UoN Hires Kenyan Ambassador As Vice Chancellor

The University of Nairobi has appointed Prof. Elijah Bitange Ndemo, diplomat and academic, as its new Vice Chancellor. 

According to an official statement from the University Council, Ndemo will step into the role after concluding his current position as Kenya’s Ambassador to Belgium.

At the same time, the tertiary institution appointed Prof. Francis Mulaa, the newly named Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) in charge of Academic Affairs, as the Acting Vice Chancellor, effective May 5, 2025.

"Further to the letter Ref. No. UON/CS//05/05/25 (4) of 5th May, 2025, on your appointment as the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, you are also further appointed to act as the Vice Chancellor, University of Nairobi for a period of six months with effect from 5th May, 2025, to hold fort for the duly appointed Vice Chancellor, Prof. Elijah Bitange Ndemo," a letter addressed to Mulaa read in part.

Kenya’s Ambassador to Belgium Prof Bitange Ndemo. /NATION MEDIA GROUP

"This is in exercise of the Council authority granted to the undersigned as per the resolution under Minute No.17 (ii) and (iii) of the 145th meeting of the Council held on 2nd August,2024, resumed on 28th August, 2024 and 30th September, 2024, as read together with Clause 8 of the First Schedule to the Universities Act, No. 42, and Article 18 (5) of the University of Nairobi Charter, 2013, to make decisions on behalf of the Council on matters within the statutory mandate of the Council that require determination when the Council is not in session and thereafter to seek ratification of such decisions by the Council."

The council explained that Mulaa's 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 as of May 5, 2025.

"Prof. Elijah Bitange Ndemo is in the process of handing over his current position as Kenya's Ambassador to Belgium in Brussels before he relocates to Kenya. Your acting appointment shall, therefore, cease on the date Prof. Ndemo assumes office as the substantive Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi," added the letter.

"During the period of acting appointment, you shall exercise the authority of the Vice Chancellor of Nairobi in accordance with the Universities Act, 2012, the University of Nairobi Charter, 2013, and the relevant Statutes of the University of Nairobi, as well as government circulars and policies."

Prof. Elijah Bitange Ndemo, a respected scholar and policy visionary, is celebrated for transforming Kenya’s digital space during his time as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Communication (2005–2013). One of his standout achievements was spearheading The East African Marine System (TEAMS), a groundbreaking submarine fibre-optic project that significantly lowered the cost of internet and mobile access across Kenya.

Teaming up with then ICT Minister Mutahi Kagwe, Ndemo helped launch East Africa’s first large-scale fibre optic initiative, laying the groundwork for Kenya’s digital evolution.

Beyond infrastructure, Ndemo drove major policy moves that helped position Kenya as a leading tech hub in Africa. He pushed for the growth of the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector, which created thousands of digital jobs; advocated for lower mobile termination rates to make mobile communication cheaper; and launched the Kenya Open Data Initiative to promote transparency and civic engagement.

He also played a key role in developing innovation ecosystems like iHub and mLab—hotbeds for tech startups and digital talent—and was deeply involved in the early planning of Konza Technopolis, Kenya’s vision for a futuristic smart city.

Prof. Ndemo was picked after a competitive recruitment process led by the Public Service Commission (PSC), where he topped the list with a score of 84%. He outperformed Prof. Duke Orata, who scored 73%, and Prof. Francis Mulaa, who came in at 66.7%.

According to University Council Chairperson Prof Amukowa Anangwe, the appointment complies with the Universities Act of 2012 and aims to restore stability at the University of Nairobi, which has faced nearly two years of internal strife and leadership turmoil, including the controversial removal of former Vice Chancellor Prof. Stephen Kiama.

As he prepares to take the reins at the University of Nairobi, Kenya’s oldest and most prestigious university, expectations are high for a new era focused on digital innovation, academic excellence, and institutional reform.

All eyes—from the education sector to the tech world—will be on Ndemo as he shifts gears from diplomacy to university leadership.