University of Nairobi Leadership Crisis Deepens as Ndemo Declines Top Post

NAIROBI, May 9, 2025 – In a surprising turn of events, Professor Bitange Ndemo has turned down the Vice Chancellor position at the University of Nairobi, throwing Kenya’s premier university into further disarray.

Ndemo, currently serving as Kenya’s Ambassador to Belgium and the European Union, cited “irregularities in the appointment process” as his reason for withdrawing.

His decision came shortly after receiving congratulatory messages on social media following his apparent selection.

“I want to dissociate myself from this unprocedural process and have withdrawn my candidacy,” Ndemo stated in a public announcement that has sent shockwaves through academic circles.

The rejection marks yet another setback in what has become a revolving door of leadership at the institution.

For nearly two years, the university has struggled with leadership stability, cycling through multiple acting vice chancellors.

The turmoil began during Professor Stephen Kiama’s controversial tenure, which ended with his suspension in August 2024 and eventual dismissal the following month.

University of Nairobi.

Since then, the university has seen three different acting vice chancellors: Professor Ayub Njoroge Gitau in April 2024, Professor Margaret Jesang Hutchinson from August 2024 until last week, and now Professor Francis Mulaa, who will continue in the role following Ndemo’s withdrawal.

A Senate investigation launched last December has been examining governance issues at the university, including the handling of Kiama’s dismissal.

Meanwhile, the Universities Academic Staff Union has accused the University Council of deliberately destabilizing the institution, even threatening strike action last year.

Financial irregularities have further complicated matters, raising serious questions about the university’s administrative practices.

As Professor Mulaa continues in the acting role, the search for permanent leadership at Kenya’s oldest university remains an ongoing challenge, with concerns mounting about its stability and future direction.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​