Professor Bitange Ndemo Rejects University of Nairobi Vice-Chancellor Role

Professor Bitange Ndemo, Kenya’s Ambassador to Belgium, has publicly rejected his appointment as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nairobi (UoN).

Ndemo’s appointment was confirmed earlier this week by the University of Nairobi’s Council, which stated that he would succeed Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Jesang Hutchinson upon completing his diplomatic posting in Brussels.

However, he has announced that he will not be taking the role, citing procedural irregularities and a lack of transparency in the selection process as his reasons for withdrawing his candidacy.

In his statement, the Prof, a former permanent secretary in the Ministry of Information and Communications, revealed that he had received an appointment letter from Professor Amukowa Anangwe, the University Council’s chairman, on May 5. He sought confirmation that the appointment had the legally required approval of the Cabinet Secretary for Education, and Anangwe reportedly assured him that the necessary concurrence had been sought and documents submitted – but Ndemo was unconvinced.

“The announcement triggered a flood of congratulatory messages on social media. However, I dissociate myself from this unprocedural process and have withdrawn my candidacy,” Ndemo said.

Ndemo, who was expected to take up the role within six months, also noted that the council had already appointed Professor Francis Mulaa to act as vice-chancellor until his return, which raised further concerns about the process.

The ambassador’s decision to reject the offer has been praised by some as a stand for transparency and adherence to the rule of law.

Dennis Itumbi, head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy, commended Ndemo’s stance. “Thank you, Prof Bitange Ndemo, for insisting on the right process and the law. Thank you for rejecting the push by some who wanted to act against the law,” Itumbi wrote on social media.

The University of Nairobi has had problems for almost two years, including money troubles and arguments about leaders. Many had hoped Professor Ndemo would help fix these things.

> The Trouble With University of Nairobi and What Can be Done to Reverse its Fall