“Unprocedural Process”: Prof. Bitange Ndemo Rejects UoN Vice Chancellor Appointment

In a surprising turn of events, Kenya’s Ambassador to Belgium, Prof. Bitange Ndemo, has turned down his appointment as the new Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi (UoN), citing serious procedural irregularities.

The University Council had confirmed Prof. Ndemo’s appointment on Thursday, stating he would succeed Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Margaret Jesang Hutchinson once he concluded his diplomatic posting. To facilitate a smooth transition, the Council appointed Prof. Francis Jackim Mulaa as Acting Vice Chancellor for a six-month period, effective May 5, 2025.

However, shortly after the announcement, Prof. Ndemo released a statement distancing himself from the position. He described the selection process as “unprocedural” and announced that he had formally withdrawn his candidacy.

“I wish to make it unequivocally clear that I dissociate myself from this unprocedural process. In light of these circumstances, I have formally withdrawn my candidacy for the position of Vice Chancellor at the University of Nairobi,” Prof. Ndemo said.

He further revealed that after receiving the appointment letter, he sought clarity from Council Chairman Prof. Amukowa Anangwe regarding whether the legally required concurrence from the Cabinet Secretary for Education had been obtained. Although the Chairman assured him the concurrence had been sought and the necessary documents submitted, Prof. Ndemo maintained that the process did not meet legal standards.

Despite an outpouring of congratulatory messages on social media, Prof. Ndemo remained firm in his decision, underscoring the importance of following proper procedures in public appointments.

This development throws the university’s leadership into uncertainty and reignites public concern over the transparency and accountability of top-level academic appointments in Kenya.

Article By Suzy Nyongesa.