The Ministry of Education has nullified recent top-level appointments at the University of Nairobi (UoN), citing procedural irregularities and lack of consultation with the relevant authorities. In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, Principal Secretary Dr. Beatrice Inyangala declared the appointments, including that of Prof. Francis Jackim Mulaa as Acting Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs), unlawful.
According to the PS, the Ministry was not involved in the decision-making process, and no official Council meeting was held to discuss or approve the changes. She emphasized that such appointments must follow a competitive process conducted by the Public Service Commission and require concurrence from the Cabinet Secretary for Education, in accordance with the Universities Act, 2012.
Dr. Inyangala confirmed that Prof. Margaret Jesang Hutchinson will continue as Acting Vice Chancellor. Prof. Ayub Gitau retains his role as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs), while Prof. Francis Mulaa will serve as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Enterprise). Prof. John Demesi Mande and Prof. Jackson Maalu will continue in their respective roles overseeing Human Resource and Administration, and Finance, Planning and Development.
The Ministry termed the Council’s actions a “clear usurpation” of authority and warned that such breaches would not be tolerated. “These egregious violations of the law shall not be condoned and will form the basis for appropriate action,” said Dr. Inyangala.
The Ministry’s intervention follows a similar move by Kenya’s Ambassador to Belgium, Prof. Bitange Ndemo, who declined an earlier appointment as Vice Chancellor. Prof. Ndemo, whose selection was announced by the University Council on Thursday, cited concerns over the legality of the process and withdrew his candidacy.
Prof. Ndemo revealed he sought clarification from Council Chair Prof. Amukowa Anangwe regarding Cabinet Secretary concurrence, which was reportedly assured. However, given the lack of procedural compliance, he opted to step away.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law and corporate governance standards in the management of higher education institutions.
