University News

The Co-operative University of Kenya fraternity was on 22nd  September 2022  thrilled to hold an official handover ceremony for the Learning Resource Centre Library Building, which will provide a new reading space for our students and the entire CUK fraternity. The construction of the five-storey building commenced on 21st March  2019 with a vision of creating an excellent resource for all the book lovers in the institution. Through the hard, commendable work and partnership of the building contractors and the institution, the project is now ready for use and will contribute heavily to helping students establish themselves in the university community and teach the power of research. CUK’s DVC.-CDRI .Prof. Isaac Nyamongo receives the Keys for the complete Learning resource Centre from the main constructor.   CUK’s House Keeper, Ms.Eunah happy to receive the keys to the Learning Resource Centre The Learning Resource Centre building has a fleet of stairs leading to the top of the building which gives a beautiful outlook of the University. The large windows let sunlight pour into the rooms, creating a warm atmosphere that will help make studying more enjoyable by avoiding eye strain and headaches.   The Co-operative University is extremely grateful to the Government of Kenya’s Ministry of Education for funding the construction of this building, as well as the construction companies’ collaboration with CUK. We look forward to expanding our collaborations.

BUSINESS PROCESS RE-ENGINEERING (BPR) FOR BETTER CUSTOMER SERVICE   The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) in Celebration of Customer Service Week 2022 has begun the Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) for some of its key functions in a bid to serve its customer better and more efficiently. In this first phase of the BPR project, some of the key functions to be re-engineered include; the Student Admission and Registration Process, Teaching, Examination and Certification Process, and the Customer Support Services Process. Speaking at the sensitization workshop for all Heads of Divisions, Departments, and Sections the Vice Chancellor Prof. Kamau Ngamau emphasized the importance of putting the customer at the center of all our activities. “ In our Strategic Plan, 2022-2027 the university has set out an entire strategy dubbed Customer Centricity and Service Delivery with the sole intention of serving our customers better, faster, and more efficiently. As such this BPR sensitization comes at a very important stage as we embark on the implementation of this plan” Madam Jacqueline Mutimba, BPR Consultant during a training session. On her part, the BPR Consultant Madam Jacqueline M. Otwori took the members through a rigorous sensitization on what BPR is and the importance of re-engineering, and the benefits the university stands to gain. “It is important to ask ourselves why certain things are done the way they are done and do they help us serve our customers better, more effectively, and efficiently. ” BPR is defined as the fundamental rethinking, systemic and radical re-design of organizational processes, to achieve dramatic improvements (45%) of performance in cost, speed, and quality of service (Hammer & Champy, 1993). The major goals and objectives as to why any organization would undertake a BPR are: To meet customer needs through Accessibility to high-quality services, Just in Time (JIT) services, Convenient services, Affordable services, Human dignity (not long queues); To reduce the cost of doing business, To improve efficiency and effectiveness; and To enhance Global competitiveness. In her parting shot, Jacqueline noted that “ We can not use 20th Century processes to serve 21st Century Customers” further reemphasizing the urgency and importance of undertaking the BPR process. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Finance Planning, and Administration Prof Esther Gicheru, (seated center) with the team that was selected to undertake the first phase of the BPR.

The annual Kenya Universities Performing Arts Association (KUPAA) Drama Nairobi Regionals Festival in Kenya that was held on the 1st and 2nd of October was filled with pomp and colour as different universities graced the stage to display their talents and skills. Held at KCA University,15 universities battled it out for the different prizes including best costume and décor, Best Scripted items, Best Production, Educative items, most  Creative items and last but not least, most Original items. CUK’s Drama Club showcasing their talent during the KUPAA Nairobi Regionals Drama Festivals held at KCA University The Co-operative University of Kenya, drama club being a diverse group of talented students who were not only familiar with the Kenyan culture, performing arts, and music, but were also well trained and prepared emerged as the best in the Nairobi Region, taking home two trophies for Modern Dance and Mime. Undoubtedly,  It was crystal clear that their able trainer, Mr. Felix Moses Ogola aka ‘Mtetezi’ and the club’s patron Miss Mary Mbugua had really put their best foot forward to train and walk this creative journey with the students.   As the Co-operative University, we are proud of our drama team as they will be proceeding to the National Drama festivals to perform their winning items from 4th November 2022 in Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology. We look forward to celebrating CUK’s Drama club in their next win.

The concept of innovation has become the emblem of our age, lauded as a panacea for resolving all societal issues and self-evidently presupposed as technological innovation. With that said,  We are proud to say that The Co-operative University has staff and students who are very innovative and always work towards solving societal issues, particularly in the Education Industry. Recently, our very own senior lecturer, Dr. Shem Mbandu Angolo, who is the  Director, the  Directorate of Academic Quality Assurance & Senior Lecturer, Department of Computer Science and Information Technology did a very impressive innovative presentation on data Management at the first International annual conference for the Public Universities Chairpersons of council, Vice-Chancellors and Principals of constituent Colleges. Dr. Shem Mbandu Angolo proposed a Higher Education Management Information System (Hemis), which will house all data in higher learning institutions and will be used to provide accurate and reliable data that will be used to inform policies, provide data security, be a single source of truth for all stakeholders, and provide a student tracking system, to name a few. With the adoption of this proposal, the massive data generated from higher education institutions , will be centralized and be used to make major decisions and formulate both institutional and national level policies. With that said and done, we are proud to have very innovative members of staff at The Co-operative University of Kenya, and we pledge to continue supporting great ideas. Ideas that will not only solve problems within our institution, but also beyond it.

On the 14th day of September 2022, The Co-operative University of Kenya welcomed its newest and youngest family, known to many as ‘freshas’. The students, accompanied by their parents, braved the cold and chilly Nairobi weather and made their way into school very early in the morning. Brown envelopes were the order of the day as the students carried their admission letters along with other necessary documents and materials required as per their calling letters. Long queues clearly could not be avoided as a result of the large number of students joining in. The school was a bee-hive of activities as the admission process commenced. The school management carried out the admission process smoothly with no glitches. Smiling faces were noted as the students were happy to join the University of their Choice, a place they would refer to as home for the next several years. Parents too were happy souls to see their boys and girls get to pursue their next stage in life and only hope to see them as prosperous adults. As a University, it was also a big joy to see many families grow. Some students referred to the university as a peaceful and chilled place to study. The Corporate Communications and Marketing department was able to interview a few students and one said “I love this weather, the breeze is cool and the environment is clean. The place gives a serene feeling.” Those were the most stated statement that was heard around the campus. The Co-operative University of Kenya is very delighted to receive you all as you take a step ahead in life. We are here and will be here to help you develop and become better people in society. We look forward to having awesome 2 or 4 years ahead and we wish you good luck in your various courses.

Deputy Vice Chancellor, Finance, Planning and Administration, Prof Esther Gicheru, Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor, Co-operative Development, Research and Innovation, and Ag. Deputy Vice-Chancellor,  Academic Affairs, Prof Kennedy Waweru, Registrars present, Deans and Directors present, Professors of the University present, Members of staff present, Student leaders present led by the Student’s President Collins Brandon, New students, Ladies and gentlemen Good morning, Today, I am thoroughly delighted to join my colleagues in welcoming a new cohort of students joining The Co-operative University of Kenya for the next phase of your academic journey.  Allow me to commend you for the choice you made to be here. We appreciate the faith and trust you have in this University and we shall endeavour to deliver as per your expectations and even beyond your expectations. The Co-operative University of Kenya is a Public University and is one of the oldest institutions of learning in Kenya and in the region whose history dates back to 1952. The University acquired its charter as a fully chartered public university on 7th October 2016. In a few weeks’ time, we are going to celebrate our 6th Anniversary as a Chartered University. This University has been mandated with training for the vast Co-operative sector in Kenya which commands over 45% of the Nation’s GDP by engaging in training, research, and innovation that is aimed at creating solutions for the movement and other related fields. This only goes to show you how important this institution is with regard to the growth of our economy and the huge responsibility that is placed on your shoulders to realise the dreams and aspirations of this great nation. Fresh Men and Women, Allow me to congratulate you on the excellent academic performance that has enabled you to be placed at the CUK. We have a team of dedicated and qualified faculty and support staff who will guide you during your stay here and who are keen to give you the best experience during your stay. I wish to assure you that our operations as a University are student-centred and no efforts are spared to enable our students to achieve their dreams and exploit their full potential. This year we are delighted to admit another  2,186 students for the Degree, Diploma and Certificate levels. Our University has continued to grow and we have some new academic programmes where we have students placed for the first time this year. Fresh men and women Our University is a reputable institution in Kenya and the region and as such you will find academic life here demanding; our training and efforts to produce competent graduates remain our key priority. You have come here with one objective; academic pursuit. Your success here is dependent on your hard work, focus and personal effort; You need to remember that you are a student 24/7, 365 days a year. Keep away from trouble and trouble will keep away from you. I know you have been well briefed and counselled about drug and alcohol abuse, and the issues of examination irregularities. You have been taken through the student regulations and guidelines. Kindly ensure that you comply and stay on the right side of the said rules and regulations. As you have been advised by the Dean of Students, HIV/AIDS is real, causing lots of pain to the Nation and families both financially and socially. As you join this University as your academic partner, be careful not to indulge in irresponsible sexual relationships. The country has recently experienced many tragic love-related incidents involving University students and their partners. The sponsor culture has also become entrenched in many local Universities where endowed balding men have come to prey on young ladies and sponsor their expensive lifestyles. Many girls have also gotten unwanted pregnancies. We have also witnessed several unfortunate cases of abortions taking place at the University.  We advise you and especially the girls to be extremely careful in relationships as you usually have the most to lose. Also, live within your means. Incidences of suicide have also tremendously increased in Universities. Kindly seek the audience of the Students’ Counsellor or Dean of Students’ office if you are undergoing any psychological pressure or stress. The challenge of Drug and Substance Abuse in Universities is very real. There are drug peddlers who peddle the drugs around looking for customers who get them hooked on the drugs. The University has very strict regulations on drug and substance abuse and the peddling of drugs. As you are aware, this is a criminal offence under the laws of Kenya and is dealt with very severely. Another vice that is destroying many Kenyan homes including University students is an addiction to sports betting. According to 2016 data Sports betting amassed KSh 56,498,568,760. SportPesa led with revenues of KSh 43,162,779,684. Others are Betin, Lotto, Betway, Elitebet, mCHEZA, BetYetu, JustBet, Betika. Some students have betted all their fees and ended up committing suicide. You are well advised to keep away from these. We would like all of you to graduate the way you reported and to hand you back to your parents and guardians in one piece. I implore all of you to join clubs and societies as part of your extracurricular activities. Participate in a sport of your choice and use your free time to interact with your fellow comrades. I am aware that great efforts have been made by the Dean of Students Office to avail the necessary facilities for your extracurricular activities. Kindly take advantage of these activities as they go a long way in making you an all-rounded student and a better person. Dear students, Information, as they say, is power and such I would advise that you ensure you always keep yourselves updated with University events and activities. Visit our website www.cuk.ac.ke on a regular basis to find out what activities and events the University is having, the MoU’s that we have engaged in and leverage on the opportunities thereof. Follow us and like our pages on our official social media platforms; Twitter: @CoopVarsityKE; Facebook: @CoopVarsityKE and;

Members of UMB Present The Trainers from EACC Colleagues Good Afternoon! I am very delighted to take this opportunity to welcome all of you to this sensitization webinar on the 19th Cycle Corruption Prevention Guidelines which shall be facilitated by a team from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). We are fully aware of the great work the EACC has been doing in ensuring that all public organizations govern and manage their organization in the best way to prevent corruption, economic crimes and unethical conduct in Kenya through law enforcement, prevention, public education, promotion of standards and practices of integrity, ethics and anti-corruption. As a public organization having signed the Performance Contract (PC) we understand the importance of having and running a corruption-free organisation and also see the need to have such a sensitization forum, where we talk about the corruption risks and threats that exist in institutions and the impact at a national, organizational and personal level and for this, we are glad to have all our Heads of Departments join this sensitization. In August 2021 we had an EACC sensitization for the Anti-corruption committee and officers involved in ICT, Finance, Procurement, payroll management and core mandate on implementing measures arising from the corruption risk mitigation plan. As a University, we pride ourselves as an institution that has carefully appointed Heads of Departments who are not only fully aware of their duties and responsibilities but also take full cognisance of the role they play in ensuring that the institution averts all corruption risks and threats. The HoD’S together with their staff fully understand the impact corruption has had on the education sector, from mismanagement of funds,  young people denied the education they should receive, and those unable to afford bribes denied access to education or employment opportunities. And with such knowledge, we have been able to make sure there is transparency in everything happening in and out of the institution. In conclusion,  I wish to remind us that integrity is a shared responsibility and we should each do our part in the fight against corruption. When we all practice transparency, accountability and work according to the codes and conduct as espoused in the Kenyan Constitution, we will all be heavily contributing to the EACC’S mission of promoting integrity and combating corruption through law enforcement, prevention and education and eventually take part in enhancing the integrity of our Kenyan society. Let me now take this opportunity to thank all of you for joining and participating in this sensitization and wish you all a fruitful afternoon. May our God, the Giver of everything Bless you. Thank you

Hayawi Hayawi huwa! Siku ya kujua mbivu na mbichi katika maswala ya uongozi wa nchi ya Kenya imekaribia. Hivyo basi, tarehe 22,7/2022 baraza la kutawala la  wanafunzi wa chuo kikuu cha Ushirika, (CUK) iliandaa kampeni  za amani ili kueneza ujumbe maalum wa umuhimu wa amani kabla na baada ya uchaguzi mkuu kufanyika. Rais wa baraza la wanafunzi wa CUK Bw. Collins pamoja na wanafunzi wenzake katika sherehe ya siku ya Amani chuoni CUK Hafla hii, ilikusudia  kuwaelimisha wanafunzi, wakufunzi, pamwe na wafanyikazi mbalimbali wa CUK,  umuhimu wa kushiriki katika uchaguzi mkuu, kufanya kampeni mbalimbali kwa amani, kuchagua viongozi wetu bila vita na punde tu, majibu yanapotangazwa,adinasi wote  wakubali matokeo ya uchaguzi mkuu na kuendelea na masomo, kazi na shughuli mbalimbali. Vilevile, kampeni hii ilikuwa na lengo ya kuwatahadharisha vijana kutokana na uzoevu wa kutumiwa kama ajenti  vita na vurugu. Prof. Esther Gicheru, naibu makamu chansela wa mipango na utawala wa fedha wa chuo kikuu cha CUK awahotubia waalikwa kuhusu umihimu wa kudumisha amani Waliohudhuria kampeni hii na kuwapa wanafunzi wa CUK na wote waliohudhuria,  wosia mufti ni baadhi ya viongozi wa chuo kikuu cha CUK, ikiwemo, Profesa Esther Gicheru ambaye ni naibu makamu chansela wa mipango na utawala wa fedha, Dkt. Lucinda Mugaa,  mkuu wa wanafunzi katika chuo kikuu cha CUK, viongozi mbalimbali wa Mkenya Daima– shikrika la kueneza ujumbe wa amani, viongozi mbalimbali wa maswala ya vijana, sikwambi, mabaraza ya wanafunzi ya vyuo mbalimbali mjini Nairobi.   Kilichosisitizwa zaidi katika hafla hii ni umuhimu wa Amani. Ama kwa hakika,baraza la kutawala la  wanafunzi wa chuo kikuu cha Ushirika,  pamoja na waliohudhuria waliweza kutimiza lengo na  wajibu wao wa kuwaelimisha wanajamii wa maeneo ya Karen na Gataka kuhusu umuhimu wa kudumisha amani msimu huu wa uchaguzi. Wengi walisisitiza maneno ya mababu wetu wa kale na kusadiki kuwa watapiga kura na kupokea majibu kwa kwani wanaelewa fika kuwa, asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. Kaditama, udugu wote wa CUK ungependa kukuomba ewe somaji mpendwa,  kueneza ujumbe wa amani na kuimba wimbo wa umoja haswa wakati huu wa uchaguzi na hata baada ya uchaguzi mkuu ili sote tuweze kuwa na uchaguzi wenye amani na umoja. Aisee! Umoja ni nguvu, utengano ni udhaifu. #tusibleed ndio walead#. kwaya barabara ya CUK yawatumbuiza waalikwa kwa nyimbo nzuri za kueneza amani

The Co-operative University was on 12th July honored to host representatives from The Co-operative University’s board and management, The Ministry of Education and other stakeholders who were on campus to witness the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between The Co-operative University of Kenya and The Vives University. The MoU will create areas of collaboration and intends to pilot the exchange of undergraduate students for study or/and placement, Exchange of teaching and or academic staff, bring about Cooperative applied research and development activities, Collaborative teaching activities, joint degree programs, conferences/symposia, Participation in curriculum review or development and last but certainly not least, the exchange of academic materials and Benchmarking. The Co-operative University of Kenya Vice Chancellor Prof Kamau Ngamau,left, Mr Joris Hindryckx , President, VIVES (centre) and Mrs. Tinest Head of Global engagement (left) exchange the MoU documents Vives University of applied sciences is situated  at Doorniksesteenweg 145, 8500 Kortrijk and Xaverianenstraat 10, 8200 Brugge, Belgium. The prestigious university is well known for its excellence in producing excellent graduates who are professionally oriented in Bachelor’s Degrees and Associate Degrees and ensures that its students contribute to the globalized world both as human beings and as professionals. Similarly, The Co-operative University of Kenya, located in Karen, Kenya is an excellent hub for producing great manpower that is well trained in matters of education, research, innovation and cooperative training. With that said and done, we look forward to a synergistic collaboration between the two institutions. Prof. Isaac K. Nyamongo – DVC, CDRI left and Mr Joris Hindryckx , President, VIVES pose for a photo after successful signing of the MoU After the signing of the MoU, the guests proceeded on a university tour showcasing the university’s projects and later enjoyed a delectable lunch at the University’s premises.