University Council

Dr. Kennedy Okong’o, the Chairperson of the University of Embu Council holds a PhD in Information Systems, University of Cape Town, MSc in ICT Policy and a BSc in Geomatic Engineering and Geo Information Systems, JKUAT. He also holds an MBA in Information Systems, University of Nairobi and a Master of Arts in Diplomacy, Moi University. Previously, he served as a member of Council for Embu University College and South Eastern Kenya University. Dr. Okong’o is Policy Lead, Digital Impact at the United Nations Foundation.

Representing the Principal Secretary, State Department for Higher Education & Research, Mr. Ndung’u holds a Masters degree in Education Planning, Kenyatta University and a Bachelor of Education degree from Moi University. He has a wealth of experience in Education Management. Mr. Ndung’u is currently serving as the Deputy Director in the Ministry of Education.

Representing the Cabinet Secretary, The National Treasury, Mr. Kiiru holds a Master of Arts degree in Economics, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from University of Nairobi. He has a wealth of experience in planning, public financial management and economic management. He is currently serving as the Director of Planning Budget and Head of Budget Policy, at The National Treasury.

Karen Basiye is a keen Sustainable Business Leader with over 15 years’ experience. Over the years she has worked at the National Environment Management Authority and Safaricom where she developed competencies in Leadership, Governance, Strategic Thinking, Sustainability Reporting (both Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), Social Policy, Corporate Environmental Management, Environmental Management Systems including ISO certification and Environmental policies, Environment Risk Management, Environmental Compliance Assessment, Energy and Climate change policies, Strategies for Sustainable Development, Integrated Product Policies, Sustainable Consumption and Production and integration of Sustainable Development Goals into company strategies as well as Corporate Philanthropy and Corporate Social Investment. Karen holds a Joint Master of Environmental Science, Policy and Management degree from Lund University (Sweden), University of Manchester (UK), Central European University (Hungary) and University of the Aegean (Greece) www.mespom.eu and a Bachelor of Environment Science degree from Kenyatta University. She is also an alumna of the SBS Senior Management Leadership Programme Currently, Karen is the Director Sustainable Business, Social Impact and Foundations at Safaricom. She is passionate about the interplay between People, Purpose and Profits. She has served at various University Councils, seats on the Governing Council of KEPSA as the Vice chair of the Environment Sector Board and is a Strategic Advisor on various Boards. She has been recognised as an SDG Pioneer by the Global Compact Kenya.

He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Strategic Management and a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Accounting, both from the United States International University (USIU) and a Global Diploma in Engagement and productivity Coaching from CDI-Africa Coaching Group limited. In addition, he is a Certified Public Accountant of Kenya and a full member of The Institute of Certified Public Accountant of Kenya (ICPAK) and a Certified Trustee from College of Insurance Kenya. He has a wealth of experience spanning over 25 years in financial services sector, having worked with a number of Local and International banking institutions. He is currently serving as the Group Chief Risk Officer, Co-operative Bank of Kenya Limited. Mr. Kaburu served in the 1st University of Embu Council.

She holds a Master of Science Degree in Development Finance from Reading University, United Kingdom and a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Business Administration from the University of Nairobi. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate Degree in Development Studies. She is a financial sector expert with over 20 years’ experience. Ms. Ndwiga was awarded the head of state commendation (HSC) by the President of the Republic of Kenya in recognition of her outstanding contribution in financing of SMEs through her work in the Finance industry and public sector board roles. She is currently serving as a General Manager, Corporate and Public sector banking, Equity Group. She is a member of the Endowment Fund Board of Trustees, University of Embu. Ms. Ndwiga previously served in the Embu University College Council.

He holds a Masters degree in Tax and Customs Administration from Moi University, Master of Business Administration in Corporate Management, and a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Finance both from KCA University. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D in business management (Accounting option) at Moi University, Eldoret. In addition, he is a Certified Public Accountant of Kenya and a member of ICPAK, a full member of Kenya Institute of Management (MKIM), Africa Tax Research Network (ATRN) Scientific committee member and a Certified Secretary (CS). Mr. Kilonzi has 23 years’ experience in accounting and financial management. He is currently serving as a member of public sector accountants committee of ICPAK Council and a subject matter expert at KRAs’ Kenya School of Revenue Administration (KESRA). He is a reviewer with Africa Tax and Customs Review (ATCR) journal.

She holds a Master of Science in International Management from Oxford Brookes University, England and a Bachelor of Sciences (Hons) in Business Information Systems from North London University, England. Ms. Munene is an international management professional with proven linkages skills and understanding of the research and innovation financing landscape. She has a wealth of experience in governance since 2005. Ms. Munene is currently working with Higher Ed Partners as the Vice President University Partnerships – East Africa.

He holds a Doctorate degree in Agroforestry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA, Master of Science degree in Crop Science/Horticulture, University of Nairobi, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry from Moi University. Prof. Mugendi has a wealth of experience in University Management. He is also a prolific researcher and has been recognized by being ranked position 12 best researcher in Kenya and Position 628 in Africa in the 2022 World Scientist and University Rankings, AD Scientific Index ranking which ranks individual researchers in Universities across the world. He is the Vice-Chancellor, University of Embu and the Secretary to the University Council.