University News

The Co-operative University of Kenya, the leading University in cooperative training, on Friday, the 24th day of June, commissioned the  Advanced Sequencing Batch Reactor (ABSR) Sewer Treatment & Recycling  Plant whose construction was co-funded by the University and The Co-operative Bank of Kenya at a total cost of Ksh.124,516,341. Mr.Fredrick Ndambuki (Secretary Administration, Ministry of Education far left, – Director forCo-operatives and HumanResources & Administration – Mr.Samuel Birech, Centre, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, VC The Co-operative University of Kenya, Unveiling the commemorative plaque of  the ABSR sewer Treatment & Recycling plant The plant is set to not only produce 30,000 liters of clean water per month but also form rich fertilizer from the effluent from the plant. This project catalyzes the conservation of the environment by safeguarding water bodies by making sure that they are free from contamination. The Co-operative University and The Co-operative  Bank of Kenya of Kenya have a long history that goes beyond sharing a name. Not only do the two draw their energy from the 22 million-member strong co-operative movement but also make a positive impact on the Kenya economy and on the livelihood of the people on whose shoulders they stand. This strong relationship between the two organizations is what led the Co-operative Bank to join CUK in the execution of this project and made a generous donation of Ksh.30 Million. A donation that we, the CUK fraternity are very grateful for. We look forward to taking part in the noble course of environment conservation by preventing water pollution by using the just commissioned ABSR plant and planting more trees in and around our campus. The VC, Prof. Kamau Ngamau plants a ceremonial tree to commemorate the commissioning of the ABSR Sewer Treatment and Recycling plant See attached photos of the momentous day .  

The staff and students of The Co-operative University of Kenya participated in The Mater Hospital’s noble cause dubbed Mater Heart Run “Touching a child’s heart” which was held on Saturday, June 11, 2022, at KICC as part of  CUK’s corporate social responsibility. The Mater Hospital has a Cardiac Program that was begun about 20 years ago after researching and finding out that very little cardiac work of good quality was being carried out in the country. In that line, the Mater Hospital launched The Mater Heart Run which was started in 2002 as one of the main fundraising avenues for the Cardiac program that seeks to cater to children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to get world-class cardiac treatment and Medicare. This noble cause has seen over 3,000 heart procedures that have prevented premature deaths and radiated healthy and happy lives thanks to the values of the Sisters of Mercy, which emphasizes compassion for all and seeks to uplift the lives of the underprivileged in the society. The Co-operative University being a hub of the co-operative movement will continue supporting The Matter Hospital in its noble course as part of the University’s Corporate Social Responsibility. CSR activity. See below the photos of the eventful day.

The Vice Chancellor, The Co-operative University of Kenya CUK, Prof. Kamau Ngamau participated in the 2022 ILO-FES Africa Regional Conference on Decent Work and Social and Solidarity Economy held on the 5th-6th May 2022 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The International Labor Organization (ILO), is an United Nations agency mandated to deal with labor issues, champion social protection & work opportunities for all, as well as advance social and economic justice through setting international labor standards. Friedrich-Ebert Foundation (FES), the organization that partnered with ILO for this conference, is a body that works on different national, global and regional issues and strives to enable & strengthen social justice and democratic political participation with the aim of developing ideas for shaping a better future. The objective of the Conference was to build a common understanding of the Social and Solidarity Economy and its relevance & potential in Africa as well as take stock of recent developments in SSE in Africa. The conference also aimed at sharing information and good practices among governments, employers, worker representatives and the SSE networks for its promotion. This year’s ILO conference was particularly significant since it was the first time ILO’s highest decision-making body discussed the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE). The SSE is an umbrella concept designating social and solidarity economy enterprises and organizations (SSEEOs) in particular cooperatives, mutual benefit societies, associations, foundations, nonprofits and social enterprises, which have the specific feature of producing goods, services and knowledge while pursuing both economic and social aims and fostering solidarity. In that line, ILO-FES Africa Regional Conference was substantial to The Co-operative University of Kenya, since CUK has a special interest in cooperatives being a leader in the sector, providing amongst other things; quality co-operative training, research, consultancy and community extension services. The Vice-Chancellor – CUK, Prof Kamau Ngamau prepared a well detailed presentation on Decent Work and the Social and Solidarity Economy Experiences from Kenya dazzling most, if not all the individuals from different sectors that took part in the conference. Prof. Kamau Ngamau further presented on how CUK, the leading University in offering quality co-operative education ,training, research and consultancy in Kenya, has throughout its history played a critical role as an SSE promoter in the co-operative movement in Kenya and other African countries including Uganda,https://www.cuk.ac.ke/vice-chancellor-2 Rwanda, Somalia, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Nigeria, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Sudan through various programs and projects. CUK has actively played a critical promotional role – supporting cooperatives and other SSE organizations in development of governance instruments, mainstreaming SSE values, playing an advocacy role through its staff serving on key platforms, networks, committees and task force to drive policy and legislative agenda for transformation of cooperative sector as well as undertaking key research for the cooperative movement. To crown it all, The Co-operative University of Kenya clearly stated its new focus on SSE demonstrating its interest in the policy work with counties, Kenya rural transformation centre, community organization for collective action, development of innovative academic programs for SSE and last but not least, the establishment of an Institute for SSE promotion. CUK is actively seeking partnerships and collaboration avenues with ILO and FES and other like-minded organizations to enhance its capacity to become a centre for SSE promotion in Kenya and The Horn of Africa – an objective that will be a game changer in the Social and Solidarity Economy.

  The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Kamau Ngamau, centre and CEO, FMS Mr. Alex Malla exchange the signed MoU documents. On Monday May 30th 2022, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was inked by  Fineline Management Systems (FMS) and The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) piloting a long-term strategic partnership with an aim of setting up a framework for mutual partnership and defining  broader relationships towards joint assignments in co-operative development, education and training, research, innovations and capacity building of the co-operative sector and related fields. The CUK, a leader in the co-operative sector provides quality co-operative training, research, consultancy and community extension services whereas Fineline Management Systems specializes in the provision of consultancy services in Economic Development focusing on areas of Microfinance, Banking and Co-operative Development. The MoU  will be made possible through the cooperation of both parties in steering the Co-operative development targeting the formation and capacity building of co-operatives (and pre-cooperatives) at the County and National levels as well as in the region. CUK and FMS plan on joining hands and working towards, educating and training members; having joint ventures in undertaking consultancies and outreach activities; supporting social and economic development of the community members; having a joint resource The witnesses, DVC,CDRI Prof. Isaac K Nyamongo seated far right and the Director Research FMS, Mr. Joab Osumha signing the MOU document mobilizations for program of mutual benefit; promoting research and innovation in the co-operative sector; promoting commercialization and marketing of research outputs and innovations; and last but not least, jointly organize conferences, seminars, workshops and symposia. The MoU further seeks to, through the steering committee, solicit funds from the National Government, County Governments, development partners and private Sector organizations for joint program activities.  

The DVC – CDRI & Ag. DVC – AA, Professor Isaac Nyamongo The Education & Training Director, DAWI – Rebecca Bauen The Senior Technical Specialist, Global Communities, Ashley Holst The Kenya Country Lead, CLEAR program, Global Communities, Olga Oyier Director ICD, Professor Wycliffe Oboka All Trainers from DAWI CUK Champions All Delegates from CUK Faculty Ladies and Gentlemen. A very good morning to you all. It gives me great pleasure to join you this morning on the occasion of the Graduation ceremony, one of its Kind in the Cooperative Movement in Kenya. I wish, to first of all, appreciate the Division of Co-operative Development, Research and Innovation for leading us to this day of triumph. The Vice Chancellor, Prof Kamau Ngamau gives his opening remarks during the graduation of the TOT’S for Worker Cooperative Business Model   Ladies and Gentlemen. CUK has constantly played a central role in providing globally competitive quality Co-operative education, training, outreach activities and capacity development to the Co-operative sector workforce. We are a Centre of Excellence for the cooperative sector in Kenya, in line with the realization of Vision 2030, which aims at transforming the country into a newly industrializing, middle-income country providing a high quality life to all its citizens. Ladies and Gentlemen On the continent, Kenya has always been in the forefront in embracing new ideas, innovation and entrepreneurship activities. In Cooperative development, we have many business models. New models have cropped up in other sectors and social-development fronts. Worker-owner cooperative business model being one of them, we are supporting any efforts that will make sure this model has gained momentum and is sustainable. To realize this responsibility, CUK has continued to establish strategic long-term partnerships and collaborations with other players in the cooperative movement. We are working with the national government, County governments, academia, private sector and development partners in Kenya and beyond. Distinctively, I would like to commend the Global Communities for the long-term good working relationship we have had in supporting cooperative movement in Kenya. We have walked a common journey since the inaugural of the CLEAR program which was launched at CUK during our 2nd Annual Conference to date. Our collaboration has seen a great improvement in the cooperative sector. We started by engaging in a co-organizing cooperative conference as a platform to engage with key players in the cooperative sector, including county governments in capacity development and dissemination of information. Later we engaged in building the capacities of the service cooperatives that were supported by Global Communities in developing hybrid business documents. Ladies and Gentlemen The journey of working on this program began in January, 2021 between CUK, Global Communities and Democracy at Work Institute (DAWI) and I strongly believe that this is the beginning of promoting and supporting worker-owner cooperative business models in Kenya. We welcome the worker cooperative curriculum in Kenya through CUK  by incorporating the same in our academic programs and as a short course that will be delivered through CDRI and Institute of Co-operative Development (ICD). CUK will support the program by allowing the faculty who have been identified and trained as TOT and students who will be on-boarded to champion for the development and growth of this interesting model. Through our innovation and incubation hub to be established at CUK, We promise to support and incubate new ventures in the worker – owner cooperative business model. Also, we will reach out to the cooperative players out there to support this development. To the Graduands A big Congratulations, you have done very well and we are very proud of you. You are the pioneer graduates on this 1st ever graduation ceremony as TOT for worker Cooperative business model in Kenya and I am personally overjoyed to see you through your journey of supporting the cooperative movement. We join you in defining the cooperative business model in Kenya and beyond. I know that all of you are coming with different expertise and from different disciplines and I take this opportunity to welcome all of you in the vast world of great talents, space for job creators, entrepreneurs and innovators, which I know you are all well equipped for the task ahead. Lastly but definitely not least, Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to wish you all a wonderful day as you celebrate your well deserved  achievement. Thank you . God Bless You.

On the 9th of March, the government of Kenya came up with measures to regulate the Boda Boda sub-sector. One of them was for all Boda Boda users to join cooperatives and Saccos and each to have a license. The Co-operative University in turn came up with ways to educate the operators and help them join the cooperatives. The forum was officially commenced by the DVC -Academic, Co-operative Development, Research, and Innovation Division, Professor Isaac .K. Nyamongo. He welcomed everyone present and thanked them for gracing the occasion.  He went on and encouraged the operators to join the cooperatives and be united. ‘’ If there is no unity within the cooperatives then there will be no progress.’’  Mr  Isaac Nyamongo said Prof. Isaac K. Nyamongo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic, Co-operative Development, Research, and innovation Division) addressing the boda-boda operators. Joining cooperatives and being united will make the cooperatives grow and the bodaboda operators grow in so many areas.  This means that in years to come they will be able to have their own workshops and other developments. Also, the bodaboda operators will be able to have different sources of income and not only depend on  Boda Boda operations. The registrar( CDRI)  Dr. Lydia also encouraged the bodaboda operators to have unity, and cooperation and never be afraid of taking risks. Mr. Morris Githui,  a  representative of the State Department for Co-operatives talked about how to join the cooperatives and what is needed for one to be a member of a cooperative. He also talked about the advantages of joining a cooperative movement. The Boda Boda transport cooperatives will promote and create managements which will promote the transport business and also help operators manage their businesses in an organized manner in accordance with NTSA regulations and finally help the operators create their own code of conduct. The committee formed will be in charge of discipline and making sure rules and regulation placed are followed by all members. The cooperatives will also create and encourage savings and offer affordable credits to their members. In addition, they will be able to provide the purchase and sale of motorcycles and related accessories. They will provide road safety awareness among members and the community at large. HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE BODA BODA TRANSPORT COOPERATIVE One must have a boda boda Be on a route that is designated within that Boda Boda transport cooperative Be an employee of the cooperative You must be 18 years and above. A minor can be a member through a nominee You must be of a good character and sound mind You should not be a member of another cooperative carrying the same activity in the same area Must pay a registration fee. ( amount is agreed by the members) Any cooperative must have a member register and can be either a hard copy or a soft copy. Members will be given a unique identification number. Every cooperative will have a committee which will be in charge of various activities in the cooperative. The work of the committee is; Maintaining law and order within the cooperative Liaise with relevant stakeholders in the sector to coordinate the Boda Boda business Ensure only serviceable and insured motorcycles are allowed to operate on the designated routes There will be payment of the root management fee. The committee’s work is to  ensure each member pays it on time without any excuse Ensure cooperatives provide services in line with NTSA regulations. Again the committee can decide which motorcycles are in good shape to provide services They will decide on the mode of payment of services either through M-pesa or cash or using a till number.                                                                                                                                                                                                    The operators were given a chance to ask questions which were clarified by the NTSA officer and were later on given a chance to ask more personal questions. The chairman for Boda Boda operators gave a vote of thanks and the event was drawn to a close by Dr Lydia,  The Registrar ( CDRI ).

Truly, one of the relationships in this mortal life which scores above most is that which we all enjoy with our mothers. This extraordinary relationship is truly priceless in terms of her countless love, dedication and devotion towards her family and all those around her. Cake cutting in commemoration of the 2022’s International Mother’s Day To acknowledge the presence of all biological mothers and those who play the roles of mothers, Mother’s Day is celebrated annually in more than 46 countries in the world. This day creates an exceptional occasion where people get a chance to express their respect, honor and love towards mothers. The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) through the Human Resources Department organized for a Mother’s Day Breakfast in honor of all the mothers/ladies in the University. The breakfast which took place at the Cooperative Retreat and Conference Center (CRCC) was graced by an empowered guest speaker, Madam Irene Mally who shed much light to the great women in attendance. The guest speaker Madam Irene Mally (far left ) with the Pricipal Human Resource manager , Madam Anne Jemimma Mmata pose for a photo Miss Mally, a lawyer, an author of the book Born Wealthy, an international public speaker, a mother and grandmother, encouraged all women to be significant women in the society by: Being intentional in what they do; Having personal dreams and working towards them; Being ready to always learn and finally, being actively involved in their personal growth. The role of motherhood is one of a kind and should always be celebrated since as Helen Steiner Rice put it: “A mother’s love is something that no one can explain, it is made of   deep devotion and of sacrifice and pain, It is endless and unselfish and ensuring come what may For nothing can destroy or take that love away”. To crown the celebration, the CUK female staff celebrated with a sumptuous breakfast, a delish cake, personal and encouraging stories from different beautiful women in attendance, flowers and chocolate and lots of good music that brought out the young and energetic spirit of the great and phenomenal women of CUK. Before the ink is dry, the CUK would love to wish all the mothers, mothers who have lost children, those with strained mother relationships, mothers with strained child relationships, those who have chosen not to be mothers and those yearning to be mothers a Happy Mother’s Day full of love and happiness that you all so richly deserve!

The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) has embarked on the process of developing its second Strategic Plan which will be the guiding document for the period 2022-2027. The first Strategic Plan which was developed in 2017, and revised in 2018 to be in line with the “Big Four Agenda”, has been successfully implemented and has seen the university grow both in student population and the programmes on offer. Prof Esther Gicheru, DVC FPA and Chairperson of the Strategic Plan Development Committee gives her opening remarks at the joint workshop for Council and UMB. The Chairperson of the technical committee, Prof Esther Gicheru in her remarks thanked the technical team for their input and work in developing a first draft of the Strategic Plan 2022-2027. She noted that “The document which we are going to be taken through in the next three days has already been subjected to stakeholder input and views by way of a survey that was conducted between December 2021 and February 2022, where all our stakeholders, internal and external, gave their input on the direction they would want the university to take in the next five years”. Validation of the aspirations of the stakeholders as gathered in the online survey was also done on March 15th and March 16th, 2022 by the internal and external stakeholders respectively. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Kamau Ngamau, in his welcoming remarks noted and commended the technical team The Vice Chancellor, Prof Kamau Ngamau gives his opening remarks during the joint Strategic Plan workshop of Council and UMB. and the University Management Board for their invaluable input into the development of the Draft Strategic Plan. He expressed satisfaction with the Key results areas that the new strategic period will focus on and noted that “This will not only push the university ever so close to achieving her vision and mission statements but also create a path to her achieving the overall University Master Plan 2017-2067. I take a lot of pride in the far the University has come and the future to which we are going to be deliberating in the next three days”.  The Strategic Plan will focus on the following key results areas: Relevant Quality Education & Training; Research, Innovation & Outreach; Corporate Management and Organizational Sustainability (Business Process Re-engineering, Financial Stability, Governance & Human Resource Capacity Development); Development & Improvement of Physical infrastructure; and Customer Centricity & Brand Visibility Dr. Jeremy Bundi, Chairperson of Council during the joint Council and UMB Strategic Plan development workshop. In his welcome remarks, the Chairperson of the Council, Dr. Jeremy Bundi, did commend the University Management Board and the technical team for the work they have done so far in the development of a five-year footprint for the University. He noted that “A strategic plan is a tool that any organization uses as a guide. With integrity and dedication, as has been exhibited by the Management team led by Prof Ngamau, I am certain that the University is on the right and direct path to achieving its broad objectives, mission, and vision. My council is fully committed to providing the necessary support and guidance to the University with the sole intention of helping her achieve the plan as will be discussed over the next three days”. Dr., Bundi was happy and pleased to hear that all stakeholders in the university were involved in the process of developing the Strategic Plan and noted that they form a very delicate and integral part of the University Community. The facilitator Mr. Kanjumbi from the Kenya School of Government noted that the second cycle of a Strategic Plan offers a great moment to pause and reflect on the journey that was started five years ago. It presents an opportunity for an organization to look at where they are now and a discussion of where they want to be going into the future. He reminded the Council and Management Board that the universities that will survive in the future are those that will depend less and less on the exchequer and more and more on their internally generated funds and more specifically from research and innovations. The Strategic Plan with the input of the Council is expected to be launched by June 24th, 2022 for implementation thereafter.