Bernard William Chitunga: President Ruto Installs Kenya's Youngest University Chancellor
- On Wednesday, April 30, President William Ruto presided over the installation of Bernard William Chitunga as the chancellor of Co-operative University of Kenya
- Chitunga has now become the youngest person to serve as a chancellor of a public university since independence
- Ruto said Chitunga’s appointment as the chancellor was part of a broader effort to bring youth into leadership roles
Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Nairobi - In a historic ceremony on Wednesday, April 30, President William Ruto officially installed Bernard William Chitunga as the chancellor of the Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK).
Source: Facebook
The event, attended by senior government officials and university stakeholders, marked a significant step towards enhancing Kenya's cooperative sector and its role in the nation's economic transformation.
How important is Co-operative University of Kenya?
In his address, the president emphasised the importance of the Co-operative University of Kenya in the country’s development, especially in empowering communities through education, research, and sustainable development initiatives.
He praised the university’s long-standing contribution to the cooperative movement and highlighted its potential in driving Kenya's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
"The Co-operative University has been at the heart of transforming our economy by empowering individuals and communities with knowledge and skills. As we continue to work towards a more inclusive and equitable society, institutions like CUK are crucial," Ruto said.
The president's remarks also underscored the government's commitment to supporting educational institutions and fostering leadership that integrates young people.
He noted that Chitunga’s appointment as the chancellor was part of a broader effort to bring youth into leadership roles.
“Our government is intentional about integrating young people into leadership to unlock their energy, creativity, and innovative thinking,” the president remarked, affirming that youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but leaders of today.
In particular, Ruto highlighted the role of cooperatives in Kenya’s economy, pointing out that they now contribute nearly half of the country’s national savings and finance 90% of the nation’s housing stock.
He outlined the government's focus on reforms that promote sustainable cooperative growth, such as the Cooperative Bill, 2024, currently before Parliament.
Ruto also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing the university’s infrastructure, including the construction of student hostels under the Affordable Housing Programme.
Additionally, he promised to support the establishment of the CUK Innovation Hub, a center for research, training, and incubation, which will play a vital role in empowering communities through cooperative-driven development.
Who is Bernard William Chitunga?
Chitunga, appointed as chancellor in January 2025, is the youngest to hold the position in the university's history.
A distinguished global development finance expert, Chitunga’s appointment symbolises a new era for the Co-operative University, aligning with Kenya's strategic focus on youth empowerment and cooperative economics.
He previously served as a Senior Officer for Partnerships, Donors, and Special Projects at the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
Notably, he was part of the secretariat for the USD 5 billion Affirmative Finance Special and Trust Funds, where he served as Task Manager during their establishment.
He is currently a specialist at the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in Beijing, focusing on sustainable infrastructure development.
Chitunga's academic credentials include a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Management from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from UGSM Monarch Business School, Switzerland.
He also holds a Master's in Global Business and Sustainability with a focus on Social Entrepreneurship from Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Italy, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Development Strategy and Governance from the University of Bradford, United Kingdom.
His vision for CUK includes nurturing innovation, fostering youth engagement, and advancing digital transformation in the cooperative sector.
As chancellor, he is committed to making the university a key player in Kenya’s economic growth, with a focus on inclusive prosperity and sustainable development.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
