Kenya’s Ambassador to Belgium, Prof. Bitange Ndemo, has turned down his appointment as Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi (UoN), a move that has drawn praise from State House digital strategist and presidential projects head, Dennis Itumbi, who called the decision “brilliant.”
The University Council had confirmed Ndemo’s appointment on Thursday, naming him as the successor to Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Margaret Jesang Hutchinson.
However, Ndemo declined the post, citing procedural flaws in the appointment process.
In a formal statement, Ndemo said:
“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 In light of these circumstances, I have formally withdrawn my candidacy for the position of Vice Chancellor at the University of Nairobi.”
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He further disclosed that upon receiving the appointment letter, he sought confirmation from Council Chairman Prof. Amukowa Anangwe regarding whether the required approval from the Cabinet Secretary for Education had been obtained.
Though Anangwe assured him that the concurrence had been sought and documents submitted, Ndemo opted to step away from the role, citing concerns over due process.
Responding on his X account, Itumbi commended the former ICT Permanent Secretary:
“Asante ndugu @bantigito for insisting on the right process and the law. Asante, for rejecting the push by some who wanted to act against the law. Brilliant!”
Prof. Ndemo had been the top candidate for the position after interviews conducted by the Public Service Commission.
