NAIROBI, Kenya – Dr. Benard William Chitunga officially became the second Chancellor of The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) this morning.
The installation ceremony was presided over by President William Ruto, who was in the company of former prime minister Raila Odinga, among other top government officials, at the university’s Karen campus.
CUK has several schools, including the School of Business and Economics (SBE) and the School of Co-operative and Community Development (SCCD). The university’s structure likely supports its focus on cooperative principles and community development, offering programs tailored to these areas.
Dr. Benard William Chitunga arrives at the University for his installation ceremony as our second Chancellor. @HonJuliusMigos|@EduMinKenya |@benchitunga | @vc_cuk | @Prof_IKNyamongo | @Patrickkilemi | #CUKChancellorInstallation #EmpoweringCommunities
Further information on specific programs, research initiatives, and admission requirements would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the university’s offerings and impact.
“This morning, our Chancellor, Dr. Benard William Chitunga, Ph.D.; the University Council; and the University Management Board graciously received H.E. Hon. William Samoei Ruto, Ph.D., C.G.H., President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, at the Co-operative University of Kenya,” the university said in a statement.
What the New Lecture Theatre III Anne means to CUK
The statement shared on CUK’s official X account (formerly Twitter) further reads:
“The President has officially opened the New Lecture Theatre III Annex. This unforgettable moment underscores our shared commitment to excellence in teaching and research through transformative infrastructure and education initiatives across Kenya, reinforcing the president’s vision for a knowledge-driven economy.”
Against this background, Y News looks at the illustrious career profile of Dr. Chitunga, who has now become Kenya’s youngest university chancellor following his successful installation.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Dr. Chitunga is an international civil servant and global development leader with experience and expertise in partnerships, development concessional finance, and multilateralism in Africa, Europe, Latin America, and Asia.
Rais Ruto na Kinara wa ODM Raila Odinga wahudhuria hafla ya kutawazwa kwa Chansela maya wa Chuo Kikuu cha Co-operative, Dkt. Bernard Chitunga
Dr. Chitunga was appointed by President Ruto, the President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, as the Chancellor of The Co-operative University of Kenya for a five-year term, effective January 10, 2025. He holds the distinction of being the youngest Kenyan ever appointed as a chancellor in the history of the country.
Which role did Dr. Benard William Chitunga hold at AfDB
Currently, Dr. Chitunga is a partnership specialist and secretariat—special funds management at the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in Beijing, China.
Previously, Dr. Chitunga worked at the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), based at the headquarters in Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan, as a senior officer for partnerships, donors, and special projects.
Dr. Chitunga is a European University Institute (Italy) School of Transnational Governance African Leadership Fellow. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in management from KwaZulu-Natal University, South Africa.
Karibuni nyote. BC!!
Additionally, Dr. Chitunga holds two master’s degrees and a postgraduate diploma: a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from UGSM Monarch Business School, Switzerland; a a Master of Global Business and Sustainability-—Social Entrepreneurship from Università Cattolica del Sacro, Italy; and a postgraduate in Development Strategy and Governance from Bradford University, United Kingdom.
Dr. Chitunga’s dedication to sustainable development is reflected in his motto, “Son of Chegulo (village of his birth in Western Kenya) and Africa,” which underscores his deep-rooted connection to his heritage and his commitment to the broader African continent.
