The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) acknowledges the transformational impact of quality education in training, research, and consultancy for sustainable development. In partnership with the County Government of Kakamega, the spirit and the letter of CUK mission dominated the incredible achievement with a strong belief in the power of our motto, “Quality co-operative training,” the recently concluded Career Expo that ran from 10th to 12th February 2023 was a resounding success. Hundreds of young people, especially the current form four leavers and high school students from across the County were in attendance. The CUK staff and students pose for a photo at CUK’s stand The keynote speaker and the guest of honour during the event was The CUK’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Finance, Planning and Administration), Prof. Esther N. Gicheru, who gave a rousing speech on the Career Expo’s theme, “Mastering your future.” The varsity’s DVC spoke to the youth about the importance of education, hard work, and dedication in achieving career success in their prospective future. She underscored the need for young people to focus on academic excellence, develop requisite market-seasoned skills, uncompromised moral standing, and cultivate strong work ethics. The DVC.Prof.Esther Gicheru addressing the students Prof. Gicheru shared her journey, highlighting the challenges she faced along the way and the lessons she learned from those turbulent experiences. “I want to emphasise the significance of resilience and perseverance in the face of setbacks, and as youths, you must remain focused on your goals and never despair in pursuing your dreams.” She applauded the bold steps and initiatives by the County government. Moreover, the CUK’s DVC encouraged the youths to take advantage and seize the many opportunities available to them, including internships, mentorship programs, and networking events. The Professor’s speech was a particular highlight, offering inspiring and practical advice on how to master the future and achieve the highest potential success in any career. Additionally, the career expo featured several other speakers and exhibitors, including representatives from local businesses, organisations, and public and private Universities. These stakeholders provided information on career opportunities, job training programs, and other resources available to the young. Remarkably, the event attained a resounding success for the Co-operative University of Kenya since it was top-ranked and awarded the certificate of the best exhibitor among the Public Universities present. CUK staff receiving a certificate for the best exhibitor among the Public Universities present at the Expo Lastly, the Corporate Communication and Marketing Department wishes to appreciate the CUK management for support throughout marketing expeditions and hope for continued support towards enhancing the brand visibility of the institution.

The Co-operative University of Kenya is home to many talented students, and one of them recently made a significant impact on the international stage. Andrew Nderitu Muriithi, a fourth-year student at The Cooperative University of Kenya pursuing a bachelor’s degree of science in Information Technology and his teammates impressed the judges with their innovative and creative solution for the health industry by working on an application that can be used to predict early complications of diabetes while providing self-care routines and diet management. The hackathon, which was focused on using technology to solve real-world problems, brought together close to 603 students from 22 countries across Africa inclusive of India to compete and showcase their skills. Our Co-operative University of Kenya student stood out from the crowd with his unique approach to the health industry and ability to think outside the box. The student’s hard work and dedication paid off, as he and his team were declared the hackathon winners, taking home gold medals, certificates and a good amount of money. CUK Student,Andrew Nderitu (centre) pose for a photo with his team after receiving their award Andrew hopes to create a positive impact on society by building more solutions and uplifting others in the technological field. He also plans to utilise the newly formed friendships and connections to advance in his career and also help his peers grow their skills. The Co-operative University of Kenya is proud to have produced such a talented individual and we look forward to seeing more of our students excel in the future. The win at the hackathon competition in India is a testament to the quality of education offered at the Co-operative University of Kenya and the potential of our students to make a real difference in the world.

Over the years, The Cooperative University of Kenya’s Department of Tourism and Hospitality has developed a favourable learning environment for qualified tourism and hospitality professionals. Tourism and Hospitality students have undergone a rigorous curriculum designed to give them the most professional skills possible through industrial exposure and affiliation to compete in the job market. Tourism and Hospitality students through the department have taken part in a number of successful stakeholder forums and seminars throughout the years across the region. On 29th October, The Cooperative University of Kenya hosted the Interuniversity Sustainable Tourism and Travel Agenda (STTA) stakeholder’s forum, which featured a sustainable tourism seminar across 7 participating universities and 5 governmental and private tourism organizations topic of Tourism and Resilience in Africa’s Protected Areas. In attendance organizations for the forum were; The Cooperative University Tourism & Hospitality – Host Sustainable Travel and Tourism Agenda STTA – Lead Organization Organizations Global Tourism Resilient and Crisis Management Centre East Africa Kenya Wildlife Service Giraffe Centre Let’s Go Travel Uniglobe Universities Kenyatta University The Technical University of Kenya Muranga University of Technology Machakos University Zetech University Amboseli Institute In this instance, tourism resilience refers to the ability of various systems to handle pressures by preserving the stability of the regional economy’s tourist-related sectors while ensuring the flexibility and diversity required for innovation and continued development. Among the many advantages of tourism, resilience is increased sustainable tourism development through wildlife conservation in protected areas, tax revenue collection, job possibilities, and awareness of the nation’s natural heritage. The theme of Tourism Resilience in Protected Areas led to reviewing the positive impact of having professional knowledge in promoting conservation in destinations and understanding the role of institutions, universities, and companies in creating conservation awareness. Moreover, the stakeholders were able to see the need to develop new mechanisms to mitigate climate change effects and promote sustainable tourism in protected areas, particularly on climate change effects and how to find solutions for tourism resilience. Therefore, if we want to save the tourism industry, sustainability is a practice that must be implemented.

The 7th Graduation Ceremony of The Co-operative University of Kenya was graced by several stakeholders from the government, with Hon. Simon K. Chelugui, the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Cooperative and MSMEs Development, as the Chief Guest. The success of our 3019 (with 1937 female and 1082 male graduates) graduating cohort of December 2022 was witnessed with jubilation by the University fraternity, parents, guardians, and benefactors. It was among the few physical graduation ceremonies held in higher learning institutions after COVID-19 ravaged our globe, continent, and mother country, Kenya. CS Hon. Simon K. Chelugui During the Reception at The Co-operative University of Kenya The graduation ceremony theme, “Leveraging on Co-operative Advantage to Drive Bottom-Up Economic Growth,” was strategic in articulating the University’s key mandate and furthering the government’s agenda through the Bottom-Up model of achieving the projected economic development. The chief guest, Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Simon K. Chelugui said, “By the end of 2021, there were over 26,000 registered co-operatives with an accumulated membership of over 14 million. With an accumulated total asset base of over KShs 1.5 trillion, the sector had savings of over KShs. 1 trillion. In addition, approximately 30% of Kenya’s annual savings are through co-operatives. Aware of this potential, the government has set up the Ministry of Cooperatives and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise Development.” Cabinet Secretary Hon. Simon K. Chelugui (centre) Pose for a Photo with The CUK Management Board and The University Chair of Council, Dr. Jeremy Bundi             The economic growth in Kenya, Africa, and beyond depends on the requisite skills, knowledge, and expertise acquired through education offered in our learning institutions. “As the titular head of the University, I take great pride in developing new market-driven academic programmes that the university continues to undertake,” Dr. Jeremy Bundi, the Ag. Chancellor of The CUK stated. The University has played a paramount role in harnessing the immense potential of the young people who enrol in academic programmes offered with a clearly defined purpose of producing the much-demanded human capital for our labour market at local, regional, and international job markets. CPA Johnson Njuguna, the Representative of the PS State Department of University Education and Research, Signs the Visitors Book in the Presence of the CUK Council Members and The University Management Board Members. CUK takes diligent initiatives to ensure the relevance of education and training by integrating competency-based programmes into its curriculum. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, noted, “The University is also participating in the ongoing conversation around Competency Based Curriculum and is preparing herself to admit the first batch of CBC students into the University in the academic year 2028/2029.” In line with the government’s agenda of ensuring relevance in Kenya’s higher education, the University stays abreast of the developments in the Ministry of Education. Graduates after Conferment of Degrees and Award of Diplomas at The University Graduation Square The University relates very closely with the fact that excellence does not exist in a vacuum but is achieved through diligence and dedication with a ruthless focus on the objective. In this regard, CUK has featured on the global map in academia by producing two students who participated in the UNESCO-India-Africa Hackathon Competition and made it to the finals. Progress can be measured in numerous ways; however, the most definitive way is through meritocracy, whereby achievement speaks for itself. CUK has done this, and its successes defend its credibility to produce competent graduates.

In marking World AIDS Day, the 2022 Corporate Social Responsibility event was held at Cottolengo Children’s Center on 30th November. The CUK management organized the visit in collaboration with the Student Governing Council through the office of the Dean of Students, Dr. Lucinda Mugaa. The institution’s CSR efforts were identified by the dean of Students, who was present at the day’s activity as an endeavour to fulfil the Biblical call to help those in need and as a way of doing what is ethically and morally right. CUK Staff Students before departing for the CSR Activity at Cottolengo Children’s Center on 30th November 2022. The CSR activity was officially convoked by the Dean of Students, who represented the University Management and congratulated the staff and student fraternity for their contribution to the day’s success. “The Co-operative University of Kenya recognizes with benevolence the need for giving back to society through supporting the needy and vulnerable. With regard to this and utmost observance of human dignity, the University engages in corporate social responsibility with the aim of empowering the community sustainably,” Dr. Lucinda stated. The Dean of Students, Dr. Lucinda Mugaa (right), Sr. Ann (Center), and Madam Veronica Mbithe (left), during the dean’s remarks at the CSR Event. The students, led by the SGC President Collins Brandon and Zamzam Bonaya, the Deputy President SGC, participated in cleaning exercises that included laundry, mopping the floors, and tidying the compound of the Center. This was a true gesture of generous concern for one another beyond any possible boundary. Through Sr. Ann, the leadership of Cottolengo Children’s Center appreciated the CUK fraternity’s gesture of love for society and one another. Sr. Ann, CUK Students, and Staff pose for a photo after the cleaning exercise.

The Director, ICA-Africa, Dr. Chiyoge B. Sifa The Regional Director, We Effect, Mr. George Onyango Invited Guest Speakers Youth Ambassadors Young Cooperative Entrepreneurs Ladies and Gentlemen Good Morning It gives me great pleasure to stand here and address this forum of brilliant young Cooperative Entrepreneurs. Let me begin by thanking the International Cooperatives Alliance – Africa (ICA-Africa) for considering The Co-operative University of Kenya as the venue for this life-changing training. As the University’s Vice Chancellor, I am honoured to have this opportunity to speak about cooperative education in development as this is a matter that is close to my heart and is at the very core mandate of the University. Am happy to learn that this training is a scale-up of the Global Cooperative Entrepreneurs (GCE) which is part of the wider ICA-Africa and We Effect partnership aimed at promoting and strengthening cooperative development. We thank We Effect for supporting the programme which is in line with the 5th Cooperative principle on Education,  Training and Innovation. Am also happy to report that CUK and We Effect have partnered in offering the Leadership for Change program. The 4th cohort of the programme had 135 participants of which 88 graduated on 21st November 2021. Am reliably informed that We Effect has agreed to renew the support for the programme.   The VC. Prof. Kamau Ngamau, (centre) pose for a group photo with conference attendees. Ladies and Gentlemen. CUK has constantly played a central role in providing globally competitive quality cooperative education, training, outreach activities and capacity development to the cooperative sector. We pride ourselves as a centre of excellence for cooperative education, training and outreach in Kenya and beyond, and are positioned at a very critical position of facilitating the realization of Vision 2030 which, as we may all be aware, aims at transforming the country into a newly industrializing, middle-income country providing a high-quality life to all its citizens. In Kenya, the new government has identified Cooperatives and MSMEs as critical in implementing the Bottom Up agenda. Capacity building and training of these groups will therefore be critical in implementing the agenda and enabling the groups to properly utilize resources such as the Financial Inclusion Fund commonly known as the Hustlers Fund which was recently launched. Following the call by the President on the implementation of the government’s Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda, in which Cooperatives and MSMEs will play a central role in the transformation, CUK has come up with a proposed project titled “Leveraging on Cooperative Advantage to Drive Bottom-Up Growth in Agricultural, Manufacturing and Service sectors in Kenya” [CADBUG Project], an initiative that is geared towards championing the implementation of the government Agenda by strengthening the co-operative and MSMEs sectors in terms of formalization, governance, financial management, value addition and marketing. These are key strategies that will be critical to the achievement of the Agenda. This shows that cooperative education is critical in development. Director ICA-Africa, Ladies and Gentlemen Within the continent, during the first decade of independence, many countries experienced tremendous growth on the back of a growing economy mainly due to agricultural cooperatives supporting agricultural production and exports. However, the cooperatives were soon plagued with many problems including poor leadership, financial mismanagement and disputes leading to the collapse of many and consequently economic decline of many countries. To revive these and to promote development in all sectors in the country and in the continent at large, quality cooperative education is paramount. This is because, as an entrepreneur, you need to gain leadership and decision-making skills for your team to succeed and your business as a cooperator to flourish. Conflict management skills are critical to running successful cooperative enterprises that in turn transform socio-economic development. This is critical as Cooperatives bring together a large number of individuals who may have diverse opinions. Acquisition of these very important skills relies on cooperative education which is an indispensable aspect of the problem-solving processes. It is also important to point out that success in the cooperative sector is pegged on employee engagement. It is immensely important to learn how to grow productive engagement with fellow cooperators in the endeavour to increase efficiency and the quality of output. CUK, whose niche product is Cooperative Training, has been supporting the sector immensely over the years and is committed to continuing to do so, by offering practical solutions to challenges affecting the sector. To realize this responsibility, CUK has continued to establish strategic long-term partnerships and collaborations with players in the cooperative movement and continues to work closely with the Ministry of Co-operatives and MSME Development, We Effect, ICA – Africa, Co-operative Bank and all players in the cooperative family. It is important to note that the University has received a grant from the Cooperative Bank of Kenya of KES 30 Million to establish the CUK Innovation Hub which is envisioned as a hub where ideas, innovations and solutions for the challenges facing the cooperative movement will be harnessed and incubated. Ladies and Gentlemen, As I conclude, education plays a pivotal role in the country’s economic development. Therefore, young people who are upcoming entrepreneurs should tap into the opportunities presented by the education curriculum within our university, and other learning institutions in Kenya and beyond. The future of the African continent and global economic development lies in the competent education offered in our institution. I urge all of you to take up this opportunity and spearhead the growth of cooperative entrepreneurship. Truly, the future is in Co-operatives! God Bless You! God Bless CUK!

The 2022 Kenya Universities Performing Arts Association (KUPAA) National Drama, Beauty Pageant, Visual Arts and Film Festivals was filled with pomp and colour as different universities graced the stage to display their talents and skills. Held at The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Bondo, Siaya County, more than thirty universities battled it out for the coveted prizes in different categories including plays, modern dance, mimes, narratives, choral verse, cultural dances as well as spoken word. The Vice Chair of the Kenya Universities Dean of Students Association KUDSA Prof.Omondi Okech from TUK awarding Mr.Felix Ogolla during the KUPAA awarding ceremony. The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) battled it out with over 45 other plays from different universities comfortably defending their title as the kings and queens of theatre emerging top with their play ‘The Begotten Son’. The play directed by Mr. Felix Moses Ogola, a former CUK Students Union Congress Person, won several other awards amongst them Best Presentation; Best Scripted Play Overall, Best Scripted Play in English and Best Play addressing issues in universities with Cecil Nyongesa, a 2nd year student at CUK, emerging the best actor in the category and the director, Felix Moses Ogola, taking home the Best Student Director of a Play in English. The University also came in top in the modern dance category, with their performance, ‘Hidden Gem’ written by Felix Moses Ogola and choreographed by Julius Kasekwa flooring 29 other modern dance performances. The dance performance also emerged as runners-up in the Best Choreography Award. CUK’s Mime Category entry ‘Depotism’ was also not left behind as they put up a performance that left many longing for more. Performed by Julius Kasekwa, Depotism emerged as runners-up in the best presentation category and runners-up in the overall category. The club trainer, Mr. Felix Mtetezi was filled with joy and pride terming the festival a total success noting that their long hours of training, commitment and hard work had borne fruits that everybody could see. He also stated that the University had been extra supportive in their quest for the festival adding that they had received financial support and constant check-ins from the University administration to know of their welfare. A seemingly overjoyed, Ms. Mary Mbugua, the club patron added that this was only the beginning and that more is yet to come from the winning team. https://www.cuk.ac.ke/cuks-stars-varcity-participates-kupaa-national-drama-film-festivals/ Samuel Ngaramba, Albert Kitish, Collins Ngetich, Broone Otieno, Collins Kamau, Hans Newton and Annette Ayuko were recognized as outstanding students in the festivals with Ms. Mary Mbugua stating that the performers would serve as drama club mentors and ambassadors bringing on board other students who would like to join the club. ‘This is a great team and we can’t wait to see what more they have in store’ stated Mr. Victor  Njogu, CUK’s Public Relations Officer when reached for a comment. As The Co-operative University of Kenya, we are extremely proud of our drama team. Hongera CUK! We look forward to celebrating CUK’s Drama club in their next win. The Kenya music and drama festival is a program under the ministry of education that nurtures artistic talents in music and drama. The main objective of the festivals is to promote culture as one of the goals of education as well as promote extra curriculum activities within the school programs.

The role of the Co-operative University of Kenya in shepherding the revitalization of the Cooperative movement continues to be evident. The Vice-Chancellor Prof Kamau Ngamau on 30th November attended the official launch of the Financial Inclusion Fund (Hustler Fund), at the invite of the Cabinet Secretary in charge of Cooperatives & MSME Development, Hon Simon Chelugui. Far left,VC.Prof.Kamau Ngamau, Centre,chair of New KPCU Mr.Hassan Reche & right is MD of New KPCU Timothy Mirugi during the official launch of the Hustler Fund The main vehicle that will channel the funds to the bottom is the Cooperative sector through societies. CUK, whose niche product is Cooperative Training, has been supporting the sector immensely over the years & is committed to continuing to do so, offering practical solutions affecting the sector & support the government’s Bottom Up Economic Agenda. To achieve this goal, CUK will continue to work closely with the Ministry & all players in the cooperative family. https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001462065/how-to-access-hustlers-fund-after-its-launch

The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) celebrated the annual Geographic Information System (GIS) Day under the theme “GIS for Climate Change: opportunities for research and consultancy.”  This year’s event presented an opportunity for students and staff to experience the power of GIS and Remote Sensing (RS) in climate change adaptation and mitigation. Exciting presentations and galvanizing technical sessions kept participants glued for three days of the workshop.  CUK has positioned herself as a center of GIS excellence and the application of spatial technologies in disaster risk management and environmental science. The University is a beneficiary of Africa’s 100 Universities GIS license program by ESRI Global, which is meant to enhance the uptake and application of spatial technologies in 100 African Universities. These annual GIS workshops are part of the celebrations of the contribution of spatial technologies in our modern world.  Our dedicated partners, including Michael Gould – ESRI’s Global Education Manager and ESRI East Africa Lead Staff, attended this year’s International GIS day. The CUK fraternity was represented by Prof. Kamau Ngamau (Vice Chancellor), Prof. Isaac Nyamongo (DVC CDRI & Ag. AA), Prof. Oboka (Director ICD), and Dr. Calvince Ouko Othoo (CUK GIS Champion), among other staff and students.