Message from the Director

/Message from the Director
PROF. WYCLIFF OBOKA – DIRECTOR ICD

Therefore, then, to avert this probable eventuality, ICD was established to be the custodian of The Co-operative tradition and legacy of The Co-operative University of Kenya for over half a century now.

The mission of ICD is To Build a Co-operative Economy through the creation and development of successful Co-operative Enterprises and network in diverse areas in the co-operative sector and the Associative Economy. ICD also seeks to fulfil its mandate of being the standard bearer in the field of Co-operative Education and Training, Research and Consultancy by contributing significantly to the attainment of national development goals including fostering national unity and social cohesion in line with Vision 2030.

The ICD has four (4) broad mandates of; (1). Co-operative Development; (2). Research, (3). Production and Extension, (4). Linkages and fundraising and Co-operative Training Centre.

Collaborations, Partnership and Linkages

ICD was singly created for, on behalf of the University, establishing and maintaining strategic networks, linkages and partnerships with the industry, government and international development partners to promote and upscale best practices through training, research, innovations and information sharing. These initiatives have allowed CUK to showcase its capabilities and share experiences with the world at the same time learn from other new ventures. ICD has managed to establish about 35 partnerships and collaborations ranging from academia, government, county governments, local and international development partners among others. Some of these partners include: Ministry of Trade, Industry & Co-operatives, County government of Taita Taveta, County government of Meru, County government of Machakos, county government of Murang’a, Moshi Co-operative University (Tanzania), Mondragon University (Spain), Africa Experts (Finland), HSBS Group, Pamoja Trust, WOCCU (USA) etc.

The Institute is working closely with the National Government, County governments, private sector, other Universities and development partners to promote and support good governance and best management practices for Co-operative enterprises. Towards this end, the Institute is working hard and with a lot of success. Further, we, on behalf of The Co-operative University of Kenya, have negotiated and entered into strategic partnerships vide signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) with many institutions and county governments to strengthen the Co-operative sector in Kenya for the benefit of Co- operative members, their communities, the environment and the Country at large.

The institute also conducts research, provides consultancy services and the requisite skills and knowledge through long-term and tailor made short-term trainings to the local and International organizations, County governments and communities as.

  • Collaborate in research and trainings in areas of cooperative development, disaster management and socio-economic development
  • Develop and create awareness on emerging innovations and approaches to appropriate cooperative housing models for the urban poor community/low income earners
  • Create hands on experience through internship programmes for CUK students

ICD has implemented many projects in the Co-operative development, including, but not limited to: Developed a Strategic Plan 2017 – 2021 for the State Department of Co-operatives, Baseline Survey to establish the current status of the Co-operative movement in Meru County (2015), Situational analysis to establish the causes of failure of the Cooperative enterprises in Taita Taveta County (2016), Implemented a 3-month short-tailor made course for the Rwanda Co-operative Agency Senior officials, co-organized a research Cooperative conference with ICA in Kigali (2016), among others.