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SPEECH BY THE COUNCIL CHAIRPERSON, DR. IBRAHIM M. ALI, DURING THE 3RD GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE CO-OPERATIVE UNIVERSITY OF KENYA ON FRIDAY 7TH DECEMBER 2018   Chief Guest, Cabinet Secretary Ministry Of Education, Amb. Dr. Amina Mohamed The cabinet secretary ministry of trade, industry and co-operatives, Hon. Peter Munya The PS State Department of University Education, Prof. Colleta Suda The Co-operative University of Kenya Council Members, The Vice Chancellor of the Co-operative University of Kenya, Prof. Kamau Ngamau Vice Chancellors of other Universities present Deputy Vice Chancellors of CUK Deputy Vice Chancellors of other Universities present Distinguished guests and leaders of the co-operative movement, Our 2018 Graduands Ladies and Gentlemen   First, let me welcome you all to our Main Campus as we celebrate our 3rd Graduation Ceremony since award of Charter and as we celebrate the Class of 2018. I am humbled to convey to you all my warm greetings and those of the entire University Council as well as those of the University Community. We feel highly honored by your presence here today and feel quite appreciated.   Allow me to sincerely congratulate the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, on your inauguration today as the 1st Vice Chancellor of the University. The University Council and the entire university is looking at you for extraordinary leadership and your ability to move this institution forward.   In the same vein, I aptly congratulate the CUK Class of 2018 on your graduation today. Your effort has led you to where you are seated today. We are all happy for you and congratulations once again.   Our chief guest, Ladies and gentlemen, it is worth noting that Co-operatives in our own country are a pillar in the Vision 2030. The play a fundamental role in promoting equity and socio-economic development. According to the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA), the Co-operative movement brings together over one billion people around the world, and that the livelihood of nearly half of the world’s population is made secure by co-operative enterprises.  They provide income, job opportunities and avenues for social and economic development.  In Kenya alone, 63% of the population derives their livelihoods from Co-operatives. Furthermore, the co-operative movement generates about 45% of the country’s Growth Domestic Product (GDP).   As well noted in this year’s Graduation, ‘CUK the Center for the Big 4 Agenda’, we are indeed proud that this university is playing a big role in realization of the Big 4 Agenda plan for the government.   In this regard Ladies and Gentlemen, Since independence over half a century ago, the quest for University Education has been increasing at an as astounding rate and especially in the last ten (10) years. It is in this realization that The Co-operative University of Kenya is fast positioning itself to increase access to education through expansion of Academic programmes. My Council is leaving no stone unturned in supporting the University Management board and the senate to ensure that the quality of teaching and research at CUK is top notch. We have completed construction of a state-of-art lecture theatre with a sitting capacity of 2,500 students. We have further increased our degree programmes from 5 programmes, 3 years ago to 17 programmes. We have rolled out 3 Master’s Degree Programmes and I am informed that in May 2019, we are rolling out the 1st PhD program in Co-operative Management. Allow me to give the assurance of the University Council that this expansion, however, shall not compromise the quality of the education being offered in this university. Our reputation in Cooperative training, research and extension, and the products that we release in the job market compares to none and this we shall save guard and protect at all times.   Our Chief Guest, We have also expanded our student accommodation facilities within the campus.  Nonetheless, let me hasten to note that in this area we are still constrained.   Ladies and gentlemen, CUK recognizes the fact that higher ethical and professional management standards are demanded for the Co-operative sector to perform better and increase its share of socio-economic contribution.  In this regard, the University has called for promotion of an academic center of excellence for the professional development of Human resources for the Co-operative movement both locally and internationally.  The then Co-operative College of Kenya was established with that vision in mind.  Consequently, my Council shall spare no effort to ensure that this University realizes its mandate.   Chief Guest, To achieve its mandate, the University has reviewed and further revised our 2017-2022 strategic plan to fit in the current development trends and government policies and, in particular, the BIG FOUR agenda. We aim to provide practical solutions to endemic problems of Co-operative enterprises in the region and the world over.   I wish to assure the graduands that they have a great opportunity to advance their studies all the way to PhD.  However, it is important to remind ourselves that mere pursuit of knowledge without its relevant and productive application to the respective world of work would be a futile effort.  Therefore, I further urge you to utilize the knowledge and skills you have acquired in respective work areas, with a view to improving your wellbeing and the economy of this great Nation.   Our graduands, allow me to take this opportunity once again to congratulate you and wish you success in all your future endeavors.   Thank you and God bless you all, God bless The Co-operative University and God Bless Kenya.

CO-OPERATIVES TO PLAY A KEY ROLE IN ACHIEVING OF THE BIG 4 AGENDA I wish to congratulate the Co-operative University of Kenya on this very special occasion as it celebrates the 3rd Graduation Ceremony of the since award of university charter in October, 2016. Indeed this graduation marks a milestone in the history, development, and expansion of Co-operative Education and Training in this country.   The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Co-operatives will continue to support the Co-operative University of Kenya as it continues to produce manpower requirements for the Cooperative sector and related economy and provide solutions for challenges facing the Cooperative movement. This will enable the Cooperatives play their rightful role in the socio-economic transformation of this country and contribute significantly in achieving the ‘Big Four’ agenda and Vision 2030.   Cumulatively, in Kenya, the Co-operative movement has over 20,000 Co-operatives, over 12 million members, about 500,000 employees, and a capital base of over Kshs. 450 Billion and contributing more than 45% to GDP. As such Kenya’s cooperative Model is the best in Africa and ranked 7th Globally. This University has contributed immensely towards this achievement that we are proud of as a Nation. The University will also be expected to play a key role in assisting the Ministry in policy formulation and in the review of the regulatory regime in the Cooperative sector.   Lastly, I take this opportunity to congratulate the CUK Class of 2018 for successfully completing their studies and warmly welcome them to the world of work in the Cooperative sector.   MESSAGE FROM THE VICE CHANCELLOR JKUAT, PROF. MABEL IMBUGA I am happy to be part of this occasion of the first graduation ceremony conducted after the elevation of the Co-operative College of Kenya to a Constituent College of JKUAT. I acknowledge the fact that the college has started on a good footing since the commencement of the training programs under the new dispensation. Today, the University College is dispatching 395 professionals of various disciplines into the job market. I want to assure the public that the graduands have attained the requisite qualifications that meet the approved standards of the university and Commission for Higher Education. To the graduands, I call upon all of you to exhibit professionalism, and provide the much needed skills to the society.  Your input will contribute immensely in raising the living standards of Kenyans through the co-operative business model.

SPEECH BY CS MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AMB. DR. AMINA MOHAMED, EGH, CAV ON THE OCCASION OF THE CUK’S 3RD GRADUATION CEREMONY AND HIS INAUGURATION ON 7th DAY OF DECEMBER, 2018, KAREN AT 9.00AM The Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Trade, Industry and Co-operatives, Hon Peter Munya The PS State Department of University Education, Prof. Colleta Suda The Chair, The Co-operative University of Kenya Governing Council, Dr. Ibrahim Ali, The Co-operative University of Kenya Council Members, The Vice Chancellor of The Co-operative University of Kenya, Prof. Kamau Ngamau Vice Chancellors of other Universities present Deputy Vice Chancellors of CUK Deputy Vice Chancellors of other Universities present Distinguished guests and leaders of the co-operative movement, Our 2018 Graduands Ladies and Gentlemen   It gives me great pleasure to join the University community, parents, guardians, sponsors and other stakeholders to celebrate the 3rd Graduation Ceremony of this University. To the graduands I say congratulations. Ladies and Gentlemen, Since its humble beginnings in 1952 as the East African School of Co-operation, the Co-operative University of Kenya has consistently played a pivotal role in the growth and development of not only the Co-operative sector in Kenya through training of professional staff in the cooperative sector but also in the University Education Sector. The award of a University Charter to the University 3 years ago is an important milestone for the institution and the Kenya Co-operative Movement which covers almost all the sectors of the economy. I am informed that our Co-operative movement with over 20,000 Co-operatives, over 12 million members, about 500, 000 employees, and a capital base of over Kshs. 450 billion and contributing more than 45% to GDP, is number one in Africa and 7th globally. This University has contributed immensely towards this achievement that we are proud of as a nation. Distinguished Guests The University is on a positive growth trajectory. I am encouraged that you are working closely with industry in developing new academic programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. This will ensure relevance of the training the institution provides. My Ministry is committed to ensuring that laid guidelines are followed and in this you have my support. I encourage you to ensure relevance and alignment to the Big Four both in terms of teaching and research. This will assist this institution to take its right place in the public University education system not only in Kenya but in the region and beyond. Ladies and Gentlemen, One of the main concerns of many students, and indeed parents and guardians, is employment opportunities within their areas of study after they complete the courses they have pursued. In this regard my Ministry has recently launched the office of career services. I call upon all University students and especially graduands to think not only about being employed but of being employers in their own right. The Co-operative Business model that allows people with common interest to pool together their resources and offer services through an organization that they jointly own and control can be used to create jobs and wealth for any professional category of graduates including accountants, engineers, Co-operative professionals, medical practitioners and food science professionals, among others.   I am particularly happy to note that The Co-operative University of Kenya is currently actively engaged in a process of renewing partnership building with the Mondragon University of Spain to introduce studies and technologies that will enable Kenya to establish worker-based Co-operative model that will enable skilled people to establish, own and run workers’ Co-operatives that will contribute significantly to the realization of Vision 2030 and in particular the government’s Big 4 Agenda.   Ladies and Gentlemen, Having said that, allow me to inform the graduands that having worked hard and qualified to graduate today, you are now wholesomely prepared to fit in the world of work, either as employees or employers. One of the key issues to address in your prospective work places is upholding personal integrity, being committed to your work and your country. But remember, this qualification should not be the end of your studies and self-improvement. I encourage you to enroll for higher studies and become whatever you have always wanted to become. With those remarks, I wish you success in all your future endeavors. Thank you and May God bless you.

ACCEPTANCE SPEECH BY THE 1ST VICE CHANCELLOR OF THE CO-OPERATIVE UNIVERSITY OF KENYA PROF. KAMAU NGAMAU ON THE OCCASION OF HIS INAUGURATION ON 7th DAY OF DECEMBER, 2018, KAREN AT 9.00AM Chief Guest, Cabinet Secretary Ministry Of Education, Amb. Dr. Amina Mohamed The cabinet secretary ministry of trade, industry and co-operatives, Hon. Peter Munya The PS State Department of University Education, Prof. Colleta Suda The Chair, The Co-operative University of Kenya Governing Council, Dr. Ibrahim Ali, The Co-operative University of Kenya Council Members, Vice Chancellors of other Universities present Deputy Vice Chancellors of CUK Deputy Vice Chancellors of other Universities present Distinguished guests and leaders of the co-operative movement, Our 2017 Graduands Ladies and Gentlemen   I stand here this morning to accept, with great humility to be the 1st vice Chancellor of The Co-operative University of Kenya. This is a great occasion not only to me but also to the University fraternity and the Cooperative Movement in this Country.  To the Chairperson of the Council, Dr. Ibrahim Ali, and your Council, the Management Board of CUK, staff and students I make this promise, together we shall steer this great institution to a new high level.   I wish, in a special way to thank the Cabinet Secretary Ministry Of Education, Amb. Dr. Amina Mohamed for a appointing me. Your appointment Madam CS signals a humble gesture and great hope you have in me in being the head of this University.   We will work together with this great community to make this a Global University as envisioned in its Mission and vision. The foundation stone is in place. We shall move forward and fast.   As I stand here today, ladies and gentlemen, The Co-operative University of Kenya has a unique history and today we open a new Chapter which generations to come shall benchmark with. This history must resonate in our minds. We must make progress. We have to stand and be counted.   The progress made over the years, since 1952 from a small East African School of Co-operation to a Department in the Ministry of Co-operatives and Marketing, to a University College under JKUAT and now a Full-fledged Public University; is a true demonstration progress the University has made. This is history. I know the potential that lies here is big. We start by realizing that.   In Africa, Kenya is known to be the Champion of the Co-operative Movement. The Cooperative University is the heart and soul of that movement whose membership in Kenya along is over 11 million.  We must shine through this light. We must take advantage of this reality. We must ride on the highway of success.   Universities are known to be change catalysts World over and we have no choice. As The Co-operative University of Kenya, we will create value, we will enhance quality and we will transform our citizenry. Every student who passes through here will get a unique space in the World. Every student will be motif in the great pattern that we create at The Co-operative University of Kenya.   To the CS Ministry of Education and on this 3rd graduation ceremony of The Co-operative University of Kenya, I, once again, accept to be the Vice Chancellor of this great University with great humility as I take the dreams of the founders of this institution. We will move forward. We will not only build a legacy but a great sea of responsible citizens, Kenyans who will add value to their families, and build great Kenyans who will move this Nation forward. Thank you.   MAY GOD BLESS THE CO-OPERATIVE UNIVERSITY OF KENYA AND GOD BLESS KENYA

Students intending to sit for Special and supplementary examinations are informed that the said papers are scheduled for 29th October to 2nd November 2018. Kindly liaise with Chairpersons of relevant Departments for the timetables and any other clarifications. Reg. AA

REMARKS OF THE VICE CHANCELLOR OF THE CO-OPERATIVE UNIVERSITY OF KENYA PROF. KAMAU NGAMAU ON THE OCCASION OF THE LAUNCH OF THE LEADERSHIP FOR CHANGE ON-LINE TRAINING PROGRAMME AT THE CUK’S RETREAT AND CONFERENCE CENTRE, 16TH JULY 2018 The Chief Guest, Senior Assistant Commissioner, State Department of Co-operatives – Madam Priscilla Maraga, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, It gives me great pleasure to join you this morning on the occasion of the launch of the Leadership for Change in the management of co-operatives; an online programme to be continuously implemented by CUK and supported by the WE–EFFECT. I wish,  first  of  all,  to  take  this  opportunity,  to  congratulate  the We-Effect team for supporting this programme  at this prime time when the co-operative sector is faced with challenges of leadership as evidenced by leadership crisis, collapse of some cooperatives, doubts on competence and integrity of leaders, Government control and political patronage. There is however, great hope in the future of co-operatives in Kenya with proper legislation, good leadership and continued government support. Chief Guest, It is worthwhile to mention that many managers and leaders of Co-operatives, and other member based organizations are ill prepared for various tasks, entrepreneurship challenges and teamwork. Further, some elected leaders lack leadership and management skills. Some of these challenges have continued to paralyse operations in cooperatives. Over and above that, a majority of co-operatives have been able to hold their leaders and managers accountable for their actions. Ladies and Gentlemen, As you are all aware, the business environment has become turbulent due to increased competition, globalization, rapid change in customers’ needs and change of business model. There are two alternatives available; adapt to the changing environment or collapse.  To survive, Co-operatives must adapt to the changing environment through innovation and creativity. This requires a breed of leaders that are charismatic, visionary, and entrepreneurial, who inspire hope and trust, loyalty and leaders that are capable of handling change and dynamics when forces intervene from a changing environment. Chief Guest, The online programme that we are launching today is as a result of innovative ideas by CUK and WE- Effect to strategically address the leadership crisis in our institutions. This online programme (LMS & DCPs) will empower more leaders and members of the Co-operative movement, County Governments and other community based organizations; this in-turn will strengthen our institutions. Ladies and Gentlemen I am happy to note that today we are joined by the ongoing LFC class of 32 LFC trainees who are commencing their arena two today. This team is composed of leaders from various co-operatives and community based organizations. The team will graduate in December 2018. We remain hopeful that by the time they graduate they should have evidence of 10 trained staff in their respective institutions. Further, I am informed that we have a class of 30 students to be trained on the LFC programme beginning September 2018. These are students who have demonstrated leadership skills in their various departments. They are expected to complete the programme by December 2018 and be certified as ToTs. Chief Guest, I am happy to not that a number of academic staff of the Co-operative University of Kenya have been trained on this programme, its training methodology and more are being trained for sustainability. In the current LFC class we have 4 staff undergoing the training. In addition we have a fully pledged directorate of e-Learning with over 30 staff supporting over 150 modules online. This is an indication that CUK is well equipped to execute the face to face LFC training and the eLearning mode. To all LFC trainees, I know you are being  equipped for the task ahead,  go out there and pass this knowledge to as many people as possible and this will strengthen our institutions. With those few remarks, allow me to wish you a fruitful stay here at CUK. This is the university moving fast and forward in caning the leadership and Co-operative narrative in Kenya and Africa. I wish you the best God Bless You