Newly appointed University of Nairobi Vice-Chancellor, Prof Bitange Ndemo, currently Kenya’s Ambassador to Belgium, has rejected the offer, citing procedural irregularities.
Prof Ndemo has revealed in a LinkedIn post that he had been among three candidates shortlisted for the university’s top post following interviews conducted on March 21, 2025.
On May 5, he received an official appointment letter from the university council, signed by Council Chair Prof Amukowa Anangwe, naming him the next Vice-Chancellor.
However, the envoy has now raised doubts about the legality and transparency of the council’s decision-making process.
In particular, Prof Ndemo questioned the absence of formal approval from the Ministry of Education, a procedural requirement stipulated in Kenyan law.
Despite assurances from Prof Anangwe that the necessary paperwork had been submitted to the ministry, Ndemo remained dissatisfied with how the matter was being handled.
“The announcement triggered a flood of congratulatory messages on social media. However, I dissociate myself from this unprocedural process and have withdrawn my candidacy for the position,” he said in the statement.
Despite his objections, the university appeared to be moving ahead with a succession plan. A separate letter named Prof Francis Mulaa, the recently appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs, as acting VC pending Ndemo’s anticipated return from diplomatic duty in Brussels within six months.
Prof Anangwe, in a memo that was also copied to Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, cited an earlier council resolution as the basis for Mulaa’s appointment in an acting capacity.
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