- Ambassador Bitange Ndemo has rejected his appointment as Vice -Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, citing legal and procedural defects
- Ndemo said Education Minister Julius Ogamba has not officially approved the appointment.
- The sudden withdrawal has led to the University of Nairobi in a new leadership dispute, following the removal of former VC Stephen Kiama
When the University of Nairobi thought it had opened a page in its leadership crisis, a radical change has brought the institution back to controversy.
Source: UGC
The new deputy chancellor of the institute, Elijah Bitange Ndemo, has left the post before he even entered the office.
Ndemo, the Kenyan Ambassador to Belgium and former ICT Secretary -General, had been declared a successful candidate following the competitive process of recruitment of the Public Service Commission (PSC).
He led the list by 84%, in front of Duke Orata (73%) and Francis Mulaa (66.7%). His appointment was suspended in a letter of May 2, signed by University Council Chairman Amukowa Amburo An Awangwe and sent to Education Minister Julius Ogamba.
The university’s internal memo had already begun to prepare for its arrival. Vice -Chancellor Francis Jackim Mulaa was appointed Acting VC on May 5, following the end of Margaret Jesang Jesang Hutchinson, holding the fort waiting to return to Ndemo from Brussels.
Social networks were packed with congratulatory messages, praising the professional features of Ndemo and leadership experience as a catalyst for welcoming such a problematic institution.
Why did Bitange Ndemo refuse the task of being a deputy Cansela Uon?
But those hopes were short -lived.
The economic professor announced through Linkedin’s post that he is separating from the nomination in the absence of legal permits.
“After an interview on March 21, I emerged as one of three graduates,” Ndemo wrote. “On May 5, I received a letter from Amukowa Anangwe, the Chairman of the University Council, to appoint me as Vice -Principal. I asked for confirmation of the Minister of Education, as required by law.
“I was assured that it is being dealt with, but I separate it from this process that does not follow the order and I have removed my candidacy,” he added.
Source: UGC
According to the Universities Act of 2012, the Secretary of the Cabinet of Education must provide formal compromise before the Vice -Chancellor’s appointment is implemented, even after the PSC review.
Ndemo, known for his contribution to digital policy and administration, was highly expected to bring stability and vision to the UON, which has received almost two years of uncertainty of leadership since the departure of former VC Stephen Kiama.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
