By: Mariam Kidhangi & Lubnah Abdulhalim
The academic foundation for Dr. Samson Kitheka’s career is built on a series of rigorous achievements as he is an accomplished scholar, researcher, and academic leader whose career reflects resilience, intellectual curiosity, and a deep commitment to transforming lives through education and research.
Currently serving as the Dean of the School of Business at the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM), his journey is a testament to perseverance, purposeful growth, and service to both academia and society.
Dr. Kitheka embarked on his doctoral journey with a clear personal ambition, to complete his PhD by the age of 30. However, the path unfolded differently, and he successfully attained his doctorate at the age of 32 from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). What initially appeared as a delay became, in retrospect, a defining period that strengthened his resolve and deepened his commitment to his academic pursuits.
“My journey has always been rooted in a deep desire for knowledge,” Dr. Kitheka says.
“I graduated with a First Class Honours degree in Bachelor of Business Management, and in 2009 at MMUST, I was absorbed as a Graduate Assistant, a role that shaped my academic foundation.”
He later pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Supply Chain Management at the University of Nairobi (UON) in 2010. His dedication and excellence saw him graduate as the Best MBA and Supply Chain Management student for the 2011/2012 academic year.
This achievement marked a turning point in his career, leading to his appointment as an Assistant Lecturer, where he transitioned from being a learner to a mentor and educator.
In 2013, he joined the Technical University of Mombasa as an Assistant Lecturer. Over the years, he steadily advanced through the academic ranks, reflecting both his scholarly contributions and leadership capabilities. In 2019, he was promoted to Lecturer and, in 2020, appointed as the Head of the Department of Management Science. His upward trajectory continued in 2022 when he attained the rank of Senior Lecturer and took on the role of Thematic Leader in Supply Chain courses. In 2023, he was appointed Dean of the School of Business, a position that underscores his leadership and vision in higher education.
“My research focuses on logistics management, procurement, and operations, with over 50 publications,” Dr Kitheka explains.
“I believe supply chains are the backbone of any economy, a silent force that keeps everything moving even when it is not seen. Behind every product on a shelf, every service delivered, there is a chain of decisions, processes, and people holding it together.”
A defining aspect of his career is his commitment to applied research. Notably, during his master’s studies, he conducted research on inventory management automation in supermarkets across Western Kenya. The practical impact of this work was evident when several retail outlets implemented his findings, reinforcing his belief that research should extend beyond academic publication to drive real-world solutions and meaningful change.
Currently, Dr. Kitheka is engaged in collaborative research focused on managing supply chain performance in public institutions. This work aims to develop practical and measurable frameworks that can be adopted to improve efficiency and accountability in the public sector.
“Beyond academia, I am passionate about mentoring young people,” Dr Kitheka says.
“Through initiatives like KITUI PhD Holders and the Kamba Visionaries Association, I engage in academic clinics, community support, and empowerment.”
“I am also involved in climate mitigation efforts, which connects with my personal interest in farming back home.”
Dr. Kitheka’s journey illustrates that success is not always linear, but is built on persistence, adaptability, and purpose. His philosophy is grounded in the belief that while progress may not always be swift or seamless, dedication and commitment make achievement inevitable.
Number of Publications: 50
Contact: sskitheka@tum.ac.ke
