Former ICT Principal Secretary and Kenya’s Ambassador to Belgium, Professor Bitange Ndemo, has declined his appointment as the new Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi (UoN).
In a statement on Thursday, May 8, Ndemo cited procedural irregularities in the appointment process.
“I dissociate myself from this unprocedural process and have withdrawn my candidacy for the position. In light of these circumstances, I have formally withdrawn my candidacy for the position of Vice Chancellor at the University of Nairobi,” Ndemo said.
He added that his appointment triggered a flood of congratulatory messages on social media and wondered whether the legal and procedural requirements, particularly the mandatory concurrence from the Minister for Education, had been fully observed.
“On May 5, 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. Prof Anangwe assured me that it was being addressed and that he had submitted the necessary documents an hour earlier,” Ndemo said.
Bitange Ndemo: Career profile of new University of Nairobi Vice-Chancellor
Ndemo’s appointment was confirmed by the Nairobi University Council Chairperson Prof Amukowa Anangwe who clarified that Ndemo would assume the role after concluding his current role as Kenya’s Ambassador to Belgium.
“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,” said Anangwe.
During the transition period, Prof. Francis Jackim Mulaa will step into the role for six months starting May 5, 2025.
“Your acting appointments shall therefore cease on the date Prof Ndemo assumes office as the substantive Vice Chancellor of the UON,” part of the statement reads.
