Former ICT Permanent Secretary and respected scholar Elijah Bitange Ndemo has been appointed as the new Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University of Nairobi (UoN).
The appointment, confirmed by a letter dated May 2, 2025, and signed by the university’s council chairperson, Prof. Amukowa Anangwe, marks a new chapter for Kenya’s top university.
Ndemo’s arrival comes at a critical time for UoN, a university grappling with leadership instability and a staggering Sh13 billion debt.
As questions swirl about whether he can restore order, many are watching closely. Will the new VC succeed where others struggled? Can he solve the puzzle of delayed confirmations, acting appointments, and internal power struggles?
Prof. Ndemo to Lead UoN Amid High Expectations
Prof. Ndemo is expected to officially take office within six months, after completing his diplomatic assignment in Brussels as Kenya’s Ambassador to Belgium.
In the meantime, Prof. Francis Mulaa, newly appointed Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, will act as VC. In the official communication, Prof Anangwe stated: “Prof Elijah Bitange Ndemo is in the process of handing over his current position… before he relocates to Kenya.”
The council made the decision to ensure there would be no leadership gap once Prof. Margaret Hutchinson’s term as acting VC ended.
Under the council’s directive, Mulaa will execute all duties of the VC under the Universities Act, 2012 and the University of Nairobi Charter, 2013 until Ndemo formally takes over. Mulaa, a respected scholar from the Faculty of Science and Technology, is seen as a steady pair of hands during this transition.
But the spotlight is already on Ndemo, who faces significant challenges even before setting foot in his new office. His reputation as a reformer in Kenya’s ICT sector and his diplomatic skills will be tested in the university’s corridors of power.
Will the New VC Solve the Leadership Crisis?
For years, the University of Nairobi has been caught in a cycle of acting appointments, delayed confirmations, and internal wrangles. Since 2019, the institution has had several acting VCs, causing uncertainty among staff and students.
Prof. Ndemo’s appointment ends months of speculation over who would finally be confirmed to the role. But leadership at UoN has been more than just a game of appointments.
Critics argue that political interference, lack of accountability, and frequent boardroom battles have slowed decision-making and policy implementation. Observers hope that Prof Ndemo, known for his firm leadership and innovation, will break this pattern.
His ability to unite the university’s management, improve governance, and speed up stalled decisions will determine whether he can turn the tide.
The council’s decision to make a permanent appointment signals a desire to end the era of interim leadership. But will Prof Ndemo have enough support to push through reforms? Can he overcome the entrenched interests that have resisted change?
Can Prof. Ndemo Fix the Debt Crisis and Bring Order?
Alongside leadership wrangles, UoN faces an even bigger headache: a Sh13 billion debt burden. Financial troubles have led to unpaid suppliers, delayed salaries, and stalled projects. Previous administrations tried cost-cutting measures, but critics say little progress has been made.
As the new VC, Prof Ndemo will be tasked with balancing the books, increasing revenue, and restoring financial discipline. Stakeholders are eager to see whether his leadership will attract more partnerships, research funding, and innovative income streams.
Some analysts believe his networks in government, diplomacy, and private sector could help unlock new opportunities. Others warn that unless the root causes of mismanagement are addressed, even the best fundraising efforts will fall short.
Bringing order will also require repairing strained relationships between university management, academic staff, and students. Protests over pay, working conditions, and governance have plagued the institution in recent years.
Can Prof. Ndemo’s diplomatic skills help rebuild trust and foster collaboration? His previous record in public service shows promise, but the university environment presents unique challenges.
A Test of Leadership
As Prof. Ndemo prepares to leave Brussels and take the helm at UoN, the university community waits with cautious optimism. His appointment offers a fresh start after years of uncertainty.
But success will depend on more than credentials. From tackling financial woes to resolving leadership wrangles, the challenges ahead are steep. The University of Nairobi’s future now rests on whether the new VC can deliver both stability and reforms.
