University News
An Exclusive Interview with Ms. Julia Beideck, DAAD Scholar
By Meshack M. Ngangi | January 24, 2025 The Co-operative University of Kenya continues to be a global leader and trailblazer in academia, especially with particular emphasis on cooperative training. This January 2025, we had the privilege of hosting Ms. Julia Beideck, a doctoral student in the Faculty of Management, Economics, and Social Sciences at the University of Cologne in Germany. In an interview with Meshack Ngangi, a public relations officer at the university, Ms. Beideck, a Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) scholar, identified her keen interest in cultural cooperatives, which form the basis of her doctoral dissertation. She noted that there are cultural cooperatives in Germany, which are a relatively new subtype of cooperatives, giving examples of cinema cooperatives, theater cooperatives, and museum cooperatives, among which handicraft cooperatives exist. With an unquenched thirst for knowledge beyond borders, Ms. Beideck expressed academic curiosity about handicraft cooperatives triggered by a scientific paper she had engaged with. Given that Kenya’s cooperative movement is ranked the leading in Africa and seventh globally with an asset base of over 1 trillion Kenyan Shillings, her interest in collecting data on Kenyan handicraft cooperatives and enhancing a deeper understanding of them by attending (doctoral) courses has been further established. The data collected in combination with the insights gained from the university professors and faculty staff would essentially inform her planned scientific study paper, which would provide a comparative case study of a handicraft cooperative in Kenya and a handicraft cooperative in Germany. Expounding on her fulfilling experience, Ms. Beideck noted that both purposes of her academic exploration had been accomplished since she had the chance to collect the data and attend a few courses. “I met a few people. I had several conversations, for example, with the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, with different professors, PhD students, and the Co-operative Alliance of Kenya (CAK), and with several stakeholders here at the campus. So I’m really happy and glad to be here because I could fulfill both of my purposes,” said Julia. Further, Ms. Beideck highlighted that she achieved beyond her expectations because the opportunity to be in Kanya afforded her a chance to interact with many people, exchange ideas, and experience the kind and warm hospitality of everyone she met on a personal basis and in her research endeavors. The stay at the University was a golden opportunity for her to expand her network, especially scientific networks, by connecting with Kenyan scholars on diverse research perspectives. “I would recommend it to every PhD student, not only from Germany but maybe from the whole world, to apply for a DAAD scholarship. A lot of things are new and different, but if you are open and interested, respectful, and kind, you will experience the same, and things will come back to you in the same way,“ said Ms. Beideck. As her parting shot, Ms. Julia Beideck expressed that greater and groundbreaking achievements would be attained if researchers (worldwide) like her interested in cooperatives worked together since they have so much that connects them in terms of ideas, expertise, competencies, and interests.
Strengthening Leadership, Collaboration, and Organizational Excellence for Future Growth
Strengthening Leadership, Collaboration, and Organizational Excellence for Future Growth The Co-operative University of Kenya recently hosted a high-level workshop for the University Council and the University Management Board (UMB) under the theme “Strengthening Leadership, Collaboration, and Organizational Excellence for Future Growth”. The workshop was aimed at equipping participants with critical leadership skills, enhancing board governance practices, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability within the institution. The sessions focused on developing leadership skills that drive innovation and sustainable growth, improving governance structures, and strengthening the collaboration between the board and management. Participants explored strategies for increasing productivity and organizational performance, with an emphasis on fostering a results-driven culture. Additionally, the workshop provided insights into financial management, reporting, and the external auditing process to promote transparency and accountability in decision-making. The workshop featured distinguished facilitators who led engaging sessions on various topics. FCPA Dr. John Mudany delivered an insightful session on Effective Leadership and Finance for Non-Finance Managers, equipping leaders with essential financial acumen. Ms Damaris Ndungwa shared expertise on Building High-Performance Teams through Organizational Culture, highlighting the significance of a strong institutional identity in driving success. FCS, Jeremiah Karanja, CEO, ICS, led an engaging discussion on Team Dynamics & Collaboration in Governance and Emotional Intelligence for Cohesive Teams, emphasizing the need for synergy in leadership. Ms. Jacqueline Manani from the Public Service Commission (PSC) guided participants through the complexities of Labour Laws & the Legal Framework for Human Resource Management, ensuring a thorough understanding of compliance and best HR practices. Ms. Jane Maina from the National Productivity and Competitiveness Centre (NPCC) provided valuable insights into Productivity Management in Public Service & Productivity Improvement Strategies, focusing on operational efficiency and service delivery. Mr. John Karingithi from the Office of Auditor General (OAG) elaborated on the External Auditing Process, outlining the critical role of audits in ensuring accountability and the emphasis that the government has on zero-fault audits. Additionally, a session on Risk Management by Mr. Griffine Songole from the Institute of Internal Auditors highlighted the importance of proactive risk assessment in strategic planning with the organization. This workshop was an invaluable opportunity for leaders to refine their skills, align their strategies with best practices, and enhance collaboration for future growth. The discussions and insights shared during the event will undoubtedly contribute to strengthening leadership, governance, and overall institutional excellence at the university. The Chairperson of the University Council, Dr. Jeremy Bundi, gave the firm commitment the university council has in steering CUK to greater heights and ensuring that they provide effective leadership to fast-track the implementation of the Strategic Plan 2022-2027. “The full implementation of the ambitious and bold strategic plan 2022-2027 will ensure that the University goes into the future stronger and financially stable,” he noted.
CUK CULTURAL FESTIVAL 2025
By Meshack M. Ngangi | March 18, 2025 The Cultural Festival 2025 presented a significant aspect of The Co-operative University of Kenya’s community since cultural diversity is a strength when celebrated as a fabric that holds any human society together. The week-long celebrations of different cultures within the CUK fraternity provided a platform for students and staff to celebrate their cultural heritage, showcase talents and creativity, and promote cultural diversity within a multicultural environment. The CUK Cultural Festival 2025 was celebrated under a unifying theme, “Our Culture, Our Diversity, Our Pride.” The festival assumed various genres, including music festivals, traditional dances, cultural wear exhibitions, sports and athletics, theatrical performances, and beauty pageantry as a means to promote cultural exchange and understanding. In the opening ceremony, Mr. Chris M. Kathoka, the Registrar of Finance, Planning, and Administration represented the Vice Chancellor in delivering the inaugural address. The day one event’s venue was filled to the brim with students, staff, and the Chief Guest from the Directorate of National Cohesion and Values. This informed the high regard the University upholds cultural diversity and celebrates its beauty of unifying the institution as a strength that complements our oneness in the spirit of cooperation. “The University as a teacher of life, establishes the foundation and sustains academic excellence in developing society-suited holistic intellectuals. Cultural diversity is our inevitable human condition; however, this year’s Cultural Festival allows us to unite our voices to speak even louder to promote unique African diversity with pride,” the Ag. Vice Chancellor remarked. Mr. Edward Nyongesa Wafula, the Guest Speaker and the Deputy Director of the Directorate of National Cohesion and Values underscored that cultural events like the CUK Cultural Week 2025 are an excellent opportunity for the people of Kenya to come together and celebrate the beauty of our shared heritage – they are avenues that help to promote cultural understanding and foster a sense of community. The Cultural Festival opened with creative traditional dances and cultural wear exhibitions from the Maasai, Kamba, Kikuyu, Kalenjin, and Luhya communities which showcased the beauty of diverse cultural heritage. The cut-throat competition was a means to celebrate and uphold the beauty of our Institution’s cultural heritage, preserve cultural diversity, and appreciate cultural identities. The Luhya community carried the day with the best cultural dance presentation. Throughout the Monday to Friday Cultural Festival, different dressing themes were observed including, cultural regalia, official attire, denim wear, sportswear, and dinner wear, and the best-dressed individual of each day was awarded. Thursday, 13th March 2025, was a special day that presented sporting activities that were geared towards building, cementing, and sustaining a cordial relationship between the staff and students as both parties embarked on competitions of different sporting activities such as Football, Netball, Tug-of-war, egg race, sack race, 100 m and 200 m race, and rugby. In the Football men category, the Student’s Football team thwarted the Staff Team 2-1 with the Ladies’ Student’s Football team beating the Staff Team 1-0. Only ladies who participated in the Netball competitions with the Staff Netball team claimed the victory. Maureen Soyandet from the Admissions and Students Registry and Rodgers Oguta, a 4th-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce in the School of Business and Economics, won the egg race in the ladies’ and men’s categories respectively. In sack race competitions, Maureen Simiyu, a staff in the Catering Department, and Omwambo Ogutu, a 3rd-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Finance in the School of Business and Economics, won in the ladies’ and men’s categories respectively. In both the ladies’ and men’s categories, CUK Staff claimed victory for the tug-of-war, and student Rugby Team A won against their counterpart Team B. In the 100m race, John Brian (student), and Banice Wanjiku, a 3rd-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce in the School of Business and Economics, won in the ladies’ and men’s categories respectively while Brian Mutuse, a 1st-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Business Management in the School of Business and Economics, and Lucy Katheu, a 2nd-year student pursuing a Diploma in Supply Chain Management in the Institute of Technical and Vocational Education and Training, in the 200m ladies’ and men’s categories. The final day of the CUK Cultural Festival 2025 went down at the Carnivore Grounds, Nairobi. Students and staff led by the Cultural Week Organizing Committee officials descended the venue donned in dinner wear as pomp, glamour, and class met the occasion. The major event was the beauty pageantry modeling contest and crowning of Mr. and Miss CUK 2025/2026. The Friday night Carnivore affair featured entertainment by a student artist, Iano Simi, and the Guest Artist, Tipsy Gee also known as Kelvin Njenga. The crown for Mr. and Miss CUK 2025/2025 was heavily contested with models exhibiting cutting-edge creativity and innovation in the beauty pageantry. Raymond Mutua and Brenda Cheronoh won the Mr. and Miss CUK 2025/2026 titles respectively. On the other hand, Chris Muga and Mutemi Damaris were the first (1st) runners-up for Mr. and Miss CUK, Eugine Kibet Rutto and Polly Owino were the second (2nd) runners-up for Mr. and Miss CUK while Ezra Hakeem and Clarice Akinyi carried the Mr. and Miss Congeniality 2025/2026 titles respectively.
The Co-operative University of Kenya Hosts High-Impact Seminar on Agricultural Cooperatives and Sustainable Development
The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) hosted a pivotal seminar on February 27, 2025, under the theme “Empowering Agricultural Cooperatives for Sustainable Rural Development: Celebrating 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives with a Cross-Regional Focus”. The event brought together key stakeholders, policymakers, and experts to explore the role of agricultural cooperatives in fostering food security, rural livelihoods, and global collaboration. The seminar began with a guided tour of the university for members of the Network for the Development of Agricultural Cooperatives in Asia and the Pacific (NEDAC). Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Isaac Nyamongo welcomed participants and set the stage for discussions on strengthening cooperatives as key drivers of development. The Chief Guest, Commissioner for Cooperatives, Mr. David Obonyo, delivered a keynote address, emphasizing the crucial role cooperatives play in Kenya’s economic transformation agenda. He highlighted that cooperatives are an enabler in all key pillars of the current administration, including agricultural transformation, ICT, affordable housing, and healthcare. He noted that the most effective way to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor is by encouraging more Kenyans to form and join cooperative societies. Another key highlight of the event was the signing of instruments for the CUK-NEDAC Collaboration through a Letter of Intent, marking a significant step in strengthening partnerships for cooperative development. Prof. Isaac Nyamongo expressed appreciation for the collaboration, emphasizing that the Letter of Intent signed during the event would unlock great opportunities for cooperation, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building between the university and cooperative stakeholders not just in Kenya and Africa but also across the globe. The seminar featured a series of panel discussions addressing key aspects of cooperative growth and sustainability. The first discussion, moderated by Prof. Kennedy Waweru, focused on how agricultural cooperatives contribute to reducing hunger, enhancing rural livelihoods, and promoting sustainable farming practices. Panelists, including Mr. Balasubramanian Ganpathy Iyer, Mr. Roeland Monasch, Samuel Omwakwe from Caritas Kakamega, and Joab Osumba from Fineline Consultants, explored how cooperatives align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the ways in which social and financial education empower communities. The second session, led by Prof. Lucy Kiganane, examined opportunities for strengthening ties between Asia and Africa through cooperative models. Panelists, including Mr. Virgilio Rodriguez Lazaga, Mr. Jyoti Saroop, Dr. Moses Gweyi, and Mr. Michael Mutuma, shared insights on successful case studies and identified best practices for cross-regional adoption. The discussion emphasized the importance of international knowledge exchange in building resilience within cooperatives. Following a networking tea break and a group photo session, discussions resumed with a panel on government policies for cooperative growth, moderated by Dr. Lucy Ngare. Speakers, including Mr. Sudhir Mahajan, Mr. P. Chandra Shekara, Commissioner for Cooperatives Mr. David Obonyo, and Hon. Diana Kendi, CEC Trade, Tourism, Culture, and Cooperative Development, Nyeri County, explored strategies for engaging governments in developing cooperative-friendly policies that drive rural development and food security. Case studies from countries with strong cooperative frameworks provided valuable lessons for policymakers. The final panel, moderated by Dr. Moses Gweyi, centered on leveraging the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 as a platform for advocacy and collaboration. Panelists, including Mr. Praveen Reddy Aligireddy, Mr. Bhima Subrahmanyam, Mr. Paul Wanjala from KUSCO, and Ms. Monica Chepkirui from the School of Co-operatives and Community Development, discussed ways to amplify the role of cooperatives in achieving the SDGs and positioning them as global agents of economic and social transformation. The one-day seminar concluded by recognizing the contributions of all participants and reaffirming the commitment to advancing cooperative development through strategic partnerships. A networking lunch provided an opportunity for further engagement, strengthening the foundation for continued collaboration in shaping the future of agricultural cooperatives.
Exploring Inclusive Photojournalism: Public Relations and Advertising Students Participate at Canon World Unseen Exhibition
By Meshack Ngangi The sunset rays of Wednesday, December 4, 2024, send a message of a brighter dawn to our Bachelor of Public Relations and Advertising Students as they participate in the Canon World Unseen exhibition held at the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS), Upper Hill, Nairobi. This coveted experience was an eye-opening opportunity for learners who expositioned a staunch interest in photojournalism. Organized by Canon, the exposition explored photography’s inclusivity element and the inspirational belief in the power of images to change the world. Speaking to students, Canon’s Managing Director for Central and North Africa, Somesh Adukia, explained, “This special moment that Canon has held its first Canon World Unseen Exhibition in Sub-Saharan Africa here in Kenya. Innovative technologies that integrate elevated printing, immersive audio descriptions, and braille inspire the World Unseen and embody Canon’s resolve for inclusivity with art and technology blended in an infinite creativity of incredible imagery.” With over 2.2 billion visually impaired people worldwide, 26 million of these in Africa suffer a similar fate, Canon World Unseen presented an opportunity to champion inclusivity and creativity. Through a sensory-rich experience of an exposition where one does not need to see, the World Unseen aimed at changing how both the visually impaired and sighted experience photography. Among the 17 Bachelor of Public Relations and Advertising students were Felistus Museng’ya and Stacey Chagala, our second-year, who expressed their sentiments about the experiential learning they received at the Canon World Unseen exhibition, which sparked their interest in photojournalism. Other Partners in the exhibition were the Kenya Society for the Blind and the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS), which hosted the event that featured exhibition images of renowned local and international photojournalists, including Samo Vidic of Slovenia, Kenya’s Peter Ndungu and Brian Mwangi, Nigeria’s Yagazie Emezi, and Brent Stirton of South Africa among other contributors.
Prof. Esther Gicheru Debunks the Kenya’s Co-operative Movement at the ICA Global Conference 2024
By Meshack Ngangi Between the 25th and 30th of November 2024, the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) held its Global Conference in New Delhi, India. The event launch, which was graced by the Prime Minister of India, H.E. Narendra Modi, the Hon. FCPA Wycliffe A. Oparanya, EGH, Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development, and international dignitaries brought together over 3,000 cooperative movement enthusiasts from more than 100 countries worldwide. Hosted by the Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative (IFFCO), the conference was inaugurated under the theme, “Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All,” and it guided the discourses across four plenary sessions and accompanying parallel sessions, which aimed to create an Action Agenda for Cooperatives to accelerate the SDGs. Among the delegates of this International Forum were our Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, PhD, EBS, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Finance, Planning, and Administration, Prof. Esther N. Gicheru (Mrs), OGW, who was a keynote speaker on Kenya Co-operative Movement: A Shared Prosperity at the launch of the Year of Cooperatives 2025. In 2007, Prof. Gicheru was bestowed the highest honor of the ICA and is the only recipient of the Rochdale Pioneers Award in Africa. This is owed to her immense contribution to the cooperative movement in Kenya, Africa, and on the global stage. Debunking the topic, Prof. Gicheru highlighted that SACCOs are the most predominant, with over 50% of all 22,344 registered co-operatives, followed by agri-coops at about 27%. “Agricultural cooperatives remain the main anchor to Kenya’s economic growth, contributing 33% of total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and commands about 60% of informal employment and 60% of total exports. The downstream agro-processing is estimated to generate an additional 3.2% of GDP and 2.4% of employment,” explained Prof. Esther Gicheru.
The Co-operative University of Kenya Welcomes Its Second Chancellor, Dr. Bernard William Chitunga
Dr. Bernard William Chitunga is a highly accomplished professional with extensive experience and expertise in partnerships, development finance, and multilateralism. He has been appointed as the Chancellor of The Co-operative University of Kenya for a five-year term, effective January 10, 2025. His appointment was formalized vide Gazette Notice No. 387, in accordance with the Universities Act No. 42 of 2012, by His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, the President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Forces. Dr. Chitunga becomes the second Chancellor of The Co-operative University of Kenya, succeeding the late Hon. Joseph Nyagah, who served as the institution’s inaugural Chancellor. He also holds the distinction of being the youngest Kenyan ever appointed as a Chancellor in the history of the country Previously, Dr. Chitunga worked at the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), based at the Headquarters in Cote D’Ivoire, Abidjan as a Senior Officer for Partnerships, Donors, and Special Projects. He also worked as part of the secretariat to the USD 5 Billion Affirmative Finance Special and Trust Funds, where he had the privilege of serving as the Task Manager during their establishment. Dr. Chitunga is a fellow of the European University Institute School of Transnational Governance in Italy. He holds doctorate degrees in Management and Sustainable Development from KwaZulu-Natal University in South Africa and Selinus University in Italy. Additionally, Dr. Chitunga holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from UGSM Monarch Business School in Switzerland, Masters in Global Business and Sustainability with a focus on Social Entrepreneurship from Università Cattolica Del Sacro in Italy, and Post-graduate in Development Strategy and Governance from the University of Bradford in the United Kingdom. Dr. Chitunga’s dedication to education and development is reflected in his personal motto, “Son of Chegulo and Africa,” which underscores his deep-rooted connection to his heritage and his commitment to the broader African community. As Chancellor, Dr. Chitunga is poised to leverage his vast experience and expertise to advance the mission and vision of The Co-operative University of Kenya, fostering growth, innovation, and excellence across the institution.
2024 KUPAA FESTIVALS: CUK Metropolitans Drama Club Triumphs in National Competitions
By Meshack Ngangi The 2024 Kenya Universities Performing Arts Association (KUPAA) drama, radio/film, beauty pageant, and visual arts festivals represented the 6th edition since the inception of the competitions in 2019. These annual festivals are organized at two levels: regional and national, where champions of different regional competitions convene for artistry duel. Inaugurated under the theme “Embracing Performing Arts for Social Behaviour Change,” this year’s festivals presented a finesse of creativity, innovation, and artistry, blending homogeneously into cutting-throat competitive performances. Organized in eight (8) regions countrywide, including Nyanza, Metropolitan Nairobi, Rift-Valley, Western, Coast, Nort East, Eastern, and Central. Coming from the Nairobi Metropolitan Region, The Co-operative University of Kenya’s Metropolitans Drama Club presented ten (10) diverse-genre items at the regional level, which included praise poetry, narrative, spoken word, street dance, choral verse, legislative play, solo verse, and one-man play. Out of the ten (10) items performed by the CUK Metropolitans Drama team at the Nairobi Metropolitan regional festivals held at the Multimedia University, seven (7) advanced to the nationals either as winners, first runners-up, or second runners-up. Winning first place at the Nairobi Metropolitan regional level were “Conjestina Achieng” praise poetry genre, “Still Bado Hamuoni” spoken word, and Euphoric Fusion street dance. The first (1st) runners-up items at the regional duel were the “Kibuyu cha Maisha” narrative and “Kovu” one-man play. At the second (2nd) runners-up were the “Mwendo Kasi” choral verse and “Kosa Muhimu” legislative play. The Nairobi Metropolitan region winning spoken word that secured the coveted first place, “Still Bado Hamuoni” by Oliver Khisa, was an artistically curated piece bearing an embodiment of the vision for a better future, a desire for an informed society, and the drive to sensitize the public on the need to elect leaders who can serve the interests, aspirations, and the dire needs of the electorate. This performance by Oliver, who is our 2nd-year student in the School of Business and Economics (SBE) pursuing a Bachelor of Human Resource Management, underscores the bold spirit of our motto, Empowering Communities, which recognizes that good leadership is the springboard that relaunches socio-economic empowerment. The praise poetry guru, Lucas Kalonzo, swept the floor to victory at the Nairobi Metro region. Our second-year Diploma in Environmental Science student at the Institute of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (I-TVET) presented the victory-conquering praise poem “Conjestina Achieng,” which exuded the heroic, unbreakable, and triumphant spirit of the Midweight Boxing Champion Conjestina Achieng. The poem glittered at the KUPAA National Festivals held at Egerton University in Njoro, Nakuru County, winning in the praise poems category, which had over ten entries from all eight regions. Additionally, “Conjestina Achieng” was adjudicated as the best-composed praise poem, the best-performed praise poem, the most educative praise poem, and the most creative praise poem. Vanessa Handas, Miss CUK 2024/2025, won Miss Creativity Universities 2024/2025 during the beauty pageantry competitions at the National KUPAA Festivals. The electrifying and breathtaking street dance “Euphoric Fusion,” scripted and directed by Felix Ogola, alias Mtetezi, was performed by our very own TrendMovers Dance Crew, award-winning a trophy at the 6th KUPAA Nairobi Metropolitan Drama, Radio/Film, Beauty Pageant, and Visual Arts Festival. Another captivating category presented at both regional and national 6th KUPAA Festivals was a one-man play by Ian Bright, our 2nd-year student pursuing a BSc. in Data Science. The play was a creatively and perfectly scripted piece infusing tenets of edu-entertainment and exposing the political rot characterized by gagging and interference with the freedom of expression in campus politics. The “Mwendo Kasi” choral poetry show depicted holistic learner development, which is at the epicenter of our training and academic instruction. The innovativeness exhibited in the performance amplified how The Co-operative University harnesses students’ creativity, talent, and innate abilities in endeavors to outlive our vision of being a University of excellence in education, research, innovation, and cooperative training. Another item stepping the national stage at Egerton University was the “Kibuyu cha Maisha” narrative by Sharon Murugi na Ruth Henry, our second-year Bachelor of Accounting students, outrightly brought out educative elements against unworthy traditional perspectives bedeviling the society.
Recapitulating the 9th Graduation Ceremony
By Meshack Ngangi The Co-operative University of Kenya rose to the occasion of the 9th Graduation Ceremony on Friday, December 6th, 2024, an event that marks the epitome of academic toil spanning 4 years for Bachelor’s graduates, 2 years for Master’s and Diploma graduates, and 1 year for certificate graduates. The celebration of a life milestone saw a total of 2,220 graduates being conferred and awarded different Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates, respectively, out of whom 1,027 were from the School of Business and Economics (SBE), 222 from the School of Co-operative and Community Development (SCCD), and 200 from the School of Computing and Mathematics (SCM). The auspicious event marked the 9th Graduation Ceremony since the University was awarded a Charter in October 2016 from the then President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, E.G.H, received media coverage being aired on different outlets including Kenya Television Network (KTN), Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), Kameme TV, Inooro TV, K24 TV, TV 47, and Mass.Com. The Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Co-operatives and MSMEs Development, Hon. FCPA Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya, EGH, was the presiding Chief Guest in the 9th Graduation Ceremony held on Friday, December 6, 2024. Delegations and guests from various governmental, private, and non-governmental institutions, including the Ministry of Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, State Department for Co-operatives, Ministry of Education, State Department of Higher Education and Research, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Chuka University, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, University of Embu, Murang’a University, Daystar University, German Kenyan Cooperative Development (DGRV Kenya), Co-operative Bank, CIC Group, CIC Insurance, Techways Group, Woodley Boys School, National Police DT Sacco, Invest and Grow Sacco, Kenya USA Diaspora Sacco, Shirika DT Sacco, and Amref Sacco among others. The 9th Graduation statistics featured a 42% aggregate increase from the previous year that produced 1,565 graduates of The Co-operative University of Kenya, depicting the institution’s growth trajectory. School of Business and Economics (SBE) produced the highest number of graduates, recording a 93% increase from 532 Graduates in the 8th Graduation Ceremony to 1,027 Graduates in the 2024 Graduation Ceremony. The upward trend in student population and graduate numbers can be attributed to the University’s resolve to enhance physical and Information Communication and Technology (ICT) infrastructure and the development of cutting-edge programs that attract new learners and respond to industry needs and dynamics. Speaking at the 9th Graduation Ceremony, Macharia Ashley Wairimu, the 2024 Valedictorian, expressed the sentiments of the graduating class, noting that the graduates have been empowered and ready to serve Kenya with honour. Further, the highest-performing student of the Class of 2024 elucidated that joining The Co-operative University of Kenya was a privilege since it is a unique institution of higher learning with a conducive learning environment and a platform for holistic learner development. Speaking on academic excellence, Ms. Macharia explained the thorough journey she had endured in the School of Business and Economics with incredible mentorship and competent instruction from experienced faculty that the University offered her, ensuring a prepared human capital to serve our nation, the region, Africa, and the world. Mr. Peter Kinuthia, the CUK Alumni Association Chairperson, noted that the 9th Graduation Ceremony marked a significant milestone not only for the Graduating Class of 2024 but also a great contribution to the legacy of The Co-operative University of Kenya. From an experiential perspective, Mr. Kinuthia expressed satisfaction regarding the University’s programs that prepare industry-ready graduates and the dedication of the faculty members and the management to nurture knowledge, impart wisdom, and shape character. In congratulating the graduates, the Alumni Association Chairperson gave accolades to the Graduating Cohort of 2024 for their extraordinary achievements and standing at the threshold of a new adventure, equipped with knowledge and skills that will undoubtedly be the foundation of a promising future. “The alumni association shares an everlasting bond with every student of our ‘alma mater’ by walking a similar path, facing common challenges, and emerging stronger with heightened capabilities,” said Mr. Kinuthia. Delivering his Graduation address, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, PhD, EBS, noted that the excellence, success, and incredible growth witnessed in the 9th CUK Graduation Ceremony could be associated with the University’s dedicated faculty members and administrative staff who work tirelessly to ensure seamless operations and excellent service to customers. In maintaining the position of Kenya’s leading institution in higher education, The Co-operative University of Kenya continues to develop new programs that attract new students and respond to industry needs and dynamics. “The state-of-the-art facilities support learning and the university’s conducive environment suits our students’ academic pursuits. The University has enhanced physical and ICT infrastructure and has procured an additional 200 computers, established two (2) additional computer laboratories, two (2) environmental laboratories, two (2) psychology laboratories, and built a fully-equipped Hospitality Students’ Kitchen. In response to the bulging number of learners, the construction of new classrooms is ongoing, and they are expected to be handed over on or before January 15, 2025,” noted Prof. Kamau Ngamau. Also, the Vice Chancellor expressed that the University is in the process of implementing the Kenya Rural Transformation Centres Digital Platform (KRTCDP), which is funded by the African Development Bank through the African Development Fund. In March 2024, the KRTCDP project acquired a server tailored to the project’s needs and the University’s network requirements. In curriculum development and preparedness for receiving the first Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) trained cohort in the 2028/2029 academic year, the University undertook a training workshop for the faculty staff on CBC readiness. Additionally, we are in the process of reviewing the university’s academic programs to align with the competency-based curriculum requirements and installing the requisite infrastructure to support the newly approved curriculum in the Kenyan education sector. Ms. Elizabeth Kimkung, Ag. University Governing Council Chairperson highlighted that the apex University governance body will perpetually support the University management board to ensure consistent development in line with the Strategic Plan 2022-2027. In addition, the Council Chairperson reiterated the efforts and bold steps the institution has