CUK Gets CUE’s Nod to Offer BSc Network Engineering and Cybersecurity. In a significant stride towards advancing the world of technology and education, the Commission for University Education (CUE) officials visited The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) on October 19, 2023. Their visit was not just another routine audit inspection; it marked the green light for launching an exciting new academic programme in the School of Computing and Mathematics (SCM), the BSc Network Engineering and Cybersecurity. The CUE’s thorough inspection yielded a promising verdict: CUK met and exceeded the minimum threshold to mount this groundbreaking program. This achievement reflects the university’s dedication to staying at the forefront of technological education and preparing students for the challenges of the digital age. The BSc Network Engineering and Cybersecurity programme, which is one-of-a-kind, is poised to be a game-changer in networking and cybersecurity education. The programme is designed to efficiently produce the next generation of network engineers equipped with diverse skills, including designing, developing, documenting, and deploying different kinds of networks. The program covers a broad spectrum of networks, ranging from Local Area Networks (LAN) and Wide Area Networks (WAN) to Wireless Networks, as well as Industry Standard Cybersecurity competencies. Students enrolled in this program will be exposed to a strong foundation in network planning and security systems through a comprehensive and well-thought-out curriculum that benefits from the input of accomplished academic and industry experts. It is designed to include theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical experience, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the challenges they’ll face in the real world. As a result, they will have the skills and knowledge required to excel in various career paths within the IT and cybersecurity sectors. This program will empower students to become ideal network and security experts by seamlessly integrating cybersecurity skills. It’s not just about creating networks but defending them in an increasingly complex digital landscape. Graduates from the BSc Network Engineering and Cybersecurity program at CUK will find themselves in high demand in the labor market. Equipped with a broad skill set, they can pursue careers as Network Engineers, IT managers, Cybersecurity specialists, and much more. The industry’s ever-increasing need for qualified professionals in these fields ensures a promising future for program graduates. To guarantee the quality of education and the success of this groundbreaking program, CUK boasts a solid and dedicated faculty. These experienced professionals will impart knowledge, provide mentorship, and guide students through their academic journey. The CUE’s approval and support, combined with the university’s commitment to excellence, have set the stage for CUK’s BSc Network Engineering and Cybersecurity program. This program represents an exciting opportunity for students to be part of an innovative and dynamic field, shaping the future of network engineering and cybersecurity. As CUK prepares to launch this program, it marks a significant step forward in the ever-evolving world of technology and education. The BSc Network Engineering and Cybersecurity program is more than just a degree; it’s a gateway to a world of possibilities where the next generation of Network Engineers and Cybersecurity experts will thrive. Dr. Shem Mbandu Angolo, Ph.D. Dean School of Computing and Mathematics & Senior Lecturer Department of Computer Science and Information Technology School of Computing and Mathematics The Co-operative University of Kenya

CUK and Morvey Business Ltd Signs KRTCDP Project Contract Yesterday, 27th March 2023, The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, hosted the Morvey Business Limited CEO, Mr. Mordecai Muthui, and his delegation. The purpose of the meeting was to undertake contract signing for the Kenya Rural Transformation Centres Digital Platform (KRTCDP) Project, funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB). Accompanying the Vice Chancellor was Prof. Isaac Nyamongo, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of the Co-operative Development Research and Innovation (CDRI), Dr. Lydia Mutua, Registrar (CDRI), Prof. Wycliffe Oboka, Director for the Institute of Corporate Development (ICD), Prof. Kennedy Waweru, Director of Research and Innovation, and Mr. Peter Muriithi, Head of Procurement Department. Seated (from left) is Madam Margaret Waithaka, Communication and Public Relations officer at Morvey Business Ltd., Prof. Isaac Nyamongo, DVC Co-operative Development, Research and Innovation (CDRI), Prof. Kamau Ngamau (Centre), CUK Vice Chancellor, Mr. Mordecai Muthui, CEO Morvey Business Ltd., and Mr. David Gitau; standing (from left) is Prof. Wycliffe Oboka, Dr. Lydia Mutua, Prof. Kennedy Waweru, and Mr. Peter Muriithi who pose for a photo after the contract signing. The mid-morning meeting came after two successful meetings involving the University and the lead government agencies, including the Ministry of Co-operatives and MSMEs, The State Department of Co-operatives, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, and the State Department of Crop Development. These engagements with the key Ministries and State Departments sought to solicit government support for the KRTCDP Project, which anchors the core plan itemised under the Agriculture Sector Growth and Transformation Strategy (ASGTS) 2019-2029. Prof. Isaac Nyamongo, the project explained that “The objective of this KRTCDP Project is to develop a programme that links farmer organisations or co-operatives through upstream and downstream agricultural dynamics and support the ASGTS 2019-2029,” He further indicated that two (2) contracts would be signed, including the actual KRTCDP project development and the communication strategy. Prof. Nyamongo outlined that three areas have been earmarked, with Lord Egerton zone in Nakuru County taking the first phase. Madam Margaret Waithaka, the Head of Communications and Public Relations at Morvey Business Limited, ascertained that their company had sufficiently reviewed the contract and highlighted the strategic recommendations offered. Additionally, Mr. David Gitau appreciated the contract award through a thorough and competitive process, assuring that Morvey Business Ltd would execute it with uncompromised professionalism.

Friday 17th, March 2023 marked a significant milestone for the Co-operative University Google Development Students’ Club (GDSC) through a training workshop organized by Andrew Nderitu. The rejuvenated students converged at the University Computer Laboratory 3 at 11:30 AM. The Google Crowdsource event significantly depicted the growing relations between the Club and the Google community. This event occurred a week after Ms. Sandra Kuria engaged the students on Firebase Google technology. Ms. Tabitha Kavyu (right) gifting GDSC Members with Crowdsource branded bags after the training. The Google Crowdsource SSA Community Manager, Ms. Tabitha Kavyu, succinctly explained Crowdsource as a fun and easy method of using personal abilities to contribute to the building components of Artificial Intelligence. She integrated the Google Crowdsource Learning Community into the University and urged the students to remain abreast of the opportunities for learning novel techniques. From an engaging session, students learnt much about making contributions that positively impact Google’s Artificial Intelligence (AI). The facilitator, Ms. Kavyu, highlighted that Google Crowdsource has many benefits, such as undertaking and exploring machine learning certification and getting to connect with “Googlers” globally.     Ms. Tabitha Kavyu handing a Crowdsource-branded notebook to Dr. Shem Mbandu on 17th March 2023 in the presence of Andrew Nderitu (GDSC Lead) and CUK students.   After the session, the students who attended the workshop were gifted with Google Crowdsource branded merchandise and devoted themselves to joining the learning community to improve the world. Dr. Shem Mbandu, the university’s Director of the Directorate of Quality Assurance, attended the workshop and congratulated the facilitator for giving eye-opening insights and the students for availing themselves of the training.

The computing student community at CUK has become vibrant in harnessing the knowledge and skills imparted to them through holistic learning. This move has been influenced by the central and strategic role computing technology has and plays in the 21st century; its potential to transform the world by enhancing the quality of human living by bringing solutions to perpetual problems facing humanity.   The university’s Google Developer Students Club (GDSC) recently organised a high-level training dubbed “Get to know Compose and Firebase”. The event organiser was Andrew Nderitu (4th year Bachelor of Science student), the GDSC Lead at CUK who doubles as the winner at UNESCO India-Africa Hackathon 2022. The training occurred at CUK’s main campus (Karen) computer laboratory on Friday, 10th March 2023. The student turnout was pleasing 40 participants, majorly from the School of Computing and Mathematics (SCM). This depicted learners’ intuitive motivation and quest for computer technology expertise.   The leading facilitator of the event was Sandra Kuria, a Senior Android developer, Women Tech Makers Ambassador, and ex-GDSC Lead at Mount Kenya University. Through her vast knowledge, understanding, and expertise, Ms Kuria took trainees through android development using Firebase – a Google technology. The students accessed a rare opportunity to get immersed in Firebase technology concepts through practical sessions. They demonstrated an exclusive degree of engagement, making the training lively and interactive. This training featured efficiency and succeeded due to the accessibility of the venue by the CUK students. It was advantageous since it allowed those (students) without personal laptops to participate equally by using the computers in the computer laboratory. At the end of the intensive and all-inclusive training, the student attendees expressed interest and zeal to participate in such events. Sandra, a seasoned trainer, encouraged from her personal experience and urged the participants to take advantage of such pieces of training and events to build their capacity. “These kinds of events expose students to industry standard tools for applications and systems development,” said Sandra. The Director of the Directorate of Academic Quality Assurance (DAQA), Dr Shem Mbandu, affirmed that building the students’ capacity in these professional skills alongside academic training produces fully baked and industry-ready graduates.

In remaining relevant to empowering communities, the Co-operative University of Kenya’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, on Wednesday, 15th March 2023, visited Mr. Kello Harsama, the Principal Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, State Department of Crop Development, at Kilimo House. The objective of the meeting was to engage and deliberate on the KRTCDP Project. This follows a successful meeting with officials from the Ministry of Co-operatives and MSMEs Development on 8th March 2023. The Agriculture Secretary, Mr. Josephat Mahunyu, and The Co-operative University of Kenya Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, at Kilimo House on 15th March 2023. The twin meetings were meant to bring on board the two line Ministries that will oversee the project and agree on a suitable implementation zone. The KRTCDP project, sponsored by the African Development Bank (AfDB), will place farmers in co-operatives on a digital platform that links them to suppliers of inputs, service providers, extension services, marketers, and other value chain players. The project’s successful implementation will be incredibly beneficial to farmer co-operatives since it will prevent exploitation occasioned by information asymmetry and enable them to reap higher fortunes from their produce.         The Vice Chancellor was accompanied by Prof. Kennedy Waweru, Dr. Lydia Mutua, and Dr. Lucy Kiganane. Prof. Ngamau acknowledged the Ministry’s efforts towards making Kenya a food-secure nation and pledged the University’s support towards assisting the government in achieving its plans as itemised in the Agriculture Sector Growth and Transformation Strategy (ASGTS) 2019-2029. From left: Prof. Kennedy Waweru, Dr. Lucy Kiganane, Mr. Josephat Mahunyu, Prof. Kamau Ngamau (Vice Chancellor), Dr. Lydia Mutua, and Mr. Peter Owoko during the 15th March 2023 Meeting at Kilimo House.   On his part, the PS thanked the University for its proactive initiatives and activities geared towards solving the challenges affecting the country. He pointed out that the project would go a long way towards making the country food secure, besides creating market channels and raising farmer incomes. Mr. Josephat Muhunyu, the Agricultural Secretary, echoed his sentiments.

The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) is an outstanding institution of higher learning due to its observance of integrity in democratic leadership. This upholds and anchors the university’s mission of producing competent human capital through quality education, training, research & innovation, and empowering communities through outreach for socio-economic transformation. In CUK, democracy applies to the staff and students who have a significant role in ensuring a streamlined flow of activities through the Student Governing Council (SGC) and an empowered Co-operative University of Kenya Student Union (CUKSU). CUK students line up to vote during the delegate election process on Wednesday, 8th March 2023.   Over the past four weeks, the University’s atmosphere and surroundings have been adorned with slogans of great leaders as student contestants for diverse positions in the Congress and SGC engaged in an intellectual exchange of ideologies – “The battle of ideas.” The heightened debates on social media and road show campaigns of the two major parties, The Comrades Alliance (TCA) under the captainship of the incumbent CUK President, Mr Collins Brandon, and The Co-operative Revival Alliance (CRA).   The gala and scuffle for supremacy between these two parties culminated on Wednesday, 8th March 2023 Delegate and SGC Elections, where they flexed their political muscles at virtually equal power dividing the delegate’s votes into symmetrical halves. The presidential position attracting all students’ attention was hotly contested between Timothy Saruni of TCA and Amos Kamotho of CRA, each garnering 12 votes out of the 24 delegates. Student casting her ballot on Wednesday 8th during delegate election in the lecture theatre Room A polling station.   The second most senior position in the Co-operative University Student Union (CUKSU), Secretary General, underwent a similar situation, with both competitors securing equal votes. These unique scenarios of vote-tie lessened the tension. These unfamiliar situations made the Chairperson of the CUKSU Electoral Commission, Jeremiah Mugo, announce the winners of the Wednesday 8th elections and declare to announce the re-run election dates within seven calendar days as guided by Chapter five article 28 of the CUKSU Constitution.   The winners of the contested posts were Victor Onyango Juma for Finance Secretary, Francis Musyoka Daniel for Social Welfare and Co-curricular Activities, Caroline Wanjiru Kibuchi for Gender and Special Needs Secretary, and Abdullahi A. Salat for Campus Representative. The elected Congress Members and the SGC reflected the face of Kenya and demonstrated the high-held regard for diversity within the institution. Mr. Jeremiah Mugo, the CUKSU Electoral Commission Chairperson, at Nordic Hall announcing the winners of the SGC elections held on Wednesday, 8th March 2023.   The University maintained its non-partisan position in the students’ elections by ensuring that all Electoral Officials abide by the principles of impartiality. The CUKSU Electoral Commission Chairperson, Jeremiah Mugo, appreciated the efforts and support of the ever-devoted Dean of Students, Dr Lucinda Mugaa. The student elections ran seamlessly; peace, serenity, and jubilation prevailed since the winners embraced their counterparts who lost. “CUK takes pride in the students who have taken the mantle and suited the formation to become the society’s change-makers, taking the responsibility to lead their peers,” expressed (Mrs.) Dr Lucinda.

On Wednesday, 8th March 2023, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, met with the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MEMEs) Development, Hon. Simon K. Chelugui, EGH. The meeting was also attended by the PS State Department of Co-operatives, Mr. Patrick K. Kilemi. The University’s top management officials accompanying the Vice Chancellor were Prof. Isaac Nyamongo, The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (ACDRI), Prof. Kennedy Waweru, and Dr. Lydia Mutua. Prof. Kamau Ngamau and Hon. Simon K. Chelugui during the Wednesday 8th KRTCDP meeting at Mercure Hotel in Nairobi. The meeting held in Mercure Hotel in Nairobi predominantly engaged discussions and deliberations on the strategic place of the Co-operative University of Kenya in spearheading the development of farmer co-operatives through Kenya Rural Transformation Centres Digital Platform (KRTDCP) through collaboration with the Ministry mentioned above. This project aims to increase productivity, boost profitability, and uphold sustainability within agricultural cooperatives, integrating small-holder farmers with other stakeholders in the farm input supplies, food production, and agriculture value chain. Representatives of the University Management with CS, Hon. Chelugui, and the PS, Mr. Patrick Kilemi, pose for a group photo during Wednesday’s 8th meeting at Mercure Hotel – Nairobi. PS Kilemi expressed his satisfaction and enthusiasm for the initiative taken by the Co-operative University of Kenya in addressing the gaps within our society and making efforts to turn the situation of our country from a hunger-stricken nation into a food-secure country. He pledged the readiness of the State Department for Co-operatives to support the KRTDCP project since it ensures food security and empowers many Kenyans living below the poverty line through co-operative societies.   Cabinet Secretary Hon. Simon Chelugui signs the Visitor’s book before the commencement of the Wednesday 8th Meeting at Mercure Hotel – Upper Hill, Nairobi. Also, Hon. Chelugui emphasised the intention of his Ministry to work very closely with the CUK in executing primary development goals through mutual engagements. The CS said, “I have gratitude to the leadership of The Co-operative University of Kenya for setting foot in the forefront in leading the reformation and transformation of the Co-operative Movements in this country.” The Vice-Chancellor ascertained that through the endowment of knowledge, skills, and expertise, the University would ensure that farmer co-operatives benefit from the institution’s professionalism throughout the establishment, management enlightenment, and training. “With the support from your Ministry, Hon. Simon K. Chelugui, our university is prepared to gather the arsenal of vastly experienced academicians, including professors and doctors, in attaining this big vision of digitalising the agricultural production and marketing processes,” Prof. Ngamau said.

It is a new month, February is Wrapped, March is here, New beginning but hey, we can’t forget how eventful the month of love was.    February 14th is widely recognized as Valentine’s Day, a day that celebrates love and affection between intimate companions, friends, and family members. This year’s Valentine’s Day was one of a kind since The Co-operative University of Kenya management organized a special breakfast for its staff. The breakfast meeting took place at the CRCC Hall, which was decorated with lots of red roses and well-arranged tables.  The menu included sausages, samosas, well-cooked eggs, fruit salad, as well as a variety of beverages. The breakfast was a way for the university to show its appreciation for the hard work and dedication of its staff. It was also an opportunity for the university community to come together and celebrate Valentine’s Day along with having a very inciteful talk on Mental Health. The mental health talk was facilitated by CUK’s licensed counsellor, who discussed the importance of self-care and stress management.     Many staff members enjoyed the breakfast, taking the opportunity to chat and catch up with their colleagues. The university management expressed their satisfaction with the event, stating that it was a great way to bring people together and promote a sense of unity within the university community. Overall, the Valentine’s Day breakfast was a success, and many are looking forward to similar events in the future.        Cheers to spreading Love & Kindness!