Elijah Bitange Ndemo Appointed as University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor.
The University of Nairobi has officially appointed Prof Elijah Bitange Ndemo, a distinguished academic and former ICT Permanent Secretary, as its new Vice Chancellor. The university council confirmed the appointment in a letter dated May 2, 2025, signed by Council Chairperson Prof Amukowa Anangwe.
Prof Ndemo is currently completing a diplomatic mission in Brussels, where he serves as Kenya’s Ambassador to Belgium. He will take over from Prof Margaret Hutchinson, who has been holding the position in an acting capacity.
Until Prof Ndemo returns to Kenya within the next six months to formally assume his new role, Prof Francis Mulaa has been appointed as the Acting Vice Chancellor. Prof Mulaa, who was also recently named Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, will continue to perform the VC’s duties during this transition.
The appointment memo, which was also copied to Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, emphasized that Prof Mulaa’s acting role would cease upon Prof Ndemo’s official assumption of office. Anangwe noted that the Council’s resolution was meant to ensure smooth leadership continuity and avoid a governance vacuum following the end of Prof Hutchinson’s acting term.
Prof Anangwe stated, “Prof Elijah Bitange Ndemo is in the process of handing over his current position as Kenya’s Ambassador to Belgium in Brussels before he relocates to Kenya.” The memo outlined that the council acted under authority granted during its 145th meeting, referencing Minute No. 17 (ii) and (iii).
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“The council exercised its legal mandate in making the appointment,” a source familiar with the process said. The council emphasized that Prof Mulaa, even in an acting capacity, holds the full responsibilities and authority of the Vice Chancellor according to the Universities Act, 2012, the University of Nairobi Charter, 2013, and relevant government policies and circulars.
Prof Mulaa is a renowned academic in the Faculty of Science and Technology. A senior lecturer at UoN noted, “His academic leadership and administrative experience make him well-suited for the acting role.”
University insiders shared that the appointment of Prof Ndemo marks a new chapter for the institution. One staff member remarked, “We are confident Prof Ndemo will bring fresh ideas and vision to the university.”
Elijah Bitange Ndemo Appointed as University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor.
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