Kenya’s Ambassador to Belgium and former ICT Principal Secretary, Professor Bitange Ndemo, has officially withdrawn his candidacy for the position of Vice Chancellor at the University of Nairobi, citing concerns over the integrity of the appointment process.

In a statement published on his LinkedIn page, Prof. Ndemo disclosed that he was among five shortlisted candidates and had progressed to become one of three finalists after interviews held on March 21, 2025.

According to Ndemo, he later received a letter of appointment dated May 5, 2025, from Professor Amukowa Anangwe, Chair of the University Council, naming him the next Vice Chancellor of UoN.

However, despite receiving widespread congratulatory messages, Prof. Ndemo raised red flags about the procedural soundness of the appointment, particularly the lack of concurrence from the Ministry of Education—a legal requirement for such appointments.

"I dissociate myself from this unprocedural process and have withdrawn my candidacy," he stated. He also revealed that upon seeking clarification, Prof. Anangwe had assured him that documents for the Minister’s approval had only been submitted an hour before.

The University Council’s letter, which appointed Prof. Francis Jackim Mulaa as Acting Vice Chancellor for a six-month interim period, noted that the appointment of Ndemo was intended to prevent an administrative vacuum following the conclusion of Prof. Margaret Jesang Hutchinson’s term as Acting VC.

“Your appointment is intended to preempt an administrative vacuum in the office of the Vice Chancellor since Prof. Margaret Jesang Hutchinson ceased to be the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi,” read the letter signed by Prof. Anangwe.

Despite the Council’s intentions, Ndemo emphasized the importance of due process and transparency, stressing that leadership appointments at major public institutions like UoN must be beyond reproach.