Role at the University

Prof. Esther Gicheru is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Finance, Planning and Administration at The Co-operative University of Kenya, and an Associate Professor in Co-operative Management and Organization Development. She has spent her career in the co-operative sector, from field administration through to leading the institution that trains it.

Career

Her career began in 1976 as a Co-operative Officer in Kenya’s Ministry of Co-operative Development and Marketing, where she served in various capacities. In 1988 she moved to The Co-operative College of Kenya as its Principal, and rose to Director of the College when it became a Semi-Autonomous Government Agency. In August 2012 she was appointed acting Principal of The Co-operative University College of Kenya.

She has coordinated the successful implementation of many training programmes both nationally and internationally. Her research work spans co-operative management, co-operative policy, gender issues in co-operatives and the incorporation of co-operative training into higher education curricula.

Qualifications

• DoctorateCebu Doctors’ University, The Philippines
• Master’s in Co-operative Management and Organization DevelopmentUniversity of Leicester, United Kingdom
• Bachelor’s degree in AgricultureUniversity of Nairobi
• Diploma in Counselling PsychologyTangaza University College

Awards and recognition

Her contribution to the co-operative movement has been recognised nationally and internationally.

• 2016 Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya (OGW) Presidential award
• 2008 Head of State Commendation (HSC) Presidential award
• 2007 Rochdale Pioneers Award International Co-operative Alliance