Former Kenya Power Managing Director and CEO Dr Ben Chumo has resigned as the Chair of the Kenyatta University Council.
Sources at Kenyatta University say Chumo tendered his resignation on the morning of November 17, 2025, to Education Cabinet Secretary Dr. Julius Ogamba, just before he was expected to chair a full council meeting on the criteria for recruiting a new VC.
His decision to step down followed sustained pressure from the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) – Kenyatta University Branch, which had criticised delays in appointing a substantive Vice-Chancellor.
Ben Chumo Resigns as KU Council Chair
His resignation comes as the search for a new vice chancellor to replace Professor Paul Wainaina, who is set to retire in late January 2026, is underway.
Several KUSU officials expressed dissatisfaction with the recruitment process. On November 11, 2025, KUSU KU Branch Secretary, Isaac Lokeris, accused the Council Chair of ignoring union correspondence and failing to communicate progress on the recruitment process.
The union expressed frustration over what it termed as “continued lack of response” and “unwillingness to engage on a matter that clearly warrants attention.”
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The union warned that the silence was creating room for speculation and could disrupt stability within the university community, especially after a recent 50-day industrial action.
The letter further stated that the union would take any necessary action, including demanding the resignation of the Council Chair, if it were found to impede the process.
Following Ben Chumo’s resignation, union members welcomed the development, saying it demonstrated the strength of collective action and the need for accountability in the management of universities.
A KUSU representative noted that the decision marked a significant step toward transparency, amplifying workers’ voices and paving the way for an orderly leadership transition.
The union also reiterated its commitment to seeing the recruitment process concluded quickly and in accordance with the criteria endorsed by the university senate.
Profile of Former Kenya Power MD
Dr. Ben Chumo is a prominent Kenyan Human Resource Management practitioner, educator, and business leader, known for his tenure as CEO of Kenya Power.
His career spans over three decades, mostly with Kenya Power, where he rose from a junior human resources officer to the top leadership position.
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He joined Kenya Power in 1986, served as Chief Manager for Human Resources and Administration for 12 years (2001-2012), and then as the Managing Director and CEO from 2014 until his retirement in January 2017.
After his retirement, he founded the firm Eagle HR Consultants, where he serves as the Chairman, providing HR advisory solutions.
Chumo holds a PhD in Human Resource Management from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology.
Additionally, he holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the same institution.
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