Govt disowns Ndemo appointment letter as UoN VC

By Newsflash Writer

Principal Secretary for Higher Education Beatrice Inyangala has distanced the Ministry of Education from a letter issued by the University of Nairobi (UoN) Council that named Kenya’s Ambassador to Belgium, Prof. Bitange Ndemo, as the institution’s new Vice Chancellor.

Inyangala stated that the Ministry was not consulted before the announcement was made.

The controversy erupted after Prof. Ndemo declined the role despite a formal communication from the University Council confirming his appointment. In a letter dated May 5, 2025, the Council indicated that Ndemo would replace Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Margaret Jesang Hutchinson once his diplomatic tenure in Belgium ends.

To facilitate a smooth transition, the Council appointed Prof. Francis Jackim Mulaa as Acting VC for a six-month period.

However, on May 8, Prof Ndemo issued a public statement withdrawing from the appointment process, citing legal and procedural irregularities. He revealed that although he was among five candidates shortlisted for the position and made it to the final three following interviews held on March 21, key steps required by law had not been observed.

Ndemo cites lack of Ministerial approval

“I received a letter from Prof Amukowa Anangwe, Chair of the University Council, notifying me of my appointment as VC on May 5. I immediately inquired whether the Minister for Education had given the necessary approval,” Ndemo said in the statement.

According to Ndemo, while he was assured the Ministry’s endorsement was being processed, he never received formal confirmation. Compounding the matter, the Council had already issued a public letter naming Prof Mulaa as Acting VC and publicized Ndemo’s pending assumption of the role, prompting widespread congratulatory messages online.

“The premature announcement sparked numerous congratulatory messages on social media. However, I wish to disassociate myself from this flawed process and have officially withdrawn my candidacy,” Ndemo added.

The Council had initially framed the dual appointment of Prof Mulaa as Acting VC and Ndemo as incoming VC as a measure to avoid a leadership vacuum following the end of Prof. Hutchinson’s acting term. According to the appointment letter, Prof. Mulaa’s tenure was to end once Ndemo assumed office after completing his ambassadorial duties.

Prof Ndemo, a respected figure in public service and academia, previously served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Communications. His proposed appointment followed sweeping changes at the university, including the dissolution of its governing council.

On April 11, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba issued a gazette notice revoking the appointments of four council members – Sally Toroitich, Ahmed Abdullahi, Parmain Ole Narikae, and Carren Kerubo Omwenga – with immediate effect. This came months after a similar move in December 2024, when the CS dismissed council member Joel Kibe.