Professor Bitange Ndemo, Kenya’s Ambassador to Belgium, has declined his appointment as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nairobi (UoN), citing flaws in the appointment process.
On May 5, Prof. Ndemo received a letter from Prof. Amukowa Anangwe, Chairman of the University Council, appointing him as Vice Chancellor, set to assume the role after handing over his diplomatic role.
To avoid a leadership vacuum during the transition, the Council also appointed Prof. Francis Mulaa as the acting Vice-Chancellor for an interim period.
Prof. Ndemo noted that he sought confirmation of his appointment from the Council regarding the Minister for Education’s concurrence, which is a legal requirement for such appointments. Despite receiving assurance that this was addressed, he expressed concerns about the fairness of the process. In a statement released on Thursday, May 8, 2025, Prof Ndemo dissociated himself from the process, terming the process “unprocedural” and formally withdrawing his candidacy.
“I dissociate myself from this unprocedural process and have withdrawn my candidacy for the positions,” Ndemo wrote.
This withdrawal deepens the leadership crisis at the University of Nairobi, which has been ongoing for nearly two years, with the institution cycling through several acting Vice-Chancellors following the controversial dismissal of former VC Prof. Stephen Kiama.
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