Govt addresses Bitange Ndemo’s rejection of UoN VC appointment
The government, through the Public Service Commission, has formally responded to the controversy surrounding the appointment of Kenya’s ambassador to Belgium, Prof. Bitange Ndemo, as Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University of Nairobi (UoN), following his decision to decline the position due to procedural irregularities
In an official letter dated May 15, 2025, the PSC expressed regret over the ongoing deadlock at the University of Nairobi concerning the appointment of a new vice chancellor, emphasising that the situation threatens the delivery of critical services and academic programmes at Kenya’s most iconic 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, as it threatens delivery of critical services and academic programmes in what has been Kenya’s most iconic university,” the PSC letter reads in part.
The Commission also confirmed that it had successfully carried out this process for the University of Nairobi, forwarding the merit list to the Chairperson of the University Council for appointment in consultation with the Cabinet Secretary.
“The Public Service Commission successfully carried out a competitive recruitment process for the positions of Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, following the declaration of vacancies in those offices,” the PSC letter reads in part.
“The Commission advertised the vacancies, shortlisted qualified applicants as per the requirements set out in the advert, and interviewed candidates accordingly. The top candidates were ranked based on their performance in the interview process, and the merit list forwarded to the Chairperson of the Council of the University of Nairobi for appointment in consultation with the Cabinet Secretary in line with Section 35(1)(a)(v) of the Universities Act, Cap 210.”
In addition, PSC highlighted that, unlike other public universities where similar recruitment processes have proceeded without incident, the University of Nairobi’s situation remains unresolved.
“Except for the University of Nairobi, the Commission has not witnessed any leadership disagreements in the appointments of the vice chancellors among the other universities whose recruitments have been processed and recommendations made to the respective university councils, indicating the confidence and professionalism in the recruitment processes,” the PSC letter reads in part.
The Commission further urged all parties involved to resolve the dispute amicably and expeditiously, following the law, to prevent further deterioration of the university’s image and ensure the continuity of its critical functions.
“The Commission, therefore, urges the parties involved to resolve the dispute in the appointment of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi amicably and expeditiously as guided by the law in order to save the country unnecessary anxiety and stem the deterioration of the image of the premier university.”
Bitange on appointment
This comes weeks after Bitange Ndemo rejected his appointment as the new UoN VC, citing procedural irregularities in the selection process.
In a statement via his official social media channels on May 8, 2025, Bitange revealed that he had raised legal concerns immediately after the selection, particularly regarding whether the Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) had formally concurred with the Council’s recommendation, as required by law.
“I sought confirmation on whether the appointment had received concurrence from the Education CS. I was assured by the Council Chair that the relevant documentation had been submitted – the necessary documents – an hour earlier,” Bitange stated.
“Additionally, the Chairman had already issued a letter to Prof. Mulaa to act as VC until my release from my current post. The announcement triggered a flood of congratulatory messages on social media. However, I dissociate myself from this unprocedural process and have withdrawn my candidacy for the position.”
