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PROF. CPA. ELIZABETH KALUNDA
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR – FINANCE & ACCOUNTING, USIU-A
Education is the backbone of any career. It is the foundation upon which great futures are built. Often, these careers are shaped by individuals who have dedicated their lives to nurturing young minds, preparing them to face the world. The circle of life manifests through these educators who empower the next generation, continuing a legacy of knowledge, excellence, and leadership.
Currently serving as Associate Professor of Finance and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor, Finance and Operations, Prof. Kalunda has established herself as a force in both academia and the finance industry. Her role as a respected academic and finance professional, has been instrumental in moulding the future leaders of the financial world. As she contributes to the excellence of finance education at United States International University – Africa (USIU-A), she has made a deep-rooted impact, passing on her wealth of knowledge and experience to young, aspiring professionals.
Having joined USIU-A as an Assistant Professor in 2016 she has over the past eight years, significantly contributed to the development of the finance curriculum at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral level and has helped to enhance the institution’s academic reputation. Through her leadership and involvement in the Chandaria School of Business, she shares her expertise in finance, accounting, and business strategy with students at all levels.
Beyond the walls of academia, Prof. Kalunda’s influence extends into the professional arena. She serves as Vice Chair of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), where she has been a council member since 2019. As convener of the Research and Development Committee, she has been at the forefront of advancing public finance management in Kenya, facilitating training sessions on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). Her contributions to the finance industry have not gone unnoticed; she is regularly called upon to share her expertise at conferences and high-level fora across the East African region.
Prof. Kalunda’s role as a leader in finance extends further into corporate governance. She currently serves as a Director at Lofty Corban Investments Limited, and as a Board Member of the Kenya Accountants and Secretaries National Examinations Board (KASNEB). Her contributions to KASNEB, in particular, demonstrate her deep commitment to education, as she helps develop syllabuses and certifications that set the standard for accountancy and finance professionals in Kenya.
Prof. Kalunda’s career journey began as a lecturer at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, where she worked from 2009 to 2013. It was here that she first began to make her mark, publishing books on corporate social reporting practices and credit risk management in pharmaceutical firms in Kenya. These early works laid the foundation for her reputation as a thought leader in finance, particularly in the areas of financial transparency and risk management. As her career progressed, she transitioned to various leadership roles, including her time as Principal Lecturer at the Government Training Institute, Embu, where she trained government employees on finance and accounting matters.
Prof. Kalunda holds a PhD in Business Administration, specialising in Banking, from the University of Nairobi (UoN), where she also earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in Accounting. Her academic journey began at Moi University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree. Her diverse educational background gives her a unique perspective on both finance and education, allowing her to seamlessly integrate her knowledge of finance with her passion for teaching.
In addition to her leadership roles at ICPAK and KASNEB, Prof. Kalunda is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K) and a Certified Professional Mediator. She has also completed the Quality Matters certification on ‘Designing Your Online Course’, further enhancing her teaching skills in the digital age.
Prof. Kalunda has been an active volunteer, particularly in the education sector. She has served on the Board of Management for several schools, including Bishop Ndingi High School-Mwala, St Teresa’s. Girls-Mwala and St. Francis Girls Mang’u.
Over the years, Prof. Kalunda has gleaned valuable lessons that have shaped her approach to leadership and education. One key lesson is the importance of resilience and adaptability in an ever-evolving industry. As both a teacher and a leader, she has learned to balance the demands of academia with the rapid changes in the finance sector, ensuring that her students are well-prepared for the challenges they will face in their careers.
Another lesson she embodies is the value of mentorship. Through her work with organisations like the Association of Women Accountants in Kenya (AWAK), she helps foster relationships between young female accountants and seasoned professionals, creating a support system that encourages women to thrive in the finance world.
Prof. Kalunda finds relief and inspiration in reading, watching movies, exploring new places, and tending to her farm. As the renowned philosopher Aristotle once said, “We must give ourselves time to relax, to think, to dream, to play, to be silent, to enjoy, to just be.” These activities allow her to recharge and return to her work with renewed vigour.
