from the Commission for University Education (CUE) on Monday, 15th September 2025, for a technical inspection of its Open, Distance, and e-Learning (ODeL) Centre. The exercise was led by Dr. James K. Ngugi, representing the Commission. Speaking during the inspection, Dr. Ngugi emphasized that the evaluation exercise is mandated by the Universities Regulations (2014) and the Universities Standards and Guidelines (2014). The inspection aimed to conduct a rigorous assessment of the Centre’s compliance with these frameworks, focusing on the integration of digital platforms, infrastructure, and resources in support of academic programmes and student engagement. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, expressed appreciation to the Commission for undertaking the inspection. He noted that the exercise is essential in improving efficiency, strengthening digital platforms, and enhancing the University’s capacity to support seamless academic delivery and student success. Also present during the inspection were Prof. Isaac K. Nyamongo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic, Co-operative Development, Research, and Innovation), Mr. Zachary Njeru, Ag. Registrar (ACDRI), Duncan Nyale, Director, Institute of Open, Distance, and e-Learning (IODeL), alongside other dedicated staff members from the University. The inspection programme included presentations and discussions on the ODeL Centre’s progress, challenges, and plans. This engagement underscores the University’s commitment to maintaining the quality and integrity of university education, while aligning with national standards and global best practices in open and distance learning.

By Meshack M. Ngangi, MPRSK | September 15, 2025 The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) officially welcomed its September 2025 intake during a moving matriculation and orientation ceremony held at the New Lecture Theatre. Vice Chancellor Prof. Kamau Ngamau, flanked by senior university leadership, inspired the University’s newest students to pursue academic excellence, innovation, and integrity as they begin their studies.  Prof. Ngamau expressed pride in the size and diversity of the intake — noting that over 2,554 students were admitted to CUK and congratulated them for choosing CUK. He reassured the freshmen that the University is committed to delivering a high-quality student-centred experience: “We will endeavour to deliver as per your expectations and even beyond.”  In his welcome address, Prof. Isaac K. Nyamongo, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic, Co-operative Development, Research, and Innovation), urged the new students to seek the highest standards in their studies while maintaining a balanced, holistic approach to learner development. He called on freshmen to take full advantage of CUK’s academic programmes and co-curricular opportunities in order to become well-rounded, industry-ready graduates. Prof. Esther N. Gicheru, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance, Planning, and Administration), highlighted the university’s modern facilities that support teaching, research, and student development, and reminded students of their responsibility as stewards of institutional resources. Her message emphasized respect for campus assets and personal accountability as foundational to sustaining the learning environment. The Vice Chancellor outlined key institutional strengths and opportunities. The Vice Chancellor traced the University’s history from its origins in 1952 as a School of Co-operatives to its current status as a chartered public university (chartered on 7 October 2016), and underscored CUK’s strategic role in supporting the country’s cooperative sector — a major contributor to Kenya’s economy.  At the VC’s address, students were informed about professional and industry linkages designed to strengthen employability. The University currently offers several professional programmes and partnerships that students can enroll in alongside their academic degrees, including: Certified Co-operative Professionals (CCOP) Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Certified Secretary (CS) Certified Investment and Financial Analyst (CIFA) Accounting Technician Diploma (ATD) Certified Procurement and Supplies Professionals of Kenya (CPSP-K) Associate in Procurement and Supplies Professional of Kenya (APSP-K).  The University management also briefed students on the practicalities of financing higher education under the new student-centred funding model (SCFM). The transition brings new procedures for scholarships, HELB loans, and means-testing; CUK has set up a dedicated HELB liaison help desk at the Office of the Dean of Students to assist those who need guidance. Freshmen were urged to complete applications on the HEF portal and to follow up through the University’s support channels.  As the September 2025 cohort began this transformative chapter, Prof. Ngamau ended his remarks with a warm invitation to participate fully in campus life, to work hard, and to look out for one another.

By Mr. Festus Mburu and Meshack M. Ngangi, MPRSK | September 12, 2025 The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) had the honor of hosting the 110th edition of the Sustainable Travel and Tourism Africa (STTA) Young Change Makers Inter-University Seminar on September 12th, 2025. The seminar, held from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. EAT, brought together university students, academics, government officials, and industry leaders under the theme “Unlocking Intra-African Travel for Africa’s Sustainable Tourism Growth.” Since its establishment in 2017 during the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, the Young Change Makers program has provided a platform for young leaders to explore sustainable tourism as a viable career path. It has nurtured a generation of champions equipped with critical thinking skills and a strong foundation in sustainable tourism. In recognition of its growing impact, the program was acknowledged in 2024 by UNESCO UNEVOC through the Bridging Innovation and Learning in TVET (BILT) program as an Innovative Learning Practice. In her keynote address, Judy Gona, Director of STTA Kenya, underscored the importance of transforming tourism students and graduates into purpose-driven professionals. She emphasized the need to seize opportunities available in the tourism industry, highlighting initiatives such as Creative Product Watch and Positive Storytelling through Nomadic Magazine as avenues through which young leaders can build meaningful careers. Her remarks encouraged students to innovate and embrace the responsibility of shaping Africa’s tourism future. The seminar also featured a presentation by Ms. Susan Mukuhi, Deputy Director of Tourism, Nairobi City County Government, who delivered a compelling case for Nairobi as a leading intra-African travel destination. She highlighted the city’s multicultural identity and positioned it as a hub for regional connectivity, supported by a range of leading tourism events in which CUK has actively participated. Her contribution demonstrated the potential of Nairobi to drive intra-African tourism growth and collaboration. CUK students Michelle Maina, Maria Ouma, and Valentine distinguished themselves with a moving presentation in which they addressed two critical seminar questions: Who is the typical intra-African tourist, and what motivates their travel choices? and What strengths does Africa already have that can encourage more intra-African travel? Their well-researched and insightful responses reflected not only their academic growth but also their readiness to engage in tourism leadership. Their participation stands as a testament to the resilience and competence cultivated through the university’s tourism programs. The seminar was moderated by Professor Kihima and Mr. Festus Maina, both of whom are recognized as champions of tourism education at CUK. They guided discussions that engaged delegates from Machakos University, the University of Nairobi, Murang’a University, Nairobi County Government, and STTA Kenya. These exchanges emphasized the critical role of collaboration between universities and industry in strengthening tourism leadership and enhancing the quality of graduates across institutions. By successfully hosting this edition of the Young Change Makers Inter-University Seminar, the Cooperative University of Kenya reaffirmed its position as a regional leader in tourism education and as a key partner in advancing sustainable tourism development. The event highlighted the value of academic-industry partnerships in fostering innovation, building capacity, and preparing the next generation of professionals to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s tourism sector.

By Victor J. Njogu, MPRSK | September 5, 2025 The newly elected 2025/2026 Student Governing Council and Congress of The Co-operative University of Kenya converged at the Kenya School of Government in Embu for a four-day induction workshop focused on leadership training and governance ethics from 2nd to 5th September 2025. The programme, organised by the Office of the Dean of Students, aimed to equip student leaders with the skills, values and practical tools required for effective service, combined orientation, interactive ethics sessions, team-building exercises and strategic planning. Over the course of the workshop participants were introduced to the university’s governance structures and the cooperative principles that guide CUK’s mission, explored real-world ethical dilemmas through case studies and role plays, and drafted concrete action plans for the year ahead. Mr. Chris Kathoka, Registrar of Finance, Planning and Administration, reinforced the administrative and stewardship dimensions of leadership by outlining financial and reporting responsibilities for student bodies and calling for prudence and transparency in the management of resources. Building on this, Dr. Lucinda Mugaa, Dean of Students, led practical sessions that translated policy into practice: she walked members through the student constitution, clarified expectations for conduct and welfare, and emphasised the visibility of student leaders as role models on campus. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, delivered the official induction closing address by underscoring the indispensable link between integrity and leadership. He reminded delegates that the trust of their peers is built on visible accountability and personal example, urging them to view leadership first and foremost as a commitment to service rather than an exercise in power. Throughout the four days facilitators blended theory with hands-on engagement so that learning was active and immediately applicable. Ethics workshops posed scenarios—conflicts of interest, allocation of scarce resources, and the responsibilities of representation—and asked teams to debate, decide and reflect on the consequences of different approaches. Team-building activities strengthened collaboration between Council and Congress members, while guest lectures and focused clinics provided guidance on conflict resolution, effective communication and stakeholder engagement. Regular feedback sessions ensured that participants could translate personal insights into institutional commitments and that training outcomes aligned with the needs of the wider student community. By the workshop’s close the student leaders had achieved a number of tangible outcomes. They adopted a shared code of conduct grounded in honesty, respect and transparency; committed to establishing monthly student forums to maintain open communication with the wider student body; and agreed to regular consultative meetings with university management to ensure student perspectives inform policy decisions. Delegates also produced preliminary strategic priorities—centred on student welfare, co-curricular development and transparent governance—and outlined responsibility matrices to support implementation. These resolutions reflect the practical orientation of the induction: equipping leaders not just to speak about ethics and service but to operationalise them in measurable activities. The atmosphere in Embu was both purposeful and hopeful: participants left the Kenya School of Government with clearer role definitions, renewed professional standards and personal leadership goals. University leadership expressed confidence that the investment in induction would yield a student government capable of constructive partnership with administration and of championing the cooperative values that define CUK. As the new council and congress return to campus, they carry with them a mandate to translate the workshop’s lessons into everyday practice—upholding integrity, fostering inclusion, managing resources responsibly and sustaining channels of accountability so that student leadership becomes a force for positive, lasting change across the university community.

By Meshack M. Ngangi, MPRSK | September 1, 2025 A delegation from the New Kenya Planters Cooperative Union (New KPCU), led by Managing Director Mr. Timothy Mirugi, paid a courtesy visit to The Cooperative University of Kenya (CUK). The team – hosted by CUK’s Registrar for Finance, Planning and Administration, Mr. Chris Kathoka – discussed a strategic collaboration to revive Kenya’s coffee cooperatives and production. In particular, CUK is set to be among the institutions earmarked to train “ward coffee champions” across all 34 coffee-growing counties, strengthening local cooperative leadership. The partnership outlines several key initiatives aimed at strengthening Kenya’s coffee sector: Campus Coffee Cafés: Establish modern, student‑focused coffee cafés on the university campus to boost local consumption. Cooperative Training: Provide training for ward‑level coffee champions on cooperative development, reinforcing grassroots co‑operative structures. Seedling Propagation: Build capacity in coffee seedling propagation and sustainable farming to empower smallholder coffee farmers. These initiatives underscore New KPCU’s commitment to fostering a vibrant coffee culture among young people, supporting cooperative growth, and securing the future of Kenyan coffee. Promoting Campus Coffee Culture Only a small fraction of Kenya’s coffee is consumed locally – roughly 5% domestically and 95% exported. To reverse this trend, the new partnership will create attractive on-campus coffee cafés that showcase Kenyan beans to students. This idea taps into a growing specialty coffee scene: analysts note that Nairobi’s coffee shops (e.g. Java, Spring Valley, Art Café and Connect Coffee) are increasingly popular among young consumers. By exposing students to locally grown coffee in social settings, the collaboration aims to inspire a new generation of coffee drinkers and future farmers. Studies suggest that a vibrant café culture can “positively impact youth and inspire them to become the next generation of coffee farmers,” as baristas educate customers about coffee’s origin and quality. Campus cafés will leverage this trend to boost domestic demand and connect youth with Kenya’s coffee heritage. Strengthening Cooperatives through Training A successful coffee sector requires strong farmer organizations. The partnership will therefore emphasize cooperative development at the grassroots. CUK and New KPCU plan to hold workshops and field clinics where university experts and co-op leaders train ward‑level champions on good governance, business planning, and aggregate marketing. This focus is well‑founded: when functioning properly, co-operative societies provide “much needed support and training” to producers and easier access to market channels like the Nairobi Coffee Exchange.  Historically, roughly half of Kenya’s coffee farmers have been members of co‑ops, so revitalizing these institutions is key. By empowering local ward champions and strengthening co-op networks, the partnership aims to rebuild trust, improve transparency, and ensure that farmers benefit directly from higher coffee yields and prices. Empowering Farmers and Sustainable Growth Beyond cafés and training, the collaboration targets productivity and sustainability on the farm. Training programs will include coffee nursery techniques and improved agronomy, so farmers can grow more resilient, high‑yield varieties. This complements the national Coffee Revival Programme, which is distributing millions of certified seedlings to boost production. In fact, New KPCU’s managing director has publicly emphasized a long-term goal of tripling Kenya’s annual coffee output by distributing improved seedlings and agronomic support.  The CUK–KPCU partnership will align with these goals by educating farmers on best practices in propagation and cultivation. Special attention will be given to youth: the program seeks to involve young farmers directly, ensuring that the next generation has the skills and resources to succeed. Together, these coordinated efforts – from campus coffee shops to co-op training and seedling distribution – aim to secure the future of Kenyan coffee. By leveraging the Cooperative University’s research and training capacity alongside New KPCU’s field networks, the partnership promises to nurture a new coffee culture in Kenya: one that values local consumption, cooperative empowerment, and sustainable growth. As a key national effort, this collaboration reflects a shared vision that investing in youth and co-operatives today will yield a stronger, more profitable coffee industry for Kenya tomorrow.

The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) held a five-day Governing Council and University Management Board training and induction workshop from 22nd to 26th September 2025 at Mombasa Beach Hotel. Guided by the theme “Transformative Governance and People-Centered Leadership for a Sustainable University,” the workshop provided a vital platform to strengthen institutional leadership, align governance with global best practices, and chart a sustainable future for the University. The gathering brought together Council Members, University Management Board, and industry experts who engaged in robust discussions, knowledge sharing, and strategic reflections. The overall goal was to position CUK as a sustainable, competitive, and future-ready university through sound governance, innovative resource mobilization, and people-centered leadership. The program was designed to immerse Council members in the University’s governance organs and the 2022–2027 Strategic Plan, to build capacity for innovative resource mobilization, to strengthen leadership competencies in line with international best practices, to enhance understanding of modern human resource practices including emotional intelligence and compliance with PSC guidelines, and to explore the role of digital transformation in driving institutional resilience. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, set the tone of the workshop by presenting a detailed overview of CUK’s governance structure, mandate, legal framework, vision and mission, staffing and student statistics, financial trends, and key collaborations. This was followed by presentations from the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance, Planning and Administration, Prof. Esther Gicheru, who focused on Financial and Developmental aspects of the Strategic Plan, and the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Co-operative Development, Research and Innovation, Prof. Isaac Nyamongo, who elaborated on opportunities for academic growth, research, and innovation. Participants also engaged in conversations on resource mobilization and fundraising, where global trends, critical success factors, and the role of artificial intelligence in designing vibrant strategies were explored. Human capital management featured prominently, with experts highlighting strategic people management, governance culture, leadership, and the view that people remain the ultimate competitive edge in institutional growth. This was reinforced through a deeper exploration of the implications of Public Service Commission provisions and HR guidelines for governance in higher education. The workshop devoted significant time to digital transformation, covering themes such as cybersecurity, data privacy, digital ethics, and the use of AI-powered analytics to support evidence-driven decision-making. These conversations underscored both the opportunities and challenges that technology presents in safeguarding institutional reputation and ensuring effective governance. Attention was also directed toward strategic security and risk intelligence, where participants were reminded of the importance of moving beyond operational safety to embrace board-level discussions that strengthen institutional resilience in an unpredictable environment. In addition to technical and strategic themes, the sessions also revisited the human foundations of governance. Council members reflected on the role of emotional intelligence, ethical leadership, and team dynamics in building high-trust and high-performance Councils. The final discussions emphasized that effective governance is as much about values and relationships as it is about structures and policies. The five-day program was not only about knowledge acquisition but also about reflection and alignment. Participants considered how to balance financial prudence with innovation, how to integrate wellness with performance, and how to embrace technology without compromising ethics and institutional values. By the close of the workshop, Council members and the University Management Board had gained practical tools and insights to guide the University through the complexities of higher education governance, reinforcing CUK’s commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and student-centered leadership. This workshop reaffirmed CUK’s vision of becoming a premier institution of higher learning, distinguished by innovation, sustainability, and excellence in co-operative education and research. As the University looks to the future, the induction served as both a compass and a catalyst, strengthening collaboration among governance organs, anchoring leadership on the strategic plan, and deepening the resolve to build a resilient and competitive institution that remains true to its mission.