Varsity stuck in succession limbo amid political, internal wrangles

The leadership crisis at the University of Nairobi (UoN) has taken a fresh turn following the removal of council chairperson, Prof Amukowa Anangwe. His ouster now paves the way for the reconstitution of a new University Council—an expected step amid mounting uncertainty over who will assume the role of Vice-Chancellor.

The position has remained at the centre of controversy and political undercurrents for months, with leadership wrangles paralysing operations at one of Kenya’s most prominent academic institutions.

Sources at the Ministry of Education indicate that Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, alongside the Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, has initiated the search for a new Council to oversee the appointment of a next Vice-Chancellor.

Sources indicate that the current acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Margret Jesang and the Kenyan Ambassador to Belgium Prof Bitange Ndemo are fronted as the favorites from two opposing quotas.

Ndemo is said to enjoy the support of the university community and key allies at Jogoo House, while Prof Jesang is reportedly favoured by senior government officials within the Kenya Kwanza administration.

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Prof Jesang has served in an acting capacity since the removal of Prof Stephen Kiama in October 2024. In May this year, the Ministry of Education announced the extension of her acting tenure—just a day after the University Council had appointed Prof Jackim Mulaa to the role.

Complicating her prospects, however, is the fact that Prof Jesang did not apply for the substantive position. She publicly declared before the National Assembly Committee on Education in March that she had no intention of seeking the post, expressing her wish to return to her previous role as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Enterprise).

Meanwhile, Ndemo voluntarily withdrew from the race in April, citing procedural irregularities in the recruitment process that led to his nomination.