Former ICT PS Bitange Ndemo Tapped To Lead University of Nairobi

Top performance in recruitment process positions former PS as frontrunner for leadership role

Prof. Elijah Bitange Ndemo, former ICT Permanent Secretary and distinguished academic, is strongly positioned to become the next Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi following his exceptional performance in the recently concluded recruitment process.

According to University Council documents seen by Kenya Insights, Prof. Ndemo emerged as the clear frontrunner for the prestigious position, scoring an impressive 84 percent in the Public Service Commission’s rigorous selection process.

This commanding lead—11 percentage points ahead of his closest competitor, Prof. Duke Orata who scored 73 percent—significantly strengthens his candidacy for the top leadership role at Kenya’s premier institution of higher learning.

WHY NDEMO STANDS OUT

Prof. Ndemo’s potential appointment would bring valuable leadership experience and academic credentials to the university at a critical time.

As a former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, Ndemo has demonstrated administrative capabilities at the highest levels of government, potentially bringing both public sector expertise and academic understanding to the role.

His strong showing in the PSC recruitment process suggests the selection panel recognized these qualifications, placing him well ahead of other candidates including Prof. Francis Jackim Mulaa, who received a score of 66.7 percent.

In a letter dated May 2, 2025, University Council Chairperson Prof. Amukowa Anangwe highlighted the urgency of finalizing the appointment, stating that it is “imperative to restore stability and continuity in the leadership of the University.”

PENDING CONFIRMATION

While Prof. Anangwe has called on Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba to finalize the appointment process, official confirmation remains pending.

The letter from the Council Chairperson indicates Prof. Ndemo would begin serving “with effect from 2nd May, 2025, subject to ratification by the Council.”

The appointment process occurs against a backdrop of leadership challenges at the institution, including the earlier removal of former VC Prof. Stephen Kiama and ongoing tensions between the University Council and the Ministry of Education.

Should the appointment proceed as indicated by the university council, Prof. Ndemo would take over from acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Margaret Jesang Hutchinson, who would return to her substantive role within the university.

The pending appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the institution, which has been navigating leadership uncertainties for nearly two years.

Prof. Ndemo’s extensive experience, both in academia and public service, positions him as a potentially stabilizing figure who could chart a new course for the university if his appointment is formalized.

Education stakeholders now await the final confirmation from the Education Ministry to see whether Prof. Ndemo will indeed assume the leadership mantle at one of Africa’s most respected universities.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​