Why Bitange Ndemo could be the next University of Nairobi VC

Professor Bitange Ndemo Professor Of Entrepreneurship UON speaking during launch of M-Fanisi Just Fix-It Campaign. [Wilberforce Okwiri,Standard] Former ICT Permanent Secretary and academic Prof. Elijah Bitange Ndemo could become the next Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi. The professor emerged the top candidate for the job according to the university council, following interviews for the top post conducted by the Public Service Commission (PSC). Now, the University of Nairobi Council Chairperson, Prof. Amukowa Anangwe, has called on Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba to finalise 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," the letter reads. Prof. Anangwe says the decision is in line with the Universities Act 2012 and is intended to avoid a leadership vacuum at the institution. "It is imperative to restore stability and continuity in the leadership of the University. The appointment is both lawful and urgent, given the circumstances," he said. In a letter dated May 2, 2025, and addressed to Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, Prof. Anangwe announced that Prof. Ndemo had scored the highest in the recruitment process conducted by the PSC, making him the leading nominee for the VC position. According to the letter seen by The Standard, Prof. Ndemo topped the PSC merit list with a score of 84 percent, ahead of Prof. Duke Orata (73 percent) and Prof. Francis Jackim Mulaa (66.7 percent). The Council's decision comes amid leadership wrangles that have rocked the university for the past two years and led to the expulsion of former VC Prof. Stephen Kiama. At one point, Education CS Ogamba attempted to dismiss Council Chairperson Prof. Anangwe over complaints that he was interfering with university operations and encroaching on the VC's mandate. However, Prof. Anangwe obtained court orders reinstating him as chairperson until the case challenging his removal is heard and determined. Despite this, the Education Cabinet Secretary revoked the appointment of four members of the University Council effective April 11, 2025. Anangwe, however, maintains that the Council remains properly constituted, citing the court order. "The said court orders are attached for your reference," wrote Prof. Anangwe. Alongside Prof. Ndemo, the Council also announced the appointment of Prof. Francis Jackim Mulaa as Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, effective May 2. 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). "In strict adherence to the PSC merit list in order to minimize the risk of potential litigations, the Chairperson... appoints Prof. Francis Jackim Mulaa, ID/NO. 5599446, as the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs," the letter states. The Council also noted that acting appointments for Prof. Margaret Jesang Hutchinson (as VC), Prof. Mulaa, and Prof. Ayub Njoroge Gitau (as acting Deputy VCs) would cease on May 3, 2025. They are expected to return to their substantive university roles. The letter states that the appointments follow resolutions made during the 145th Council meeting in August and September 2024, which gave the Chairperson authority to act on behalf of the Council between sessions, particularly on urgent governance matters. This is despite the Education Cabinet Secretary stating-while appearing before the National Assembly's Education Committee-that previous Council decisions are null and void due to the Ministry of Education representative being allegedly blocked from attending meetings. The appointment letter was also copied to Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Principal Secretary for Higher Education Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, and the outgoing Vice Chancellor.

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