The Dean of the School of Engineering at the University of Nairobi (UoN), Prof. Ayub Njoroge Gitau, emerged top in interviews for the position of Vice Chancellor at the institution, according to informed sources.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) reportedly interviewed six candidates on March 19, 2026, ranking Prof. Gitau number one in the selection process.
Prof. Isaiah Omolo Ndiege, the former Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor, was ranked second, followed by Prof. Stephen Onyango Odebero of Masinde Muliro University and Prof. Bernard Odhiambo Aduda from UoN’s Department of Physics.
Other candidates who were interviewed included Prof. Mary Abukutsa-Onyango, Professor of Horticulture at UoN, and Prof. Francis Jackim Mulaa, Professor of Biochemistry at the same institution.
The names are currently said to be pending at the Office of the Head of Public Service for approval after being submitted through the Ministry of Education for further review.
However, the delay in the appointment of a substantive Vice Chancellor has sparked concern within the university community, with students now threatening to disrupt learning activities.
The University of Nairobi Students Association on Monday warned that the prolonged leadership vacuum has created uncertainty in academic direction, weakened student governance structures, and negatively affected student welfare.
Students’ leader Michael Soi urged Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba to urgently intervene and fast-track the appointment process, arguing that interviews for both the Vice Chancellor and deputy positions had already been concluded.
They further questioned the delay in finalising the appointments, asking who was holding back the process.
The leadership crisis at UoN dates back to 2024 following the removal of former Vice Chancellor Prof. Stephen Gitahi Kiama. The situation was further complicated by legal disputes and withdrawals from the process, including that of Prof. Bitange Ndemo.
Prof. Margaret Hutchinson has been serving in an acting capacity since August 2024, after Prof. Kiama’s suspension and eventual departure in 2025.
Prof. Ndemo was later appointed as substantive Vice Chancellor by the University Council in May 2025 but declined the position, citing procedural irregularities.
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