Kenya’s Ambassador to Belgium, Prof. Bitange Ndemo, has declined his appointment as Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi (UoN), citing concerns over procedural irregularities in the selection process.
The University Council had confirmed Ndemo’s appointment on Thursday, naming him the successor to Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Margaret Jesang Hutchinson.
Despite being the top candidate following interviews by the Public Service Commission, Ndemo chose not to take up the role.
In a statement, the former ICT Permanent Secretary made his position clear:
“I wish to make it unequivocally clear that I dissociate myself from this unprocedural process. In light of these circumstances, I have formally withdrawn my candidacy for the position of Vice Chancellor at the University of Nairobi.”
He revealed that after receiving the appointment letter, he sought assurance from University Council Chairman Prof. Amukowa Anangwe regarding the required concurrence from the Cabinet Secretary for Education.
While Anangwe assured him the necessary approvals had been sought and documentation submitted, Ndemo remained unconvinced and withdrew from the appointment.
