Former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Communication Prof. Elijah Bitange Ndemo could become the next Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi after emerging top in search for new VC.
Ndemo who is currently serving as Kenya’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium and the European Union emerged the top candidate for the position following interviews conducted by the Public Service Commission (PSC).
According to the university council the academician emerged top among individuals who were interviewed for the position.
Prof Ndemo served as the PS from 2005 to 2013 under the former Kenyan president Mwai Kibaki.
The University Of Nairobi Council Chairperson, Prof. Amukowa Anangwe has now written to Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba about the recruitment process conducted by the PSC.
In a letter dated May 2, 2025, and addressed to CS Ogamba, Prof. Anangwe requested the CS finalize the appointment process.
“The Chairperson of the University of Nairobi Council appoints Prof. Elijah Bitange Ndemo, ID/NO. 382824, as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi with effect from 2nd May, 2025, subject to ratification by the Council,” part of the letter reads.
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Prof. Anangwe said in the letter the decision to request for the finalization of the process is in line with the Universities Act 2012 and is intended to avoid a leadership vacuum at the university.
He said the appointment of the new VC is imperative to restore stability and continuity in the leadership of the University. Noting that the appointment is both lawful and urgent, given the circumstances.
The letter also indicated that Prof. Ndemo had scored the highest in the recruitment process with a score of 84 percent, ahead of Prof. Duke Orata who got 73 percent and Prof. Francis Jackim Mulaa (66.7 percent).
The council also appointment of Prof. Francis Jackim Mulaa as Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Prof. Mulaa led the PSC shortlist for the role with 83.5 percent, followed by Prof. John Demesi Mande 82 percent and Prof. Duke Orata 81 percent.
Prof Ndemo is widely recognized for his transformative role in advancing Kenya’s ICT sector and positioning the country as a leader in technology and innovation in Africa.
The global technocrat most significant achievement was his pivotal role in the development and implementation of Kenya’s Vision 2030, a strategic plan aimed at transforming Kenya into a newly industrializing, middle-income country.
He also spearheaded the construction of The East African Marine System (TEAMS), a submarine fibre optic cable that drastically reduced the cost of mobile phone calls and internet charges.
Ndemo played a crucial role in fostering Kenya’s mobile money revolution; he supported growth of M-Pesa which has become the world’s most successful mobile money platforms.
The Professor also served as an Associate Professor at the University of Nairobi’s Business School, where he educates and inspires future business and technology leaders.
Ndemo’s higher educational journey started in the United States, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Minnesota and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas, Minnesota.
He later obtained a PhD in Industrial Economics from the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom.
By Obegi Malack
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