Prof. Elijah Bitange Ndemo has declined his appointment as the Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University of Nairobi (UoN), citing procedural irregularities in the selection process.
Prof Amukowa Anangwe, the University Council chairperson, had confirmed that Prof Ndemo as the substantive VC, citing that he would succeed Acting VC Prof. Margaret Jesang Hutchinson upon completion of her tenure.
In a letter dated May 5, 2025, the council gave Prof. Francis Jackim Mulaa role to act as VC for a six month period to allow for a smooth transition.
In a statement released on Thursday, Prof. Ndemo described the process as unprocedural citing his withdrawal from the position.
“I wish to make it unequivocally clear that I dissociate myself from this unprocedural process. In light of these circumstances, I have formally withdrawn my candidacy for the position of Vice Chancellor at the University of Nairobi,” he stated.
With due concerns in his appointment , the professor revealed accepting the appointment letter from the chairman of the University Council, Prof Anangwe, but sought confirmation on whether the appointment had received the legally required concurrence from the Cabinet Secretary for Education.
Prof Anangwe reportedly assured him that the concurrence had been sought and the necessary documents submitted.
“On May 5, I received a letter from Hon. Prof Amukowa Anangwe, Chairman of the University Council, appointing me as Vice-Chancellor. I sought confirmation from the Chairman regarding the Minister for Education’s concurrence, as required by law. Prof Anangwe assured me that it was being addressed and that he had submitted the necessary documents an hour earlier,” Ndemo said.
