Role at the University

Chris Kathoka is the Registrar, Finance, Planning and Administration at The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) and a member of the University Management Board, where he plays a central role in setting the University’s strategic direction. He leads the strategic planning process and oversees the implementation of the Master Plan, Development Plan and Strategic Plan, and coordinates the University’s annual performance contracting. His portfolio further covers Human Resources, ICT, Transport, Central Services, Catering and General Administration.

Career

Chris has over fifteen years of senior experience in higher education. He began his career at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), first as a Systems Administrator and later as a Human Resource Officer — a blend of technology and people management that continues to shape his leadership. In 2013, he joined the Co-operative University College of Kenya as Principal Human Resource Manager and a member of the University College Management Board. When the University was chartered in 2016, he took up his current role, and has since been closely involved in its growth from a constituent college into the institution it is today.

Qualifications and professional membership

• Master of Science in Human Resource ManagementJomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
• Bachelor of Science in Information TechnologyJomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
• PhD in Human Resource Management (ongoing)JKUAT — research on HR analytics and the performance of public universities
• Member, Institute of Human Resource Management (MIHRM)In good standing; Certified Human Resource Auditor
• APMG Certified PPP Professional (Foundation)Also a Certified Professional Mediator
• Strategic Leadership Development ProgrammeKenya School of Government

Contribution and service

Under Chris’s coordination, the University has consistently earned an “Excellent” rating in national performance evaluations. As part of the management team, he has helped mobilise resources for major projects, including an automated sewer treatment plant, an Innovation Hub for the Co-operative Movement and land for campus expansion.

He sits on the University Senate and provides technical support to two Committees of Council: the Human Resource Management Committee and the Finance, Planning and Development Committee. He also chairs the Productivity Mainstreaming Committee and the University Complaints Handling Committee. He formerly served as a Trustee of the CUK Staff Pension Scheme, representing the scheme sponsor; during his term, the scheme’s funds grew from about Kshs. 100 million to over Kshs. 700 million. Beyond CUK, he has led organisational structure consultancies for several universities and served as a key negotiator in university Collective Bargaining Agreements.

Community leadership

Chris serves on the boards of three schools in his home region, where he mentors young people and supports community development.

• Chairman, Board of Management Burieruri Boys’ Senior School Meru County
• Board Member Baricho Boys High School Kirinyaga County
• Board Member Kathigiri Public Primary and Junior School Meru County