SUSTAINABLE FINANCING
Board of Trustees
The UF’s board consists of members who work comprehensively with the CEO towards achieving UF’s objectives.
The UF’s board consists of members who work comprehensively with the CEO towards achieving UF’s objectives.
Prof. Karuti Kanyinga assumed the role of Chairperson of the Universities Fund Board on 8th July 2022. He brings extensive experience in the university sector and is widely recognised for his scholarly contributions in governance and development. Prof. Kanyinga is a distinguished development researcher and scholar, with significant national and international exposure. His research portfolio spans various areas, including land rights, civil society and development, ethnicity and development, and electoral politics and development. Moreover, he possesses expertise in monitoring and evaluating major development programs, as well as in overseeing their implementation. He has led diverse teams of project managers and researchers in delivering large, multi-donor funded initiatives. Prof. Kanyinga has also served as a valuable resource person for numerous international organisations, including the World Bank, USAID, and other bilateral agencies, offering insights on governance, project planning, and implementation. Additionally, he has actively contributed to community development efforts and provided intellectual perspectives on various national and international issues. Prof. Kanyinga holds a PhD in Social Sciences with a specialisation in International Development Studies (IDS), a Master of Arts in Government, and a Bachelor of Arts, all from the University of Nairobi.
Prof. Walter O. Mwanda assumed the role of trustee on 1st July 2019. He holds a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Nairobi, as well as a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MB ChB) from the Royal College of Pathologists. Additionally, he completed a postgraduate course in Epidemiology and Biostatistics in Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics at John Hopkins University, Maryland, USA. Prof. Mwanda received postgraduate training in Haematology and Blood Transfusion at Kenyatta National Hospital and currently holds the position of full professor of Haematology and Blood Transfusion. Previously, he served as Chairman of the Department of Human Pathology and contributed to syllabus and curriculum development at the School of Medicine, University of Nairobi. He has been honored with the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS) and is a member of numerous professional bodies both nationally and internationally. Before joining the Board, he served as the Director of the University of Nairobi Institute of Tropical and Infectious Disease.
Mrs. Diana Mutisya assumed her role on the Board on 1st October 2021, representing the State Department for University Education & Research. She serves as a member of the Planning, Research, and Resource Mobilisation Committee, as well as the Finance Administration and General-Purpose Committee. Mrs. Mutisya is a Financial Analyst currently employed with the State Department for University Education & Research. She holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration(Finance option) from Kenyatta University, a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration(Accounting and Finance option) from Kenya Methodist University (KEMU), a Diploma in Information Technology, a Higher Diploma in Human Resources, and has completed the Strategic Leadership Development Programme from the Kenya School of Government (KSG). Additionally, she has undertaken courses in Public Finance Management and Senior Management from KSG. Furthermore, Mrs. Mutisya has completed training in Effective Board & Board Audit Committee and Internal Audit Function from the Institute of Internal Auditor Kenya, as well as an induction program for Public Sector Boards from KSG, and a Board Masterclass from the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK). She also holds a Certification in Corporate Governance from the Kenya School of Government, along with various other relevant short courses obtained both locally and internationally. With over 40 years of experience in government functions and operations, Mrs. Mutisya brings a wealth of expertise to her role on the Board.
Dr. Ken Nyaundi was appointed as a Trustee of the Universities Fund Board on 28 July 2022. He serves as the Chairman of the Planning, Research, and Resource Mobilisation Committee and as a member of the Finance, Administration, and General-Purpose Committee. Additionally, Dr. Nyaundi currently holds the position of Chairman of the Laikipia University Council, representing the interests of the university sector on the Universities Fund Board. He is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with over three decades of experience and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. Dr. Nyaundi specialises in Alternative Dispute Resolution and is a member of the Chief Justice’s Mediation Accreditation Committee. He is also the Managing Partner of Marende and Nyaundi Advocates. Dr. Nyaundi has conducted extensive consultancies in Private and Public International Law, Governance, Devolution, Wildlife Conservation, Rule of Law, and Administrative Justice. Moreover, he has held various leadership positions in both the public and private sectors. Dr. Nyaundi holds a PhD in Public International Law, a Master of Laws in Public International Law, and a Bachelor of Laws. Additionally, he holds a Diploma in Legal Practice.
Dr. Charles Kirimi was appointed as a Trustee of the Universities Fund Board on 28 July 2022. He currently serves as the Chairperson of the Planning, Research, and Resource Mobilisation Committee and as a member of the Audit and Risk Committee. In addition to his role on the Board, Dr. Kirimi is the Chairperson of the Kenya Methodist University Council, representing the interests of the university sector.
Prior to his appointment, Dr. Kirimi held the position of Chief Executive Officer at Chai Trading Limited and served as Group General Manager at Kenya Tea Development Agency for four years. He has also held leadership positions at Mastermind (K) Tobacco Ltd, Caltex Oil (K) Ltd, and Pan Africa Insurance Company.
Dr. Charles Kirimi holds a PhD in Business Management (Strategic Leadership), a Master’s in Business Administration (Marketing), and a Bachelor of Commerce (Business Administration). Additionally, he possesses a Postgraduate Degree in Business Management and a Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Management Practices.
Ms. Zipporah W. Mungai was appointed as a Trustee of the Universities Fund Board on 28 July 2022. She serves as a member of the Planning, Research, and Resource Mobilisation Committee, as well as the Finance, Administration, and General-Purpose Committee.
Ms. Mungai brings extensive finance experience to her role, having held leadership positions in the Finance and Insurance Sector. She previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of Composite Insurance Company and held the role of Country Managing Director at CIC Africa Holdings Uganda for four years. Additionally, she has held similar positions at UAP Insurance Uganda, UAP Properties Limited Uganda, and Jubilee Insurance Company Tanzania.
She holds a Master of Science in Finance and a Bachelor of Commerce (Insurance). Aside from that, holds several professional designations, including Chartered Insurer, Associate Risk Manager, and Associate of the Charter of Arbitrators.
Mr. Reagan Kaberia was appointed Trustee of the Universities Fund Board on 31st May 2023. He serves as a member of the Planning, Research and Resource Mobilisation Committee and the Audit and Risk Committee.
With over two decades of extensive experience in strategic leadership and program management, Mr. Kaberia is a distinguished leader in his field. He currently holds the position of CEO of ZOE Global South and Kenya Country Manager for Zoe Empowers. In these roles, he has been instrumental in leading and implementing empowerment programs across multiple countries, including Kenya, Malawi, India, Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Southern Sudan, Liberia, and Rwanda.
Mr. Kaberia’s expertise lies in strategic planning, financial management, and team development. His leadership has significantly enhanced the effectiveness and accountability of the organisations under his guidance. His deep commitment to policy development, business management, and continuous learning ensures that he remains at the forefront of industry trends and best practices.
Mr. Kaberia holds a Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management from Kenya Methodist University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences from Kenyatta University.
Ms. Linah K Mwau was appointed as a Board Member of the Universities Fund in December, 2024 representing the National Treasury and Economic Planning. She serves as a member of Finance, Administration, and General purpose Committee, as well as the Audit and Risk Committee.
Ms. Mwau is an accomplished Financial specialist with extensive experience in public financial management, policy development, and risk management. She currently serves as a Financial Specialist at the Public Financial Management Reforms (PFMR) Secretariat, The National Treasury, where she plays a pivotal role in overseeing multi-donor funded projects, budget formulation, financial reporting and facilitating Public Expenditure and Fiscal Accountability assessments (PEFA).
Her expertise in financial analysis, taxation, auditing, and Public Financial Management has positioned her as a trusted advisor on fiscal policy and accountability. She has collaborated with various government agencies, development partners, and stakeholders to strengthen financial systems and enhance sustainability in public sector funding. This makes her a valuable asset to the Universities Board.
She holds a Master of Science in (Finance) with specialization in Investments from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance Option). She is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a member of ICPAK. Additionally, she has certification on International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).
Dr. Edwin Wanyonyi is the Acting Chief Executive Officer/Director General at the Universities Fund, where he excels in cultivating impactful partnerships, driving enterprise initiatives, and implementing effective resource mobilisation strategies. With extensive experience in both public and private sectors, he brings a wealth of knowledge in resource mobilisation, partnership development, and strategic planning.
An alumnus of the United States International Visitor Leadership Programme, Dr. Wanyonyi previously served as the Head of Directorate, Strategy, Planning, and Resource Mobilisation at the Kenya Institute of Supplies Management. He has also worked with prominent organizations such as Adept CN, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Kenya Alliance of Resident Associations (KARA), and Ernst & Young.
Dr. Wanyonyi holds a Doctorate in Business Administration, an MBA in Strategic Management, and a Bachelor of Business Administration. He is a trained ISO Quality Management System Auditor, a Certified Fundraiser, and a member of the Kenya Institute of Management and the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Beyond his professional roles, he has significantly contributed to national and international development efforts, serving on the National Steering Committee of the UNDP Small Grants Programme and the Executive Committee of the Alliance of Conservation Funds in Africa (CAFE). He is also a published author and speaker on leadership, strategy, and resource mobilisation.
