UoN Council blames Education CS Ogamba for VC appointment standoff
Despite leading the list, Ndemo later declined the appointment, calling the process “unprocedural” and formally withdrew his candidacy.
The University of Nairobi council has accused Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba of stalling the appointment of a new vice chancellor, deepening an ongoing leadership crisis at the institution.
In a detailed statement signed by chairperson Amukowa Anangwe and council members Carren Omwenga and Ahmed Abdullahi, the council defended its decision-making process and released the Public Service Commission's (PSC) merit list used to identify the best candidates.
According to the list, Bitange Ndemo ranked highest with 84%, followed by Duke Orata with 73% and Francis Jackim Mulaa with 66.7%.
For the position of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Mulaa topped the list with 83.5%, followed by John Mande with 82% and Orata with 81%.
Despite leading the list, Ndemo later declined the appointment, calling the process "unprocedural" and formally withdrew his candidacy.
This move triggered a standoff between the university and the Ministry of Education, which, through Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala, rejected both the VC and DVC appointments, arguing that such decisions must involve consultation with the cabinet secretary.
Anangwe countered the ministry’s position, saying the council followed the law and made efforts to consult the CS.
He said the Universities Act, 2012 gives the council full authority to hire university staff and that consultation does not mean seeking approval.
The council said it received the PSC merit list on March 26 and wrote to the CS on March 28 seeking consultation and requesting permission to hold a special council meeting to discuss and finalise the appointments.
"The cabinet secretary declined the request for the urgent special meeting," the council’s statement reads.
In a response dated May 2, Ogamba said he had not received official communication from the PSC and questioned Anangwe’s authority to act without documented council approval.
"In the meantime, pending the consultation required by Section 35(1)(C)(a)(v) of the Universities Act, 2012, the proposals in your current letter shall not be given effect," Ogamba wrote.
Anangwe also said a second attempt to convene a scheduled council meeting on April 25 failed after members were allegedly intimidated, government representatives withdrew last minute, and two members resigned, leaving the council without a quorum.
The council has now proposed that "outside actors" with vested interests stop interfering in the university’s operations.
Anangwe called on the cabinet secretary to show leadership and reject any pressure that undermines the law and university policies.
He further demanded that the council be allowed to perform its duties without interference, intimidation or unlawful disruptions, in line with the Universities Act and the UoN Charter of 2013.
