Prof. Bitange Ndemo Appointed University Of Nairobi Vice Chancellor

Former ICT Permanent Secretary Prof. Elijah Bitange Ndemo has been appointed as the new Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi.

While Prof. Ndemo prepares to return from his current post as Kenya’s Ambassador to Belgium, the University Council has appointed Prof. Francis Mulaa as acting vice chancellor for a period of six months.

Prof. Mulaa, who also serves as the Deputy Vice Chancellor, was appointed through a letter from Council Chairperson Prof. Amukowa Anangwe dated May 5, 2025.

According to the letter, the appointment was made to avoid a leadership gap at the university following the end of Prof. Margaret Jesang Hutch’s tenure as acting vice chancellor on May 5.

The council said Prof. Ndemo is in the process of handing over his diplomatic duties before relocating back to Kenya to assume office.

Prof. Ndemo was selected following interviews conducted by the Public Service Commission (PSC), where he emerged top with a score of 84 percent. He was followed by Prof. Duke Orata at 73 percent and Prof. Francis Mulaa at 66.7 percent.

In a letter dated May 2, 2025, Prof. Anangwe recommended Ndemo’s appointment to Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, urging swift action to complete the process.

“The Chairperson of the University of Nairobi Council appoints Prof. Elijah Bitange Ndemo as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi with effect from 2nd May, 2025, subject to ratification by the Council,” the letter stated.

Prof. Anangwe emphasized that the decision complies with the Universities Act 2012 and is aimed at restoring stability after nearly two years of leadership uncertainty. The university has faced internal disputes, including the controversial removal of former VC Prof. Stephen Kiama.

Tensions deepened when Education CS Ogamba attempted to dismiss Prof. Anangwe over alleged interference with university affairs—a move that was temporarily blocked by the courts pending a full hearing.