The Ministry of Education, through Principal Secretary Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, declared that Prof. Francis Jackim Mulaa’s appointment as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) and acting Vice-Chancellor was unlawful. The Ministry stressed that appointing such officials requires Cabinet Secretary consultation and a competitive process overseen by the Public Service Commission.
Dr. Inyangala confirmed that Prof. Margaret Jesang Hutchinson continues to serve as Vice-Chancellor along with other validly appointed officials. The Ministry pointed out that the Council had failed to convene to discuss or approve the appointments, violating its authority.
The University of Nairobi’s leadership crisis escalated when Kenya’s Ambassador to Belgium, Prof. Bitange Ndemo, rejected the Vice-Chancellor appointment, citing procedural concerns. Although Council Chairman Prof. Amukowa Anangwe assured him of the validity of the process, Ndemo withdrew due to its unprocedural nature.
The Ministry continues to emphasize governance and transparency in university leadership. According to the Universities Act, 2012, the appointment of Vice-Chancellors and Deputy Vice-Chancellors must follow a competitive process and require Cabinet Secretary approval. The Ministry warns that violations will not be tolerated and may result in further action.
Prof. Hutchinson remains the acting Vice-Chancellor, working alongside other Deputy Vice-Chancellors. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining legal and corporate governance standards.
