The Public Service Commission (PSC) has responded to the ongoing leadership crisis surrounding the appointment of a new Vice Chancellor (VC) at the University of Nairobi (UoN), calling the deadlock “regrettable” and urging all parties to resolve the matter urgently and in line with the law.
This follows the surprise withdrawal of Prof. Bitange Ndemo, who had been appointed by the University Council as VC, but later declined the role. The Ministry of Education also distanced itself from the appointment process, claiming it was not consulted.
In a statement issued Thursday, PSC Vice Chairperson Mary Kimonye said the Commission had fulfilled its mandate by conducting a transparent and competitive recruitment process for both the Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor positions, following a formal request from the University.
“The Public Service Commission’s attention has been drawn to recent media reports regarding the recruitment of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, in which the Commission was involved, in line with its legal mandate,” said Kimonye.
She described the ongoing dispute as a threat to the delivery of services and academic programs at Kenya’s premier university.
“The deadlock currently obtaining at the University of Nairobi regarding the appointment of a new Vice Chancellor is regrettable and clearly not in the best interest of the country,” she said.
Kimonye confirmed that the Commission had advertised the vacancies, shortlisted and interviewed qualified candidates, and submitted the final list of top performers to the University Council for appointment—in consultation with the Cabinet Secretary—as required by the Universities Act.
She added that while most public universities have smoothly filled similar leadership roles, UoN remains the only case with disputes, raising concerns over political interference and institutional integrity.
“The Commission urges all involved parties to resolve the issue amicably and within the law to avoid unnecessary anxiety and protect the image of this iconic institution,” she said.
On May 14, the University of Nairobi Council issued a detailed statement defending its leadership decisions and rejecting claims of illegality or mismanagement as “false narratives” aimed at undermining reform efforts.
Led by Chairperson Prof. Amukowa Anangwe and council members Carren Omwenga and Ahmed Abdullahi, the Council maintained that it acted within the law and university charter when appointing Prof. Ndemo as VC and Prof. Francis Mulaa as acting VC and Deputy VC (Academic Affairs).
“The Chairperson of the Council has not acted outside the law and regulations. The persistent allegations are misplaced and lack relevant information,” the Council stated.
The Council pointed to several reforms under its leadership, including the clearance of promotion backlogs, reduction of ethnic bias in hiring, and adoption of the 2024–2027 Strategic Plan. It also acknowledged the university’s dire financial situation, revealing that government funding currently covers only 32% of the university’s budget and 66% of its payroll.
However, the Ministry of Education maintains that the appointments were unlawful. Higher Education Principal Secretary Dr. Beatrice Inyangala accused the Council Chair of acting without Council approval, stating that no formal meeting had been held to make the appointments.
“These actions are not only irregular but a blatant usurpation of powers reserved for the full Council,” said Dr. Inyangala. “They hold no legal standing.”
She reiterated that the Ministry was not involved in the process and confirmed that Prof. Jesang Hutchinson remains the acting VC.
The Council insists that it followed the law, pointing to Section 35 of the Universities Act, which allows the Council to appoint a VC in consultation with the Cabinet Secretary. They argue that “consultation” does not mean the CS must approve the appointment.
They further claim Prof. Ndemo had requested his appointment letter and was fully engaged in the process, only to withdraw unexpectedly via a LinkedIn post. The Council says it has not received formal communication from him declining the role.
To avoid a leadership vacuum, the Council appointed Prof. Mulaa as acting VC for six months. However, a scheduled meeting to ratify the appointment was boycotted by government-linked Council members, who demanded prior approval from the Education Cabinet Secretary.
The Council says it acted under a resolution from its 145th meeting, which allows the Chairperson to act on behalf of the Council when there is no quorum.
It has also accused external political actors of interfering in the university’s affairs and called on the Ministry to respect university autonomy.
“Outside actors meddling in the affairs of the University of Nairobi for selfish interests should stop,” the Council said.
Prof. Anangwe added that if the Ministry wishes to remove Council members, it should do so through a “negotiated exit strategy” instead of legal and political pressure.
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