Former ICT Permanent Secretary Prof Bitange Ndemo has been appointed the new Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi (UON).

This appointment was confirmed through a letter signed and released by the University Council Chairperson Prof Amukowa Anangwe.

However, the council has appointed Prof Francis Jackim Mulaa, the current Deputy VC, as the Acting VC for six months effective from Monday as the university awaits the arrival of Prof Ndemo.

“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 August 2, 2024, resumed on August 28, 2024 and September 30, 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 stated.

According to the letter, Mulaa’s appointment is meant to ensure there is no leadership vacuum following the conclusion of the tenure of Prof Margaret Jesang Hutchinson as Acting VC.

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“Your appointment is intended to prevent 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,” the letter stated.

The council explained that Prof Ndemo was currently concluding his duties as Kenya’s Ambassador to Belgium based in Brussels before handing over and relocating back to Nairobi.

“Your acting appointment shall, therefore, cease on the date Prof Ndemo assumes office as the substantive Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi,” explained the council on Mulaa’s tenure.

The letter concluded by outlining Mulaa’s authority during the period he will be acting as VC.

“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 Ndemo is a distinguished scholar and policy leader credited for playing a key role in Kenya’s digital transformation while serving as the PS for Information and Communication (2005-2013).

Alongside then ICT Minister Mutahi Kagwe, he led laying of The East African Marine System (TEAMS) submarine fibre-optic cable resulting in lower internet and mobile communications costs in Kenya.

Among other things, he helped position Kenya as a regional technology hub by developing the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector and the unveiling of the Kenya Open Data Initiative.