Appointment of University of Nairobi ‘s Vice Chancellor has taken a new twist after Kenya’s ambassador to Belgium and the European Union Professor Bitange Ndemo withdrew his candidacy for the position over flawed process.
In a letter seen by Education News dated 9th May 2025 Principal Secretary for Higher Education Dr. Beatrice Inyangala has now stated that the University Council did not consult Cabinet Secretary of Education in its appointment of Prof Francis Jackim Mulaa as substantive deputy vice chancellor (Academic Affairs) and acting vice chancellor of UoN.
Dr Inyangala now says the appointments of Prof Mulaa dated 5th May, 2025 done by the chairperson of the university Council Prof. Amukowa Anangwe, are a clear usurpation of the role of the council, “…Contrary to the provisions of the Universities Act 2012, The purported appointments are also contra statute for not adhering to the mandatory appointments as outlined in Section 35 (1) a (V) of the universities Act, 2012,” part of the letter read.
She further stated that the egregious violations of the law shall not be condoned and will form the basis for appropriate action in due course.
The PS also indicate that Prof Margret Jesang Hutchison is still acting Vice Chancellor, others holding offices in acting capacity include deputy VC ( Academic Affairs) Prof Ayub Gitau, Deputy VC ( Research ,Innovation and Enterprise) Prof Francis Mulaa, Deputy VC Human Resource and Administration ) Prof John Demesi Mand and Deputy VC (Finance, Planning and Development) Prof Jackson Maalu.
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In a letter dated May 2, 2025 addressed to Education CS Julius Ogamba, UoN chair Prof. Anangwe had appointed Prof Ndemo as the new VC. He has also requested the CS finalize the appointment of the new vice chancellor following interviews conducted by the Public Service Commission (PSC) where the academician emerged top among individuals who were interviewed for the position.
The council could later in a later dated May 5, 2025 announce appointment of Prof Mulaa as acting vice chancellor for a six months period , to replace Prof Jesang whose term as acting VC ended this week.
Professor Ndemo had stated that he had sought confirmation from the Chairman regarding the Minister for Education’s concurrence, as required by law and he had assured him that it was being addressed and that he had submitted the necessary documents an hour earlier.
UoN students had welcomed the appointment of Prof Ndemo as their new VC stating that the university had suffered from administrative gaps for a long time, and his appointment will restore normalcy and improve service delivery.
The university wrangles has seen appointment of three vice chancellors in two years and the expulsion of Prof Stephen Kiama in December 2024.
By Obegi Malack
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