Nancy Macharia Leaves TSC, Commission Seeks Her Replacement
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has officially begun the recruitment process for a new secretary, who will also serve as the chief executive officer, just two months ahead of Nancy Macharia’s retirement.
The TSC’s announcement inviting qualified candidates to apply for the position was published in the latest edition of MyGov on Tuesday, with a deadline for applications set for May 27. Ms. Macharia’s tenure as head of the commission will conclude on June 30, 2025.
Sources from The Nation indicate that the outgoing CEO had recommended in December that the commission initiate the search for her successor in January to ensure a smooth transition and proper onboarding for the new leader. However, it remains unclear why this recommendation was not followed.
To be eligible for the position, applicants must be Kenyan citizens with a degree in education from a recognized university in Kenya. They should also possess a minimum of ten years of experience in education, administration, management, public administration, human resources, or financial management, and must meet the standards outlined in Chapter Six of the Constitution.
The appointment to lead the TSC secretariat is for a five-year term, with the possibility of reappointment for one additional five-year term based on performance. Ms. Macharia has held the position since July 2015, completing two terms.
According to the job advertisement, interested individuals should download the application form from the TSC website (www.tsc.go.ke), complete it, and submit it along with a detailed CV, certified copies of their national ID or passport, relevant academic and professional certificates, and testimonials. Online applicants must use the electronic application form available on the application portal.
Additionally, candidates are required to obtain clearance from the Kenya Revenue Authority, the Higher Education Loans Board, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, and a recognized Credit Reference Bureau.
Applications can be submitted online through the application portal at https://www.recruitment.tsc.go.ke or as a PDF attachment via email to [email protected]. Hand-delivered applications should be submitted during official working hours in a sealed envelope marked “Application for the post of Secretary/Chief Executive Officer” at the TSC House, 3rd Floor, Nairobi.
The advertisement states that the names of all applicants and the interview schedule for shortlisted candidates will be published in the print media and on the commission’s website at www.tsc.go.ke after the application and shortlisting process concludes.
In a letter to commission chair Jamleck Muturi dated December 1, 2024, which was reviewed by The Nation, Ms. Macharia cited significant activities at TSC as the reason for her recommendation to start the recruitment process in January 2025. These activities include negotiations for collective bargaining agreements with teachers’ unions, which are set to expire at the end of next month, as well as the hiring of new teachers and promotions before her term ends.
Other tasks mentioned include the renewal of the teachers’ medical scheme, transitioning to the Social Health Authority scheme, budget negotiations for the 2025-2026 financial year, and finalizing the TSC Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
“In light of these factors and considering the importance of the CEO’s role in managing the expanding public teaching service and the complex recruitment process, I strongly recommend that the recruitment of the new commission secretary/CEO begin by January 1, 2025, and be expedited to ensure a smooth transition in the CEO’s office,” Ms. Macharia stated in her letter.
In the latest edition of Image, a biennial publication by TSC, she reflects on her accomplishments and challenges during her time as CEO. Her tenure has elicited mixed reactions from various stakeholders in the education sector.
“I can look back with great satisfaction at the milestones achieved during my ten years in office. Leading this team has been an extraordinary privilege, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together. The number of teachers has increased from 311,665 in 2015 to 413,653 in 2025,” Ms. Macharia noted.
Despite facing accusations of authoritarianism, defying court orders, favoritism in teacher promotions, failure to implement collective bargaining agreements, and the arbitrary issuance of employment letters by politicians, Ms. Macharia has navigated through these challenges.