Why CPA Prof. Elizabeth Kalunda is the Visionary Leader ICPAK Needs Now

In a world where numbers tell stories and integrity shapes destinies, the accounting profession stands at a crossroads—demanding not just competence, but courageous, visionary leadership. At this critical juncture, CPA Prof. Elizabeth Nthambi Kalunda emerges as the leader the moment calls for: a brilliant mind forged by decades of experience, a compassionate mentor to rising professionals, and a relentless advocate for accountability, inclusion, and innovation. Her journey is not just a résumé of accolades—it is a movement of purpose, poised to redefine what it means to lead with both precision and heart in Kenya’s financial landscape.

In a profession increasingly called upon to adapt, innovate, and lead in the face of rapid technological and global shifts, one name rises above the rest with a compelling blend of experience, intellect, integrity, and inspiration—CPA Prof. Elizabeth Nthambi Kalunda.

As the current Vice Chair of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), Prof. Kalunda is not just a steward of accounting excellence—she is a transformational leader poised to redefine the future of the profession. Her campaign for the ICPAK Chairmanship (2025–2027) is not merely about succession—it’s about vision, legacy, and purpose-driven service.

The S Agenda: A Blueprint for Accountancy Excellence

Prof. Kalunda’s SLEEK 2.0 Agenda is more than a catchy acronym—it is a detailed strategic roadmap built on five core pillars:

Setting the Bar in Standards for Superior Service

Leading a Member-centric Institute

Empowerment of Upcoming Accountants & Inclusivity

Empowered Profession for Enhanced Public Interest

Knowledge Generation & Innovation

These pillars are anchored in her commitment to amplify the voice of ICPAK while nurturing the profession with a forward-thinking approach that reflects both global trends and local realities.

A Career Rooted in Purpose, Expertise, and Mentorship

With over 26 years of experience in finance and accounting, spanning academia, industry, and public service, Prof. Kalunda stands out as a trailblazer. She is a Doctor of Business Administration (Banking) and holds an MBA (Accounting) from the University of Nairobi, along with a Bachelor of Education from Moi University. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K) since 2003 and a Certified Public Mediator, she embodies the rare blend of academic excellence and practical wisdom.

Her past roles, including as Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration at USIU-A, have sharpened her administrative acumen. She serves on the Board of KASNEB, contributing to national policy and examination frameworks that shape the next generation of financial professionals.

The Heart of a Leader, the Soul of a Servant

Leadership is not just about holding positions—it’s about influence, impact, and intent. Prof. Kalunda brings a servant-leader’s heart to every role she undertakes. From chairing the Ladies Ministry at Gospel Outreach Church, Thika, to serving on school boards in Machakos, her civic involvement is driven by the same values she champions professionally: empowerment, mentorship, and accountability.

Her entrepreneurial side as a director of Lofty Corban Investment Ltd., a firm offering financial advisory and empowerment programs, further cements her credibility as a leader who understands the pulse of both the corporate boardroom and the grassroots business community.

A Champion for Women, Youth, and Diversity

A powerful advocate for women in accounting and finance, Prof. Kalunda doesn’t just talk diversity—she lives it. Her leadership has opened doors for women and young professionals in an industry that has traditionally been male-dominated. Through mentorship programs, structured internships, and customized CPD forums, she ensures that no one is left behind.

Her story—from a Home Science degree to the upper echelons of finance—resonates deeply with those who’ve had to take non-linear paths to success. She’s proof that with vision and resilience, transformation is not just possible—it’s inevitable.

Awards and Recognition

In November 2024, she was named one of East Africa’s Most Powerful Women in Finance by Business Monthly Magazine. She’s been featured in Business Daily and profiled on Citizen TV’s “She Means Business” segment. These are not vanity accolades—they are validations of a life committed to excellence and impact.

Vision for ICPAK: From Compliance to Influence

At the core of her candidacy lies a conviction that ICPAK must evolve from a compliance-based body to a thought-leader institution influencing policy and economic direction in Kenya. Under her leadership, she envisions:

Need A stronger regulatory voice that safeguards public interest

Deeper research and innovation hubs that harness the youth’s potential

Global collaboration to internationalize Kenyan accountancy

Financially sustainable branches and chapters both locally and in the diaspora

She believes the role of accountants goes beyond books; they are guardians of national integrity, architects of transparency, and stewards of socio-economic justice.

A Personal Note: The Power of Planning, Purpose, and People

Prof. Kalunda often quotes Dwight Eisenhower: “Plans are nothing; planning is everything.” Her journey reflects the importance of strategy, mentorship, and intentional growth. She credits her transformation to those who believed in her before she believed in herself, and now, she seeks to pay it forward.

Whether she’s mentoring a budding CPA, guiding boardroom policy, or tending to her farm and family, Prof. Kalunda embodies the multifaceted life of a modern Kenyan woman—resilient, relational, and relentlessly results-oriented.

Why She Deserves Your Vote

In an era where professionalism is under scrutiny and trust in institutions is waning, ICPAK needs a leader who embodies ethics, empathy, and excellence. Prof. Elizabeth Kalunda is not just prepared for the role of Chairperson—she was made for it.

Her SLEEK 2.0 Agenda offers a practical, values-driven vision that will shape the future of accountancy in Kenya and beyond. She is not just a candidate; she is a catalyst for transformation.

As Kenya’s accounting profession evolves to meet the demands of a dynamic, tech-driven, and globally interconnected economy, the choice of leadership becomes more than symbolic—it becomes strategic. CPA Prof. Elizabeth Kalunda is not just prepared for this moment; she is the moment. Her SLEEK Agenda is more than a campaign manifesto—it is a bold, structured roadmap to elevate the profession, empower the next generation, and amplify the voice of ICPAK both locally and globally. To vote for Prof. Kalunda is to vote for integrity, inclusion, innovation, and inspired service. The future of accountancy in Kenya is not just bright—it’s SLEEK.

Vote for CPA Prof. Elizabeth Nthambi Kalunda. Because the future of our profession deserves nothing less than SLEEK leadership.

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