Kenya’s Ambassador to Belgium, Prof. Elijah Bitange Ndemo, has rejected his appointment as the new Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi.
The appointment, made official through a letter dated May 5, 2025, from University Council Chairman Prof. Amukowa Anangwe, named Prof. Ndemo as the substantive successor to Prof. Margaret Jesang Hutchinson, whose term as Acting Vice Chancellor has ended.
In the interim, Prof. Francis Jackim Mulaa, formerly Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, was appointed as Acting VC for a six-month period, pending Prof. Ndemo’s return to Kenya after handing over his ambassadorial duties in Brussels.
The Council cited the need to avoid an administrative vacuum at the helm of the university during this transitional period.
Despite the formal appointment and a surge of congratulatory messages online, Prof. Ndemo has distanced himself from the process, citing concerns over its legality and transparency.
In a public statement posted on his LinkedIn page, he revealed that although he was among the top three finalists after interviews held on March 21, 2025, he had sought clarification on whether the Education Cabinet Secretary had concurred with the appointment as required by law.
According to Prof. Ndemo, Council Chair Prof. Anangwe assured him that the necessary documents had been submitted to the ministry.
However, due to what he termed an “unprocedural process,” Prof. Ndemo has officially withdrawn his candidacy for the Vice Chancellor position.
Prof. Ndemo previously served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Communications and is well respected for his contributions to public service, academia, and Kenya’s digital transformation agenda.
