My brief stints in Kenya are never complete without Chegulo — my village of birth. Chegulo has a way of reminding me of something profound — The timeless values told through the ages are non-negotiable for the journeys ahead. Patience, Kindness, resilience, respect, character, humility, hard work, authenticity, etc. We can imagine that we are certainly clever and beyond our foundational roots — and we may find our way. No, we can't! The timeless values our origins taught us are non-negotiable. They are a must. Always grateful to be home and recharge. BC

We had a blessed and quiet Sabbath worship at my church of birth - Chegulo SDA Church.Blessed Sabbath, Friends. BC

MY MESSAGE TO THE LEADERSHIP OF CHEBWAI ADVENTIST EDUCATION COMPLEX LET US NOT BE THE GENERATION THAT EXPLAINS WHY CHEBWAI DECLINED. LET US BE THE GENERATION THAT EXPLAINS HOW CHEBWAI ROSE AGAIN. Chebwai has faced difficulties. It has not always performed at the level associated with its proud history. But I have not come to ask whose fault that is. Everybody can blame resources, leadership or circumstances. Eventually, everyone can develop a very convincing explanation for why something is not working. But explanations do not change institutions. PEOPLE DO. So the question I want every person here to ask is not, “Who is responsible?” It is: “WHAT CAN I DO DIFFERENTLY TOMORROW MORNING?"

CHEBWAI COMPLEX - COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL, SENIOR SCHOOL AND TEACHER TRAINING COLLEGE In 1937, this Adventist education complex was established. My paternal grandfather was among the first students here. Growing up as an Adventist in Western Kenya, a lot was said about Chebwai. Unfortunately, over time, every stakeholder at Chebwai developed a very convincing explanation for why something was not working. Today, this afternoon, my question was different – as an Adventist and as a leader – what can I contribute to MAKE CHEBWAI RISE AGAIN. This wasn't a courtesy call, it wasn't a homecoming. Inspired by my late grandfather and my late father, who in their time stepped forward for Chebwai, I came to answer one question: When Chebwai rises again, will I be there to proudly say – I was there. I want to deeply thank the Seventh Day Adventist West Kenya Conference President, Pr. Mbayi, Chief Principal Mr. Stephen Lumati, and the entire leadership for receiving me and according me an opportunity to be part of the journey ahead. God bless Chebwai Complex.BC

HONOURED TO STOP AT SHAMBERERE COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL – MALAVA CONSTITUENCY It was humbling to engage the learners and remind them of the endless possibilities that exist when one dares to dream. As a product of the village myself, I reminded them that they too can be great, and even greater. My sincere gratitude to our teachers for their continued sacrifice and dedication. BC

HONORING THE RT. HON. RAILA AMOLO ODINGA I was privileged to be among the many young people for whom Rt. Hon. Odinga stretched his broad shoulders for mentorship. Unfortunately, when he passed on this day last year, I was away in China. This evening, I was honored to pay my respects at his resting place - Kang'o Ka Jaramogi - the Raila Odinga Mausoleum. We remain forever grateful to this giant of a leader, from whose life we continue to draw inspiration and keep learning. BC

RIRONI - MAU SUMMIT - MALABA CORRIDOR I had the opportunity to appreciate the massive infrastructure investment ongoing on the dualling of the A104, through innovative financing — Kenya's own capital in partnership with Multilateral Development Institutions. Infrastructure for tomorrow is what enables a country to take off and progress. BC

REMEMBERING BABA! On this day, 15th October last year, a great Pan-African, a Kenyan of consequential patriotism, whose shoulders were broad enough for all, and who remained a constant North Star for our country, was called to rest. Today, our country remembers our Baba. The country truly misses him. BC

SACCO SOCIETIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY (SASRA) AND THE CO-OPERATIVE UNIVERSITY OF KENYA (CUK) STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP SASRA and CUK are two foundational institutions in Kenya's co-operative movement. One as the regulator, and the other as the capacity-building engine. Their partnership is a must and is critical for the Kenyan economy. Accompanied by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, paid a courtesy call on the SASRA Chief Executive Officer, CPA David Amiani Sandagi, who was later joined by two Board Members of the Authority. We engaged on deepening partnership around: - Capacity building and professional certification for the SACCO sector - Development of the Muongozi Leadership Guidelines / Playbook - Student attachment, internship and graduate placement - Joint technical assistance and resource mobilization for sector reforms, governance and financial inclusion The University and SASRA will now embark on the development of a Framework of Cooperation that will serve as the roadmap for this renewed strategic partnership.

UNICEF KENYA AND CO-OPERATIVE UNIVERSITY OF KENYA STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT ON TVET EXPANSION AND CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE Today at the UN Complex in Gigiri, we paid a courtesy call on UNICEF Kenya team led by Country Representative Dr. Shaheen Nilofer. We held fruitful discussions on youth skills development, employability and innovation — centered on The Co-operative University of Kenya TVET Expansion Programme and Centre of Excellence. We explored aligning UNICEF's youth empowerment agenda with co-operative education model to equip young people with practical, entrepreneurial and green skills. Grateful to Dr. Nilofer and the UNICEF Kenya team for the warm reception.

COURTESY CALL TO H.E. GUO HAIYAN, AMBASSADOR OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA TO KENYA, AND INVITATION AS CHIEF GUEST FOR THE CO-OPERATIVE UNIVERSITY OF KENYA GRADUATION CEREMONY This morning, accompanied by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kamau Ngamau, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) Prof. Isaac Nyamongo and Senior Advisor Susan Mugwe, I paid a courtesy call on Her Excellency Ambassador Guo Haiyan, with the honour of inviting her as Chief Guest during our upcoming Co-operative University of Kenya Graduation Ceremony. During our meeting, we held strategic discussions on collaboration and support towards the Chancellor's Legacy Programme, namely: 1. Endowment Fund and Chancellor's Scholarship Programme; 2. Co-operative University TVET Expansion Programme; 3. International Exchange Programme and collaboration with Chinese organisations and universities; and 4. Following approval by Cabinet, the establishment of the Africa Horticulture Centre to be incubated by the Co-operative University of Kenya @CoopVarsityKE , and support from the People's Republic of China to operationalise it. I thank Her Excellency Ambassador Guo @AmbGuoHaiyan for the strategic conversation and for graciously accepting the invitation. @mugwe_s @vc_cuk @Prof_IKNyamongo @ChineseEmbKenya

.....phenomenal

Co-operative University of Kenya continues to work with the State Department for Parliamentary Affairs on the ongoing mediation of the Co-operative Bill (Amendment) 2024. We consulted with the Principal Secretary, Hon. Aurelia Chepkirui Rono @PSAureliarono. We are grateful to her leadership and strategic guidance. BC