New Twist as Govt Disowns Bitange Ndemo’s Appointment as UoN Vice Chancellor

The State Department of Higher Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala has disowned the University of Nairobi (UoN) Council letter which communicated the appointment of Kenya’s Ambassador to Belgium, Proffessor Bitange Ndemo, as the University’s Vice Chancellor, saying the Ministry of Education was not consulted

This comes after Ndemo declined the appointment following confirmation by the University Council.

In a letter dated May 5, 2025, the University Council announced that Prof. Ndemo would take over from Acting VC Prof. Margaret Jesang Hutchinson once his diplomatic term ended.

To allow for a transition, the Council also appointed Prof. Francis Jackim Mulaa as Acting VC for six months.

However, in a statement released on Thursday, May 8, Prof. Ndemo distanced himself from the decision and formally withdrew his candidacy citing procedural irregularities in the appointment process.

The diplomat disclosed that although he had been one of five shortlisted candidates and emerged among the final three after interviews held on March 21, 2025, key legal procedures were not followed.

“On May 5, 2025, I received a letter from Hon. Prof. Amukowa Anangwe, Chairman of the University Council, appointing me as Vice Chancellor. I sought confirmation from the Chairman regarding the Minister for Education’s concurrence, as required by law,” he said.

Also Read: Bitange Ndemo Among Shortlisted Candidates for UoN Vice-Chancellor Job

According to Prof. Ndemo, while he was assured that the Ministry’s concurrence was being processed, he had not received formal confirmation.

Further, he explained that the Council had already issued a letter appointing Prof. Mulaa as Acting VC and released news of his impending leadership, triggering a wave of congratulatory messages.

Bitange Ndemo withdraws from UoN VC race 

Despite the public attention, Kenya’s Ambassador to Belgium distanced himself from the decision and formally withdrew his candidacy.

“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 However, I dissociate myself from this unprocedural process and have withdrawn my candidacy for the position,” he added.

Also Read: Bitange Ndemo profile: Age, Education, Career, Family & Net Worth

While announcing his appointment the Council had said the move to appoint Prof. Francis Jackim Mulaa as Acting VC for a six-month period would help to avoid an administrative vacuum as Ndemo hands over his duties in Brussels before returning to Kenya to assume the role.

“Your appointment is intended to preempt an administrative vacuum in the office of the Vice Chancellor since Prof. Margaret Jesang Hutchinson ceased to be the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi.” read the letter signed by Council Chairperson Prof. Amukowa Anangwe.

“Prof. Elijah Bitange Ndemo is in the process of handing over his current position as Kenya’s Ambassador to Belgium in Brussels before he relocates to Kenya. Your acting appointment shall, therefore, cease on the date Prof. Ndemo assumes office as the substantive Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi.”

The diplomat has previously served as the former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Communications and is widely regarded for his leadership in public service and academia.

His appointment came following the abrupt dissolution of UON’s governing council by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba.

In a gazette notice issued on April 11, CS Ogamba revoked the appointment of four members of the university council—Sally Toroitich, Ahmed Abdullahi, Parmain Ole Narikae, and Carren Kerubo Omwenga—effective immediately.

The move came months after the CS had similarly revoked the appointment of Joel Kibe in December 2024.

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