The leadership drama at the University of Nairobi has taken a new twist after the Ministry of Education distanced itself from the controversial appointment of a new vice-chancellor.
What was meant to be a routine transition has turned into a spectacle of confusion, backtracking, and finger-pointing.
With high-profile names caught in the storm and the university’s image on the line, the ministry is now scrambling to shield itself from the fallout. But critics say it cannot escape responsibility for the chaos rocking Kenya’s premier university.
UoN VC Appointment Controversy Deepens as Ministry of Education Distances Itself
The announcement on Thursday by the University of Nairobi Council should have been a moment of clarity. Former ICT Principal Secretary Bitange Ndemo was named the new vice-chancellor, replacing Prof. Jesang Hutchinson, who has been serving in an acting capacity. But instead of calm, the decision triggered a wave of confusion.
There was just one problem: Prof. Ndemo was still serving as Kenya’s ambassador to Belgium. The Council, under the leadership of Prof. Amkowa Anangwe, revealed that Prof. Francis Jackim Mulaa would hold the fort as acting VC for six months until Ndemo returned.
In the same breath, Mulaa was also named the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs. In what seemed like a carefully orchestrated plan, the council claimed that the Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba had been informed. But that illusion of legitimacy quickly crumbled.
Why Prof Ndemo Rejected VC Appointment Despite Applying for the Job
Only hours after the announcement, Prof. Ndemo publicly declined the position. He cited irregularities in the process and described the appointment as unprocedural. His withdrawal poured cold water on the council’s plans, leaving the university’s leadership in disarray.
Then, on Friday, the Ministry of Education dropped another bombshell. Speaking on behalf of Education CS Ogamba, Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala disowned the appointment of Prof. Mulaa both as acting VC and as substantive DVC for Academic Affairs.
Inyangala stated bluntly, “The Ministry of Education confirms that there were no consultations between the University of Nairobi Council and the Cabinet Secretary on any of the purported appointments.” She warned that the council’s move was illegal and in violation of the Universities Act, 2012.
Quoting Section 35(1)(a)(v) of the Act, she reminded the public that the appointment of a vice-chancellor or deputy vice-chancellor must be done in consultation with the Cabinet Secretary after a competitive process by the Public Service Commission.
In simple terms, the Ministry declared that it neither approved nor was involved in the appointments—and it wasn’t about to endorse them.
CS Ogamba Tries to Wash Hands as Blame Game Erupts
The Ministry’s attempt to distance itself from the unfolding crisis has raised eyebrows. While officials insist they had no role in the appointments, many see the Ministry’s stance as an attempt to dodge accountability.
Critics argue that the Ministry cannot pretend to be an innocent bystander when the law requires its involvement in such high-level appointments. “This is a failure of oversight,” said an education analyst. “If the Ministry was unaware of the process, it means there are deeper governance problems at the university and within the Ministry itself.”
The silence from Education CS Ogamba has fueled speculation about internal divisions. By sending PS Inyangala to issue the statement, Ogamba has avoided direct confrontation with the university council. Some insiders believe this hands-off approach signals an unwillingness to rock the boat politically.
Meanwhile, the university’s operations remain in limbo. With Prof. Ndemo’s withdrawal and Mulaa’s appointment nullified, Prof. Hutchinson continues to serve as acting VC. But uncertainty hangs over the institution’s leadership as students, staff, and stakeholders demand clarity.
Questions Over Transparency and Governance in UoN VC Appointment
The saga has exposed deep cracks in the governance of the University of Nairobi. From the start, the process lacked transparency and raised questions about compliance with legal procedures.
The council’s rush to announce a new VC without securing the Ministry’s consultation points to a worrying disregard for the law.
Even more troubling is the appointment of Prof. Mulaa to two key positions—acting VC and DVC Academic Affairs—without clear legal backing. Inyangala’s statement clarified that Prof. Ayub Gitau remains the rightful DVC for Academic Affairs and that Mulaa continues in his role as DVC for Research, Innovation, and Enterprise.
This dual appointment attempt raises alarms over possible power plays within the university council. Analysts warn that such moves could weaken institutional checks and balances.
How the Fallout Damages Prof Ndemo’s Reputation
The fallout has also tainted the reputation of Prof. Ndemo, despite his quick rejection of the position. His name trended on social media after congratulatory messages flooded timelines following the announcement. Hours later, he was forced to issue a public statement disassociating himself from what he described as an “unprocedural process.”
As the dust settles, the university faces a leadership vacuum while the Ministry struggles to explain how the process went this far without its knowledge.
Observers say the incident reflects broader governance challenges in Kenya’s public universities, where political interference, weak oversight, and legal loopholes continue to undermine academic leadership.
For now, Prof. Hutchinson remains at the helm, albeit in an acting capacity. But the credibility of the next appointment process hangs in the balance. Stakeholders are calling for transparency, adherence to legal processes, and genuine consultation to restore public trust in the institution.
Until then, the University of Nairobi remains trapped in a leadership crisis that shows no signs of ending soon—and the Ministry of Education’s attempt to wash its hands off the mess may not be enough to escape the blame.
