Dr. Bernard William Chitunga is set to make history as the youngest person ever appointed as Chancellor of a university in Kenya. On April 30, 2025, he will officially be installed as the second Chancellor of the Co-operative University of Kenya.
His appointment was made official through Gazette Notice No. 387 under the Universities Act No. 42 of 2012, following approval by President William Ruto. The installation ceremony will be held at the university’s Graduation Square, located at the Main Campus in Karen, Nairobi. President Ruto is expected to attend this important event, which marks a major milestone for the institution.
Dr. Chitunga will succeed the late Hon. Joseph Nyagah, who served as the university’s first Chancellor. He will serve a five-year term in this role.
Dr. Chitunga’s Academic and Professional Journey
Before his appointment, Dr. Chitunga held a senior position at the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. He served as a Senior Officer for Partnerships, Donors, and Special Projects. Notably, he played a key role in managing the establishment of several major initiatives, including a USD 5 billion Affirmative Finance Special and Trust Fund.
He is also a fellow of the European University Institute’s School of Transnational Governance in Italy, highlighting his global experience in governance and development finance.
His Educational Background
Dr. Chitunga holds two doctorate degrees—one in Management from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa and another in Sustainable Development from Selinus University in Italy.
In addition, he has an MBA from UGSM Monarch Business School in Switzerland and a Master’s degree in Global Business and Sustainability (Social Entrepreneurship) from Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Italy.
He also earned a Postgraduate Certificate in Development Strategy and Governance from the University of Bradford in the United Kingdom, further boosting his credentials in governance and strategy.
Dr. Chitunga’s appointment is seen as a step forward for the Co-operative University of Kenya, with expectations that his leadership will bring new insights and positive changes to the institution.
