Nancy Odindo, a journalist with .co.ke, comes with more than four years of expertise in reporting on politics, current events, and features through both digital and print platforms in Kenya.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) has arranged interviews for the five finalists competing for the role of vice-chancellor at the University of Nairobi (UoN).
The interviews are scheduled for Friday, March 21, 2025, at the PSC premises located on Harambee Avenue in Nairobi.
Who are the contenders for the UON Vice Chancellor position?
In a notification reviewed by .co.ke Among the finalists is Bitange Ndemo, an international technologist who presently serves as Kenya’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium.
Earlier, he served as an entrepreneur professor at the University of Nairobi's School of Business.
Ndemo is recognized for promoting development approaches that utilize cutting-edge technologies and social enterprises in Africa.
He also sits on the boards of various prominent entities such as Safaricom, which is East Africa’s leading profit-maker, and acts as a top consultant for three United Nations bodies along with multiple non-profit groups.
Other individuals mentioned include Professors James Njiru, Duke Orata, Jackim Mulam Ayub, and Engineer Njoroge Gitau.
University of N Candidate Interview Schedule
The finalists, who are all men hailing from different regions, consist of prominent scholars with considerable expertise in tertiary education. Here is their scheduled interview timeline:
8:30 am – Njiru (Tharaka Nithi)
9:30 AM – Orata (Homa Bay)
10.30am – Ndemo (Kisii)
11.30am – Gitau (Kiambu)
12.30pm – Mulaa (Busia)
Applicants must provide authentic documents such as their National Identity Card, educational and work experience certifications, along with, when relevant, an approval letter from the Commission for University Education (CUE) for international qualifications.
The Public Selection Committee has asked members of the community to provide any reliable information about the finalists.
This data should be provided using sworn statements and delivered to the Secretary/CEO of the Public Service Commission, either in person at their Nairobi office or sent via email to hodrands@publicservice.go.ke. The submission deadline is set for March 19, 2025.
What is the reason behind PSC holding interviews for the UoN Vice Chancellor role?
The interviews follow recent leadership shifts at the institution after the removal of ex-vice chancellor Prof. Stephen Kiama.
The UoN Council declared his dismissal on September 27, 2024, following his placement on mandatory leave earlier in the same year. The council anticipates that his successor will guide the institution through a fresh era of leadership and educational advancement.
During his time as the varsity's vice chancellor, he faced numerous scandals, resulting in the university council mandating two leaves of absence for him.
Choosing the new vice-chancellor is vital for the University of Nairobi as it aims to maintain its standing as a premier center of higher education in the area.