Five candidates shortlisted for University of Nairobi Vice-Chancellor post
Interviews for the position are scheduled for March 21, 2025, at the Public Service Commission headquarters on Harambee Avenue, Nairobi.
Five candidates have been shortlisted for the position of Vice-Chancellor at the University of Nairobi, following the controversial departure of Prof. Stephen Kiama.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) named Professors James Njiru, Duke Orata, Bitange Ndemo, Ayub Njoroge Gitau, and Francis Jackim Mulaa as the contenders. A sixth applicant, Professor John Demesi Mande, did not make the cut.
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Interviews for the position are scheduled for March 21, 2025, at the Public Service Commission headquarters on Harambee Avenue, Nairobi.
"The shortlisted candidates will be interviewed at the Public Service Commission, Harambee Avenue Nairobi on the date and time indicated. The candidates should be at the venue at least twenty (20) minutes before the starting time," the PSC stated.
The position was advertised on January 21, 2025, attracting only six applicants. The commission has directed the candidates to bring original identification documents, academic and professional certificates, transcripts, and any supporting testimonials. Those with foreign degrees must also present a Letter of Recognition of Qualifications from the Commission for University Education (CUE).
The PSC has also invited members of the public to submit any credible information regarding the shortlisted candidates. Such details should be shared through sworn affidavits and delivered to the Secretary/CEO of the Public Service Commission at Commission House, Harambee Avenue, Nairobi, or via email at [email protected] by March 19, 2025.
The University of Nairobi has faced leadership struggles in the past year, particularly involving Prof. Kiama and the university’s council, led by Amukowa Anangwe. The council repeatedly sent Kiama on compulsory leave, but he resisted, asserting his position as the legitimate officeholder.
In October 2024, the council chair, Prof. Anangwe, officially announced the termination of Kiama’s tenure through a memo dated October 14, 2024.
"The Council wishes to inform the university community that Prof Stephen Gitahi Kiama's services as an employee of the University of Nairobi were terminated effective September 27, 2024," Anangwe stated.
Although the reasons for his removal were not publicly disclosed, Anangwe confirmed that Kiama had been informed of the decision.
Kiama had assumed the role of Vice-Chancellor on January 5, 2020, on a five-year contract.
He had taken over from Prof. Isaac Mbeche, who had been acting in the position since July 2019, following the compulsory leave of Prof. Peter Mbithi. Before his appointment, Kiama served as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Human Resources and Administration, as well as the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Finance, Planning, and Development.
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