Kenya’s Ambassador to Belgium, Prof Elijah Bitange Ndemo, has rejected his appointment as the new Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University of Nairobi, citing procedural irregularities in the selection process.

On May 5, 2025, the university council issued a letter naming Ndemo as the successor to Prof Margaret Jesang Hutchinson, whose term as acting VC concluded the same day. The council’s decision was communicated by its chairperson, Prof Amukowa Anangwe, who noted that Ndemo had emerged among the top three candidates following interviews conducted by the Public Service Commission (PSC) on March 21, 2025.

In a bid to prevent a leadership vacuum, the council simultaneously appointed Prof Francis Jackim Mulaa—then Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs—to serve as acting VC for six months, pending Ndemo’s return from diplomatic duties in Brussels.

Concern

Despite the Council’s move, Ndemo has since distanced himself from the appointment, expressing discomfort with how the process was handled. In a statement posted on his LinkedIn page, he revealed that he had raised legal concerns immediately after the selection, particularly regarding whether the Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) had formally concurred with the Council’s recommendation, as required by law.

“I sought confirmation on whether the appointment had received concurrence from the Education CS. I was assured by the Council Chair that the relevant documentation had been submitted,” Ndemo stated.

However, he added that emerging inconsistencies led him to conclude that the process lacked transparency. As a result, he has withdrawn his candidacy and will not be taking up the VC role.

Uncertainty

Ndemo’s withdrawal adds another twist to the leadership saga at Kenya’s oldest public university, which has faced internal tensions and administrative shake-ups over the past year. The institution has been under interim leadership since the controversial exit of former VC Prof Stephen Kiama in 2024.

The latest development leaves the University of Nairobi in a delicate transition, with acting VC Prof Mulaa expected to hold the office until the council makes a fresh determination or confirms a new candidate.

Respected figure

Ndemo is widely respected for his contributions to academia and public service. He served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Communications during the Mwai Kibaki administration and played a key role in Kenya’s digital transformation. His appointment to the Brussels diplomatic post was made by former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

As of now, the university council has not issued a public response to Ndemo’s withdrawal.