NAIROBI, Kenya – The race to fill the vice-chancellor position at the University of Nairobi (UoN) has entered its final stretch, with five candidates shortlisted for the coveted post.
This follows the controversial exit of former VC Prof. Stephen Kiama, whose tenure was marred by leadership disputes.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) has named the shortlisted candidates as Professors James Njiru, Duke Orata, Bitange Ndemo, Ayub Njoroge Gitau, and Francis Jackim Mulaa.
A sixth applicant, Prof. John Demesi Mande, failed to make the cut.
According to the PSC, interviews for the position will take place on March 21, 2025, at the commission’s offices on Harambee Avenue, Nairobi.
Candidates have been directed to arrive at least 20 minutes before their scheduled interview time and to present original copies of their national ID cards, academic certificates, transcripts, and any other supporting documents.
Those with foreign degrees must also provide recognition letters from the Commission for University Education (CUE).
In a statement, the PSC also invited members of the public to submit credible information regarding any of the shortlisted candidates.
Such submissions must be in the form of sworn affidavits and sent to the PSC Secretary/CEO by March 19, 2025.
The selection process comes in the wake of a tumultuous period at UoN, which was gripped by a protracted power struggle throughout 2024.
Former VC Prof. Kiama clashed repeatedly with the university’s council, chaired by Prof. Amukowa Anangwe, over governance matters.
The council made multiple attempts to send Kiama on compulsory leave, but he resisted, asserting his legitimacy as the substantive officeholder.
The standoff ended in October 2024, when the council officially terminated Kiama’s employment.
In a memo dated October 14, 2024, Anangwe announced that Kiama’s services had been terminated effective September 27, 2024.
The specific reasons behind his removal were not disclosed, though the council maintained that Kiama had been duly informed.
Kiama had been appointed VC on January 5, 2020, for a five-year term, succeeding acting VC Prof. Isaac Mbeche.
His tenure saw major restructuring efforts at UoN, some of which were met with resistance from various stakeholders.
The appointment of a new vice chancellor is expected to bring much-needed stability to Kenya’s oldest university.
The five shortlisted candidates bring diverse academic and administrative experience, with the eventual appointee facing the task of steering the institution through ongoing financial and governance challenges.
