The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) Alumni Association has launched a long-term initiative to support students and strengthen the university’s development through its inaugural Charity Golf Challenge.

The tournament, held at Vetlab Golf Club on Saturday, November 14, brought together more than 100 golfers and over 40 sponsors and partners under the theme “Swing for Education. Change a Life.”

The event marked the beginning of a broader alumni programme aimed at mobilising former students to give back to the institution and support initiatives that will benefit current and future generations.

The association, chaired by Solomon Angutsa Atsiaya, MBS, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Kenya National Police DT SACCO, is seeking to build a sustainable platform for alumni contributions to education, research, mentorship and student welfare.

Vice Chairperson Mary Njoki Mbugua said the association was focused on developing initiatives that would have a lasting impact on students and the university.

“The Alumni Association is committed to creating a platform that can make a lasting difference in the lives of students and in the development of the University. Through our initiatives, we want to support needy students, promote research and knowledge creation, mentorship programmes and other activities that advance the University’s mission and strengthen the contribution of our alumni,” she said.

The tournament attracted golfers, alumni, corporate partners and other supporters, with play running from 6am to 6pm. Participants competed in different categories for top honours and special prizes.

The Amateur Overall Winner posted 40 points, while the Professional category was won with a score of 67 gross. The professional runner-up recorded 72 gross.

Speaking during the event, CUK Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kamau Ngamau, PhD, EBS, praised the alumni for taking the lead in supporting the institution.

“This is a very important initiative by our Alumni Association. We welcome this partnership and the commitment by our alumni to give back to the University. We look forward to working closely with the Association to support initiatives that will make a meaningful difference to our students and the institution,” he said.

Atsiaya said alumni had a responsibility to remain connected to the institutions that shaped their professional journeys and help create opportunities for those who would follow.

“An alumni association is more than a network of former students. It is a community with a responsibility to give back, to open doors for those coming after us and to contribute to the continued growth of the institution we call our own. This tournament is a beginning, and we are committed to building an alumni platform that creates meaningful and lasting impact,” he said.

The event also featured a golf clinic for guests who were not regular players, giving beginners an opportunity to learn the sport and experience the game.

The Charity Golf Challenge is expected to pave the way for further alumni-led initiatives aimed at strengthening ties between CUK and its former students while supporting the university’s wider development agenda.