University News

REMARKS BY THE COUNCIL CHAIRPERSON, THE CO-OPERATIVE UNIVERSITY OF KENYA DR. IBRAHIM M. ALI ON THE OCCASION OF THE OPENING OF THE CO-OPERATIVE UNIVERSITY OF KENYA’S 2ND ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON INNOVATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE CO-OPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT 26TH MARCH, 2018 AT THE CRCC ⦁The PS State Department of Co-operatives Mr. Ismael Noor ,⦁ Members of the University Council ⦁ The Acting Vice-Chancellor, The Co-operative University of Kenya, Prof. Kamau Ngamau ⦁ The Deputy Vice-Chancellors & Members of the University Management Boards and Senates present, ⦁ CEOs of NACCOs, Co-operatives Societies and other organizations ⦁ The Co-operative University of Kenya Staff and Students ⦁ Invited Guests ⦁ Members of Staff and students; ⦁ Ladies and Gentlemen, I am happy to be part of this Conference on ‘Innovations for Sustainable Co-operative Development’ at The Co-operative University of Kenya. On my own behalf and on behalf of the University Council, I wish to pass my regards to the University Management Board and particularly to the Division of Co-operative Development, Research and Innovation for organizing this conference. I would like to first of all, wish all of you, a fruitful 2-day Conference here at CUK. Thank you for making it time to be here. Chief Guest, We are on the path to building a Shining University; we need not to concentrate to building towers but have a Knowledge Based University. That is how great Universities like Harvard, Stanford and others have differentiated themselves. The University Council is happy to note that CUK is taking matters academics seriously since award of a University Charter in the year 2016. The Council is informed that last year, such a conference could not materialize due to unpredictable political climate in Kenya then. We are hopeful that moving forward, annual conferences become more fruitful and beneficial to the University and attendants. Since antiquity, Universities have to generate knowledge, share ideas and provide tangible solutions to the challenges facing the society. To this end, this conference and future conferences held in this University must end on a high note; providing innovative solutions to concerns in the society. This way, we remain upbeat and in touch with humanity. Ladies and Gentlemen, At the National level, Co-operatives remain a powerful tool in pushing for economic growth. Further co-operatives have been taunted to remain strong in times of economic crisis. Many praises have been heaped on co-operatives. But, can co-operatives afford to remain dormant and enjoy the praises? You will all agree with me that times are changing fast and competition in the World is tight. Coops must wake up and run with the rest. Perhaps the Principles of Co-operatives may not change in the near future but may need redefinition. This University and such conferences must provide critical knowledge to the ‘future co-operative society’. Distinguished Participants, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am indeed hopeful that over the next two days, you will be able to exchange ideas, share knowledge and have a constructive discourse without interruptions. At a University level, such an opportunity to share knowledge must be taken nobly whichever the discipline it comes from. My Council would be keen to get positive gesture that this conference was a success. As a Council we believe that CUK has a great opportunity to shine as a young University. We remain steadfast to supporting good courses to build a better and an outstanding University.  Chief Guest, In conclusion, I wish to once again commend the efforts of everyone here today and those who will be here tomorrow for making this conference your memorable one. At the same time, my sincere appreciation goes to the sponsors of this conference for your financial support. I wish you all a memorable conference at CUK during your stay here and hopefully you achieve your objectives and aims.Ladies and Gentlemen, at this point in time, allow me to invite the Chief Guest who is the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Co-operatives, State Department of Co-operative Development Mr. Ismael Noor to officially open this conference.Thank you

REMARKS BY THE VICE CHANCELLOR, THE CO-OPERATIVE UNIVERSITY OF KENYA PROF. KAMAU NGAMAU ON THE OCCASION OF THE OPENING OF THE CO-OPERATIVE UNIVERSITY OF KENYA’S 2ND ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON INNOVATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE CO-OPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT 26TH MARCH, 2018 AT THE CRCC The PS State department of co-operatives Mr. Ismael Noor,The Chairperson of the University Council, Dr. Ibrahim M. AliMembers of the University CouncilThe Acting Vice-Chancellor, The Co-operative University of Kenya, Prof. Kamau NgamauThe Deputy Vice-Chancellors & Members of the University Management Boards and Senates present,CEOs of NACCOs, Co-operatives Societies and other organizationsThe Co-operative University of Kenya Staff and StudentsInvited GuestsColleagues,Members of Staff and students;Ladies and Gentlemen, It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the 2nd Annual Conference of The CUK and also to The Co-operative University of Kenya today. This Conference serves the best interests not only for the academic but also to the expansive Co-operative sector in Kenya and around the region. It is my hope that at the end of this conference, all of us are going to gain extensively in terms of knowledge and sharing of ideas that can positively transform our society and spark innovations. This conference comes at the most opportune time as our Nation is on its heels for an Industrial take-off and at the backdrop of the government’s commitment to the agenda of the Big 4 Action Plan where the co-operative sector is best suited to deliver this top-notch agenda. I wish to thanks the Division of Co-operative Development Research and Innovation for their efforts to see this 2nd Annual Conference a success. Our Chief Guest,The Co-operative University of Kenya continues to play a vital role in the success and sustainability of the co-operative movement in Kenya and around Africa by training suitable manpower to manage the sector. I wish to reiterate our commitment to this course for the good of humanity. Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,The theme of this conference ‘Innovations for Sustainable Co-operative Development’ is key to Universal Challenges Facing Co-operatives in Africa. Arguments have been advanced that coops in Africa have laid back in terms of innovations and especially in adoption of ICTs in their operations and sustained communications. By co-operatives adopting ICTs, they will be at a position to grow faster, reduce risks, be more accountable and better record keeping. The sub-themes of this conference address what may have ailed the Co-operative movement in this Country and in the Continent over the last few years. I believe by the end of this 2-day Conference, practical solutions will be suggested to revitalize the Co-operative movement in Kenya. Let us not be proud of just being the best in Africa; we need to be the best globally. Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,This conference will also will create an immense resource and knowledge pool on Co-operatives, for Co-operatives and by Co-operative scholars. The best papers that will be picked in this conference are going to be published in our African Journal of Co-operative Development and Technology; this journal is an ignition spark into research on Co-operatives in this country. Let this be the iota of the much needed knowledge-based-economy in co-operative movement.   Our Chief Guest,Technology is a vital element that cannot be ignored in any sector. Its use in transformation of the financial sector enhances efficiency in the rich World of Co-operative enterprises in Kenya and in attracting more investors in its diversified fields. I challenge the researchers here today to think of a transformative and revolutionary use of technology that can help the co-operatives to attract more savings from their members, diversify products, improve service delivery and attract the youth into the movement. This will create a culture of savings amongst your groups and increase your capital bases; further, it will in create new possibilities and frontiers for entrepreneurship in Kenya. Our Chief Guest,Allow me at this moment recognize and extend our warm appreciation to the sponsors of this conference; the Co-operative Bank of Kenya, Shirika Sacco Society Limited, National Research Fund, Embassy of Denmark and the Global Communities Kenya. On behalf of the University Council and the Management Board, we are grateful and happy of your support. We look forward to future partnerships in similar and other endeavors.Ladies and gentlemen,I am certain that we are all going to put our best foot forward to make Co-operatives thrive in whichever small ways we choose to do it. Thank you and God Bless you

SPEECH BY MR. ALI NOOR ISMAIL, THE PRINCIPAL SECRETARY, STATE DEPARTMENT OF CO-OPERATIVES, MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY, TRADE AND CO-OPERATIVES ON THE OCCASION OF OPENING OF THE 2ND ANNUAL CONFERENCE FOR THE CO-OPERATIVE UNIVERSITY OF KENYA, HELD ON MONDAY, 26TH MARCH 2018 AT 09:00AM AT THE CO-OPERATIVE RETREAT & CONFERENCE CENTRE, KAREN. The Chairperson of the University Council, Dr. Ibrahim M. AliMembers of the University CouncilThe Acting Vice-Chancellor, The Co-operative University of Kenya, Prof. Kamau NgamauThe Deputy Vice-Chancellors & Members of the University Management Boards and Senates present,CEOs of NACCOs, Co-operatives Societies and other organizationsThe Co-operative University of Kenya Staff and StudentsInvited GuestsColleagues,Members of Staff and students;Ladies and Gentlemen, It gives me great pleasure to join you this morning on the occasion of the opening of the 2nd Annual Conference for The Co-operative University of Kenya, 26th – 27th March, 2018. I take this opportunity to thank the Co-operative University of Kenya for organizing this conference at this prime time of the year.Ladies and Gentlemen,This year’s conference under the theme “Innovations for Sustainable Co-operative Development” is in line with the International and National’s development plans to revive and make the Co-operative sector profitable and sustainable for livelihoods. Therefore this conference serves as a forum for interdisciplinary interactions among academia, researchers, Policy makers, Government and business leaders to exchange ideas with a view to finding suitable solutions to some of the challenges facing the not only the co-operative sector but also the society, private and public organizations. Ladies and Gentlemen.Looking into the highlights of the Big-Four Agenda of the Kenyan government strategic delivery in the next five years, the president of the republic of Kenya H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta is keen on Food Security, Affordable Housing, Manufacturing, and Universal Healthcare for accelerated social-economic transformation, increased job creation and improved job quality of life for all Kenyans. This agenda is akin to the objectives of the State Department of Co-operatives, including building of affordable housing, food security sustained through improved value-addition on products and increased job creation through promotion of youth and women Co-operatives in the rural setups.Fellow co-operators and Academia,As you are aware, the need for increase in capacity and equal opportunity in Higher Education in Kenya today cannot be overemphasized. Access, equity, quality and relevance are fundamental characteristics that define and drive education, training and research systems worldwide. Over the years, the Kenyan Government, through the relevant Ministries, including my Department, has vigorously expanded access to quality Co-operative Education, training and research, which also offers equal opportunity to all, thereby ensuring equity and entrepreneurship. In the same spirit, Ladies and Gentlemen, Recently, State department of Co-operatives, enacted a national Co-operative Policy (2017) which clearly provides a clear roadmap for education, training and research in the sector. The policy recognizes research, collaborations and partnership as key vehicle to a collective success for sustainable development.These efforts are geared towards the realization of the government’s Big-Four Agenda and Kenya’s 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,The Kenya’s Strategy is implemented through the execution of a series of projects and policy documents drawing from the National Vision, in some of which the Co-operative movement is expected to play a key role, particularly for the low and middle income households.The State Department for Cooperatives, integrated in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Co-operatives of the current Government of Kenya, is keen to giving singular focus to the following activities:⦁ Constantly review legal and regulatory framework to entrench good corporate governance and best Cooperative business management practices.⦁ Harmonize and improve the quality of cooperative education and training programmes.⦁ Develop an efficient marketing system through product improvements, value-addition and market research.⦁ Restructure and strengthen the management of cooperative institutions and organizations.⦁ Promote new cooperative ventures in disadvantaged areas.⦁ Incorporate ICT into the sector’s operations among other policy interventions.In this regard, therefore, our Universities and particularly the Co-operative University of Kenya must constantly seek to provide a globally competitive quality Cooperative education, training and research for sustainable development. The overall goal is for producing relevant entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers to meet the ever-increasing demand in Cooperative development both locally and regionally.My Department and the co-operative university of Kenya are close associates working under a memorandum of understanding and we endeavour to work closely to strengthen partnerships for partnership in Co-operative sector development and associated development agenda. Ladies and Gentlemen.To the up-coming researchers and innovators, Kenya has space for job creators, entrepreneurs and innovators, which I know you are well equipped to the task ahead. Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to have the pleasure to declare this 2nd Annual Conference of the co-operative university of Kenya officially opened.

REMARKS OF THE VICE CHANCELLOR OF THE CO-OPERATIVE UNIVERSITY OF KENYA PROF. KAMAU NGAMAU ON THE OCCASION OF THE OPENING OF THE CUK’S CULTURAL WEEK ON 12TH MARCH, 2018 AT 2.00PM Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic affairs, Prof. Emily AkunoDeputy vice Chancellor, Finance, Planning and Administration, Prof. Esther MagiriDeputy Vice Chancellor CDR&I, Prof. Isaac NyamongoMembers of the University Management Board,Members of staffStudents’ leadersStudentsLadies and gentlemen, This afternoon marks the start of a week-long celebrations of our culture as the family of The Co-operative University of Kenya. Culture is an important aspect of our lives. I am happy to note the improved version of our cultural celebrations at the University; previously, we have celebrated our culture in a day and this has been quite inadequate. It is our sincere hope that we will celebrate in a civilized manner to the end. Ladies and gentlemen,The University Management is committed to making greater efforts in future to make these celebrations bigger and better. By having a week-long event, this shows the value we are placing these celebrations in our academic calendar. I know the planers of the event have made significant efforts to make this day a success. I take this opportunity to recognize their efforts. Ladies and Gentlemen,This year’s theme of our cultural day is ‘Our Diversity, Our Unity’ the theme is well chosen to rhyme with the activities lined up for the week. Furthermore, this comes barely some few months after a divisive electoral period for our Nation. The nation is healing and we are getting stronger together. Ladies and Gentlemen,Allow me at this moment to recognize various stakeholders who have supported this event by a way of sponsorship. Kenya Films Classification Board, K-unity Sacco, Smart Applications, the Karen ward MCA Hon. Mberia, The Students’ Governing Council and the Sian roses; We are truly indebted to you. Ladies and Gentlemen,It has been argued that culture is the dress of life and the beauty of our identity as human beings. However, most of the time, culture as a concept is misunderstood and misused by humanity especially among the African societies; I appeal to you as the society’s elite to provide guidance on the benefits of our diverse cultures in our society. Our dear students,None of us is born with culture; instead we are born in a cultural world. I call upon all of us to embrace positive aspects of our culture to the end. We have about 44 ethnic groups in Kenya with diverse and different cultures; none of these is superior. Every culture has its dynamics. This makes Kenya beautiful and magical Kenya. Aspects of our culture including our foods, our languages, music, our natural heritages, historical facts and stories, our day-today economic activities define who we are. Ladies and gentlemen, these facets of our culture both tangible and intangible are the cornerstone of our nation building; we use them to reconstruct and soothe the soul of our Nation. Vice Chancellor at the start of CUK Cultural week Ladies and gentlemen,Culture can also be used to deconstruct a nation and societies. No community’s culture is superior to the other. When our forefathers initiated our practices, they had ideas and reasons why. I wish to encourage all of us to use the lessons of our culture to live in harmony with one another. Ladies and gentlemen,As I conclude, let’s go back to the basic of our culture. All of our cultures are strong in morality, strong behaviors, strong friendships and strong family values. I have not seen a culture that entertains moral decadence, drug and substance abuse among others. Ladies and gentlemen, with those few remarks, I declare this cultural week officially open. God Bless you all.

SPEECH OF THE DEPUTY VICE CHANCELLOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS, CUK  OF THE CO-OPERATIVE UNIVERSITY OF KENYA PROF. EMILY AKUNO ON THE OCCASION OF THE OPENING OF CULTURAL WEEK ON 12TH MARCH, 2018 AT 2.00PM  The Ag. Vice Chancellor of the CUK, Prof Kamau NgamauAg. Deputy vice chancellor Finance, Planning and Administration Prof. Esther MagiriMembers of the University Management Board,Members of staffStudents’ leadersStudentsLadies and gentlemen, Let me start by thanking the planners of this event for the great start that they have given us; this is the first time for the University to have an elaborate cultural week celebrations. I trust the one week we have invested in this week goes into fruitful use. My office is taking this event seriously as part of the academic calendar every year. This is because we do not come to university to read books only. I wish to thank the University Management Board through the office of the Vice Chancellor for allowing the event and providing financial support. Our Vice Chancellor,I am delighted by the efforts that the planning committee have put in to make this event a success. The chairperson Monica Nderitu and your team, we say thank you. I am delighted to join you as we celebrate our cultural day as the CUK family. Ladies and gentlemen,We started small as a University College by having these celebrations taking one day. Today, we have moved to one week. My office will closely work with the University’s Management Board for continuous improvement in future. I encourage the organizers of this event to make much a bigger strides next time and ensure we are bolder, bigger and better. Feel free to always knock on our doors for more ideas and do not fear to dream big for the betterment of this university. The management will not spare any effort in pushing the agenda of a cultural week in future to earmark and celebrate our heritage as a University. Ladies and gentlemen,Allow me to also in a special way to thank the sponsors of this event; we are grateful to Kenya Film Classification Board, K-Unity Sacco, Smart Applications, Sian Roses, The Students’ Governing Council, The Karen Ward MCA Hon. David Mberia and the University Management Board for sparing your resources to support this event. We will knock on your doors in future for more support in such ventures. Ladies and Gentlemen, I am hopeful that this cultural event educates each one of us to love and appreciate our diverse culture. Let cultures make us stronger; as the theme suggests, ‘Our Diversity, Our Unity’. I call upon you all as students to accommodate each other’s cultural diversity and in it we get positive energy for our unity and oneness. Our Vice Chancellor,As I conclude, let me once again call upon each one of us to go back to the basics of our culture. All our cultures are strong in morality, ethics, strong friendships and strong family values. I have not seen a culture that entertains moral decadence, drug and substance abuse among others. Ladies and gentlemen, with those few remarks, allow me to welcome our Vice Chancellor Prof. Kamau Ngamau to officially make his remarks and open our cultural week celebrations. God Bless you all.

CEO EQUITY BANK UPBEAT ON CONTRIBUTION OF CUK TO KENYA’S VISION 2030 The CEO Equity Bank of Kenya has underscored the key contribution of The Co-operative University of Kenya in attainment of the Kenya’s vision 2030. Dr. James Mwangi, while delivering a keynote lecture at The Co-operative University of Kenya’s Main Campus in Karen on Friday 9th March, 2018 on ‘Keys to Successful Entrepreneurship’ valued the strategic position of the University’s role in shaping the gigantic Kenya’s Co-operative movement which he termed as one of the best in the globe.Dr. Mwangi noted that poverty remains a key challenge in Africa that needed a turnaround strategic solution. He noted that Africa’s entrepreneurial spirit must be reawakened by its 60% of the World’s natural resources sitting on the continent. He challenged Universities to take up practical theories to providing solutions to problems facing Africa.Speaking during the same event, the University’s Council Chairperson Dr. Ibrahim Ali reiterated the commitment of the University Council in implementing its mandate towards supporting the University’s Management Board for it to realize its mission and vision. Thanking Equity Bank CEO for accepting to deliver a keynote address at CUK, Dr. Ali termed the CEO Equity Bank as a man whose history in the financial books will be read and told hundred fold owing to his revolutionary yet persistence contribution to the banking sector in the world.The University’s Ag. Vice Chancellor Prof. Kamau Ngamau remained optimistic that The Co-operative University of Kenya was on the radar to ensure quality university teaching, training, and research is not compromised. He reiterated the University’s commitment and willingness to work with various stakeholders and key industry partners in training of graduates from the University and preparing them for the future. He added that the co-operative university of Kenya has remained steadfast towards rethinking and having competence based graduates who are job creators and not job seekers. Prof. Ngamau lauded the University’s graduates creating jobs and taking up entrepreneurial ventures around the World while proving tangible solutions to problems facing the continent of Africa especially in tackling poverty.The Friday 9th March, 2018 served as the Open Day for the School of Business and Economics with the school launching its 5-year ambitious Strategic Plan and Service Delivery Charter. The School also held its prize-giving day for the class of 2017. During the same event, the Dean School of Business and Economics Dr. Kennedy Kirima launched book, ‘Entrepreneurship; A Global Perspective’ 2nd Edition. The event was attended by the university both teaching and non- teaching staff, the students and secondary schools from the

CO-OPERATIVE UNIVERSITY’S KSHS. 340 MILLION LECTURE THEATER READY FOR USE The Ag VC of The Co-operative University of Kenya Prof. Kamau Ngamau (middle) receives Keys for the newly Constructed Lecture Theater from the project Manager and Engineer (2nd left and extreme left respectively). He is accompanied by the CUK’s Registrar Finance, Planning and administration Chris Kathoka (2nd right) and CUK’s finance office Maxwell Nyagah (extreme right) Lecture Theater The construction of The Co-operative University of Kenya’s Kshs. 340 Million-state-of-the-art- lecture theatre of 2,500-seater 3-amphitheaters is ready for use.  Ag. Vice Chancellor Prof. Kamau Ngamau hailed the project terming it a sure bet as the University reasonably grows its students’ numbers and programs offered. Accompanied by members of the University Management Board, Prof. Ngamau noted that The Co-operative University of Kenya was keen on implementing projects meaningful to its future underscoring the fact that the new lecture theatre would serve multiple purposes for the University moving forward.The Vice Chancellor reiterated the commitment of the University Council and Management Board in providing adequate learning facilities to ensure the CUK’s tradition of churning out high quality graduates remained unperturbed. He noted that The Co-operative University of Kenya will not be compelled into compromising the quality of learning, teaching and research among other challenges facing high education in the country.Prof. Ngamau announced that the University will now focus on the Kshs. 3.8 Billion Learning Resource Centre (LRC) project whose initial stages have kicked off successfully. The management board members who accompanied the Vice Chancellor included the CUK’s Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance, Planning, And Administration Prof. Esther Magiri, The Registrar for Finance Planning and Administration Chris Kathoka and the University’s Finance Officer Mr. Maxwell Nyagah. This project was fully funded by the Government of Kenya.

EQUITY BANK CEO SET TO ADDRESS VARSITY ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP The Chief Executive Officer of the Equity Bank Dr. James Mwangi, is this year’s chief guest and keynote speaker during open day for the School of Business and Economics at the Co-operative University of Kenya’s main campus, Karen on 9th March, 2018 at 9.00am at the New Lecture Theatre, (Ground Floor).We are pleased therefore to invite the entire University community to attend. During the event, the SBE will launch its 5-Year Strategic Plan, conduct its Prize Giving Day and a book re-launch authored by Dr. Kennedy Kirima, the Dean School of Business and Economics at CUK. The title of the book is Entrepreneurship; A Global Perspective. Dr. Mwangi’s Keynote address will be on Key to Successful Entrepreneurship With Co-operative regards