University News

The Society of Professional Cooperators (KSPC) launched a curriculum. The Vice Chancellor of The Co-operative University of Kenya Prof. Kamau Ngamau joined the Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Trade, Industry and Co-operatives Hon. Peter Munya in the launch of The Society of Professional Co-operators (KSPC) and unveiling of its Curriculum. At the Launch, Prof. Esther Gicheru, DVC Finance, Planning and Administration at CUK also serving as the Interim KSPC Council Chairexpressed her hope in the association transforming the coops’ landscape in Kenya. The CS noted that The professional body will address critical gaps that exist in the sector: creation and promotion of standards for practitioners in the industry, networking and knowledge sharing, resource mobilization and sharing, lobbying and advocacy on policy , legal and regulatory needs affecting the practitioners in the sector.

The Co-operative University of Kenya has ushered in an HIV/AIDS awareness week for the year 2018 at the Main Campus, Karen. The week kicked off with community participation on Monday 24th September, 2018 of a 10km sensitization walk from the University- Gataka community- chief’s camp in Ngaimurunya location and Karen’s Hardy Market. The team of staff and students was led by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance Planning and Administration Prof. Esther Gicheru. Ngaimurunya location Snr. Chief Gitau joined the team and thanked the University for the Initiative noting that HIV/AIDS and drug abuse menace has raised viable concerns in the society worth address and attention. An array activities are lined up for the 5-day sensitization including a free medical camp for University students, staff and members of the public. Other activities scheduled for the week include drug abuse awareness sensitization, blood donation drive, cervical/ prostate cancer screen and VCT services.

REMARKS OF THE VICE CHANCELLOR, THE CO-OPERATIVE UNIVERSITY OF KENYA PROF. KAMAU NGAMAU ON THE OCCASION OF THE ORIENTATION OF THE 2018/19 ACADEMIC YEAR FRESH STUDENTS ON 13TH SEPTEMBER, 2018 AT 2.30PM ; MAIN CAMPUS KAREN The Deputy Vice Chancellors The Registrars Members of the University Management Board Deans of Schools Professors of the University Directors of Campuses, Institutes and Directories Chairpersons of Departments Members of Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff Students’ Leaders Fresh University Students Ladies and Gentlemen,   This afternoon gives me great pleasure to welcome you all fresh students to The Co-operative University of Kenya and officially usher you into the University life. You all worked very hard to be here today. Allow me to congratulate you for your excellent performance in your Secondary School Examinations of the year 2017. As you are aware only 69,151 candidates who scored C+ and above in the 2017 KCSE were placed in Universities out of over 615,772 (11.2%). 100,906 scored C and C-, while 438,914 scored D to E. We have been looking forward to your coming and preparing to receive you and we are extremely delighted to see you. I know for many of you, this is your first time in the hallowed precincts of a University. We say Karibuni Sana. We highly commend you for choosing to join the CUK. You were admitted here based on your performance to pursue the various degree and Diploma courses in this University. I wish to assure you that this University will strive to make your dreams a reality. I call upon you all to play your role as a students. Make good time for academics, for exercises and your social lives. Dear students, In Kenya, The CUK by is one of the smaller and newer universities but also among the oldest institutions in this country whose history dates back to the period before independence. In the World, we have very few Co-operative Universities. Notably, in Africa we have only 2 Co-operative Universities and CUK stands tall. You are fortunate to have joined one of the most specialized Universities in Africa. This University has a special mandate in the Republic of Kenya to advance learning and knowledge through teaching, research and consultancy on all matters relating to Cooperative Development, Community Development, Rural Transformation, Business Studies, Information and Communication Technology at National and International level. I call upon you all to acquaint yourselves with our University Mission, Vision, Our Core Values and Our Motto. Young scholars, In line with our mission which is “to provide Education, Training, Research and Consultancy in order to produce leaders in the fields of Cooperative Development, Community Development, Rural Transformation, Business Studies, Applied Sciences, Information and Communication Technology for Development“, The University has launched new degree programmes in this academic year. The new programmes include: BSc IT BBIT BSc Computer Science BSc Statistics and Information Technology BSc of Community Development BSc Agribusiness Management BSc Hotel and Restaurant Management Catering and Hotel Management Travel and Tourism Management We wish to specially welcome the pioneer students in these new programmes and wish you success in your studies. These programmes have been developed by our faculty with tremendous input from stakeholders and experts. We believe they will greatly contribute to the development of this nation and contribute to the government’s “Big Four” agenda which includes: Universal health care, manufacturing, food security and affordable housing. Ladies and gentlemen, Over the week you met various heads of departments and sections and you have been advised accordingly. I urge you to carefully follow the various regulations and guidelines given to you, read and understand university rules and regulations. Compared to your High School, a university operates very differently. You are expected be adults who are able to exercise rationality, make decisions, and mature choices of who you want to be. You are, however, not entirely alone. Anytime you need our guidance, our doors are open for consultations. We have a full-fledged Dean of Students Office to support you. Also ensure that you are very conversant with our fee payment policy as it is strictly implemented. The University offers a wide range of co-curricular activities and clubs where you are encouraged to participate. We also have an acting Chaplain to assist in spiritual matters.   Ladies and Gentlemen, We will all be glad to graduate you as a team of astute academicians after successful completion of your various programs. Unlike in High School where only the final examination count, in a University, everything you do starting today will count towards your final classification. You will therefore require to work hard and consistently in order to excel. To avoid falling by the wayside, be focused, have respect for authorities, take all your examinations and course work seriously. As you all know The Co-operative University of Kenya has a reputation as a specialized University training for a special market niche not only in the region but Africa. We have, for over half a century now been known for the quality of graduates whom we release to the labor market. We do not expect to depart from this norm whatsoever. As young men and women joining this esteemed University, I call upon you to remain persons who will fly high the flag of the University; be good ambassadors of CUK wherever you go and in whatever activities you engage in, let that reflect the image of The Co-operative University of Kenya. Ladies and Gentlemen, We are living in a liberal world. Young men and women are enjoying freedoms of technological growth and a good number are making great leaps and bounds every day in entrepreneurship. Here at CUK, we remain atop in encouraging our students to break the glass ceilings, to make great achievements that will not only change their future but also brighten the face of Kenya and World at large. We have put in place reasonable policy framework and relevant human resource capital towards this goal. One of the reasons why universities exist is to undertake research and

LRC PATRON UPBEAT ON THE PROJECT TAKE-OFF The Patron for The Co-operative University of Kenya’s learning resource Centre (LRC) Mr. Japheth Magomere pays a courtesy call to the Vice chancellor Prof. Kamau Ngamau for a briefing meeting on the progress for the construction of the Kshs. 3.68B Learning Resource Centre. Mr. Japheth Magomere (LRC PATRON) pays a courtesy call to the Vice chancellor Prof. Kamau Ngamau for a briefing meeting on the progress for the construction of the Kshs. 3.68B Learning Resource Centre. In the briefing meeting, the Vice Chancellor noted that the University has made progressive leaps towards actualization for the project. Mr. Magomere was pleased that the initial stages for the project was commendable having had the designs approved awaiting the ground breaking ceremony later in the year. Accompanying the Vice Chancellor was the Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance, Planning and Administration Prof. Esther Gicheru, Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs Prof. Emily Akuno and members of the LRC Resource Mobilization Committee. The team later toured the current library and the site earmarked for the construction of the LRC. The patron, Mr. Magomere, also doubles as the Chairman Co-operative Alliance of Kenya (CAK), The Chairman CIC Group of Companies. The CUK’s LRC will create a focal point in the University that inspires learning, research and collaboration, promotes innovation and creation of new knowledge. Further, it will ensure quality professional training for the cooperative sector, provide state-of-the-art facility and infrastructure that offer innovative services, provide a conducive and comfortable environment for study and research, provide space for preservation and conservation and access of the University’s intellectual and historical assets and provide world class information resources to promote excellence in research and learning. The completed project will be a one stop-shop state-of-the art complex hosting variety of services that will include cooperative business innovation, museum and cultural center, indigenous knowledge management, resources for physically challenged, e-learning directorate, digital innovation hub, creative and performing arts, a children’s library, bookshop, conference center and a recreational facility among others. It will offer high-quality study and research environment, with excellent IT provision throughout. The LRC will have good aesthetics, energy efficient and environmental friendly. It will be a space where students and researchers will love to spend most of their time studying, learning and even creating new knowledge. The Learning Resource Center will have five (5) key components: the Library, a Co-operative Business & Incubation Centre Innovation Center, Museum and Cultural Center, a Conference center and a Recreational Center.

SOMALIA’S STATE MINISTER VISITS VARSITY FOR A PARTNERSHIP Somalia’s State Minister for Commerce and Industry H.E. Dahir Abdi Abdullahi and the Vice Chancellor of The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) Prof. Kamau Ngamau have witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between The Co-operative University of Kenya and the Somali union of Co-operative Movement (UDHIS). Earlier on, Meeting the CUK’s Vice Chancellor Prof. Kamau Ngamau on Monday 10th September, 2018 at the Main Campus in Karen, H.E. Dahir Abdi Abdullahi was upbeat that the Co-operation between Kenya’s government and the Federal Government of Somalia has brought calm in the Republic of Somalia. He reiterated the commitment of the federal government of Somalia, through his ministry, to supporting co-operative ventures key in fighting poverty from their nation. Prof. Ngamau noted that Kenya’s strong Co-operative Movement would be beneficial to entrenching co-operative spirit in Somalia and reiterated that the CUK’s pact with UDHIS would go a long way for mutual benefits between the two institutions and states. Some of the key areas of co-operation between The Co-operative University of Kenya and the Somali union of co-operative movement include: Provision of technical backstopping for development of Strategic plan for the Federal cooperatives (UDHIS) which will include support for development of sectorial strategic plan (agriculture, Fisheries, Livestock and savings and credit among other); Capacity building through TNAs, Training of Trainers to UDHIS Accredited Cooperative Training Service Providers; Promotion of exchange of information & best practices for Community Development, Education, Entrepreneurship and any other areas; Undertaking joint research and Innovation activities in the Co-operative Development among other areas of interest. Present during the signing of the MoU were CUK’s Deputy Vice Chancellor for Co-operative Development, Research & Innovation (CDRI) Prof. Isaac Nyamongo, DVC Finance, Planning & Administration Prof. Esther Gicheru, Ag. Deputy Registrar CDRI Dr. Lydia Mutua, Ag. Director Institute for Co-operative Development Silas Maiyo and CUK’s Public Relations Officer Mwongela Mikwa. From the Federal Republic of Somalia included UDHIS Secretary General Dr. Khalid Omar Ali and UDHIS Chairman Shurie Osman.

VARSITY PARTICIPATES IN THE 1ST NANDI COUNTY INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION EXPO The Co-operative University of Kenya made a classic exhibition during the 1st Nandi County International Education Expo held from the 27th -28th July, 2018 at Kapsabet Boys’ High School. The expo Officiated by Deputy Governor HE Dr. Yulita Cheruiyot. The event attracted more than 60 exhibitors from local and international Universities and higher education institutions. Several secondary schools from the county. The event was also attended by various County Government officials including CECs and Chief Officers from Nandi County.

REMARKS OF THE VICE CHANCELLOR OF THE CO-OPERATIVE UNIVERSITY OF KENYA PROF. KAMAU NGAMAU ON 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 note 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