Prof. Bitange Ndemo. Photo Courtesy
Prof. Bitange Ndemo Rejects UoN VC Appointment Citing Unprocedural Process, a Sign of Integrity Above Prestige
Date: May 9, 2025
In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through Kenya’s academic and diplomatic circles, Ambassador Prof. Bitange Ndemo, Kenya’s envoy to Belgium and the European Union, has declined his appointment as the Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University of Nairobi (UoN), citing procedural irregularities. The highly respected technocrat, professor of entrepreneurship, and seasoned columnist made the announcement via LinkedIn just hours after receiving his appointment letter.
“I dissociate myself from this unprocedural process and have withdrawn my candidacy for the position,” wrote Amb – Prof Bitange Ndemo in a candid post now widely circulated under the trending hashtag #BitangeNdemoNews.
Appointment, Assurances, and a Sudden Withdrawal
On March 21, 2025, Prof. Ndemo, among five top candidates, interviewed for the coveted role of Vice Chancellor at UoN. He later emerged as one of the three finalists. On May 5, 2025, he was officially informed of his appointment via a letter from Prof. Amukowa Anangwe, Chairman of the University Council.
Before accepting the role, Ndemo responsibly sought confirmation that the Cabinet Secretary for Education, as required by law, had concurred with the appointment. According to his post, Prof. Anangwe assured him the necessary paperwork had been submitted. Moreover, an acting VC, Prof. Mulaa, had already been named pending Ndemo’s release from his ambassadorial duties.
However, concerned by the lack of formal concurrence from the Ministry of Education, Prof. Ndemo chose not to proceed with the appointment. Notably, a decision praised by many Kenyans as a bold stand for integrity.
Public Reaction: Praise, Shock, and Institutional Accountability
Social media platforms, especially LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter), have been abuzz with reactions ranging from admiration to criticism of the University of Nairobi Council’s haste.
Charles Warria, a development expert, called the situation “an egg on the face of the University Council,” questioning why such a critical appointment was made without formal government alignment.
“Why was the Council in such a hurry? Do they now restart the process all over again?” asked Warria.
Brian Munyao Longwe, a veteran technologist, applauded Ndemo’s steadfastness, saying, “Integrity! This was the hallmark of your tenure at the Ministry of Information, and I’m happy to see it still is.”
Other professionals echoed similar sentiments. Roy Gitahi, Chairman at Art at Work Limited, posted a heartfelt reflection on how many would reject a prestigious job offer under similar circumstances, especially given Kenya’s tough economic climate:
“It is easy to say you’d walk away until the offer is given to you in reality… Kudos Prof. Bitange Ndemo — you are the better man.”
Integrity Personified: A Legacy of Ethical Leadership
For those familiar with Prof. Bitange Ndemo’s story, this turn of events is not surprising. He has built a career on integrity, innovation, and service. As Kenya’s Ambassador to Belgium, and formerly as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of ICT, he played a pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s digital landscape. He is often celebrated for spearheading the Konza Techno City project, promoting open data, and guiding policy reforms that transformed Kenya into one of Africa’s top ICT hubs.
At 65 years old, Ndemo has served as a professor, diplomat, and policy advisor. Despite public curiosity around Prof. Bitange Ndemo’s family, health, and personal life (including frequent searches for “Bitange Ndemo wife” and “Bitange Ndemo children”), the man has remained focused on public service and mentorship.
What This Means for the University of Nairobi
The University of Nairobi, Kenya’s oldest and most prestigious university, now finds itself in an awkward position. The Council will likely have to reinitiate the selection process, or at the very least, seek urgent clarification from the Ministry of Education.
Henry Kinyua, an agricultural advisor, did not mince words:
“If they can’t hire the VC procedurally, what else are they getting wrong?”
Such questions point to broader governance concerns within public institutions. Caroline Nyaga, a celebrated STEM educator, captured the mood of many:
“You are blessed, Prof. Thank you for standing for what is right.”
Bitange Ndemo’s Legacy Grows
The hashtags #BitangeNdemoAppointment, #ProfBitangeNdemo, and #UoNVCDrama are trending across Kenyan social media as citizens debate what leadership, integrity, and process truly mean in today’s Kenya.
Rev. Edward Buri poetically summarized the public sentiment:
“This is our ‘white smoke’.”
And Rahab Njuguna, an MBA graduate and logistics expert, added:
“If integrity in Kenya had a face, then this is it. Thank you, my teacher, for showing us there are still a few good men left.”
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Prof. Ndemo?
Although his rejection of the UoN VC appointment is dominating headlines, Prof. Ndemo continues to serve as Ambassador to Belgium and the EU. His decision not only reinforces his personal brand as a man of principle but also raises the bar for public office holders across Kenya.
As the University of Nairobi navigates the next steps, many will be watching to see whether this moment becomes a turning point in academic governance, or just another lost opportunity.
Conclusion
In a country often plagued by opaque appointments and questionable leadership transitions, Amb. Prof. Bitange Ndemo’s refusal to accept an unprocedural appointment offers a rare glimpse of ethical clarity. In walking away from the University of Nairobi VC job, he has stepped deeper into the hearts of Kenyans – not as a failed appointee, but as a national example of leadership with integrity.
As Ndemo himself has shown, sometimes the greatest legacy is not in the positions we accept, but in the ones we walk away from when principle is at stake.
