The University of Nairobi (UoN) Council has appointed Professor Francis Mulaa, the newly confirmed Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) for Academic Affairs, as Acting Vice Chancellor of the institution. His appointment, effective May 5, 2025, comes as the university awaits the arrival of Prof. Bitange Ndemo, who has been named the substantive Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Ndemo, a renowned scholar and former ICT Permanent Secretary, is expected to assume office upon completing his diplomatic assignment as Kenya’s Ambassador to Belgium.
In a memo signed by the Chairperson of the UoN Council, Prof. Amukowa Anangwe, Prof. Mulaa will serve in an acting capacity for up to six months or until Prof. Ndemo formally takes over the office. The appointment was made to ensure leadership continuity at the university, following the end of Prof. Margaret Hutchinson’s tenure as Acting Vice Chancellor.
“This appointment is in line with the Council’s authority as resolved in Minute No. 17 (ii) and (iii) of the 145th Council meeting,” the memo reads.
During his acting tenure, Prof. Mulaa has been entrusted with full administrative authority to carry out the duties of the Vice Chancellor in accordance with the Universities Act (2012), the University of Nairobi Charter (2013), and other relevant government guidelines.
Prof. Mulaa, a distinguished academic from the Faculty of Science and Technology, was recently elevated to the DVC Academic Affairs role before his current appointment. His experience and academic leadership are expected to offer stability as the university transitions to new substantive leadership.
Prof. Ndemo’s return is widely anticipated in Kenya’s academic community, given his track record in public service and academia.
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