The position of Chief Executive Officer at the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) ranks among the most influential roles in Kenya’s public sector, overseeing the operations of over 350,000 teachers nationwide.
With Dr. Nancy Macharia set to retire at the end of this month, 2025, preparations have begun to identify her successor.
As outlined in the TSC Act of 2012, the recruitment of a new CEO must follow an open, transparent, and merit-based process that involves advertising, shortlisting, interviews, and final selection.
“The appointment of the Secretary to the Commission under Article 250 (12) of the Constitution shall be through a competitive recruitment process.”
Although the law does not specify exact timelines for each recruitment phase, it mandates that the successful candidate must be a Kenyan citizen with a degree in education from an accredited university.
Additionally, applicants must possess a minimum of 10 years of experience in education, public administration, human resources, management, or financial oversight.
They must also satisfy the ethical requirements stipulated under Chapter Six of the Constitution.
READ ALSO:
Bungoma teachers praise TSC for cancelling unmerited promotions
The CEO position is equivalent to that of a Principal Secretary (PS). It is granted on a five-year renewable term. Dismissal from office is only permitted under clearly defined circumstances, such as misconduct, incompetence, or constitutional violations, and is subject to due process.
Having completed two full terms, Dr. Macharia’s impending departure marks the close of a transformative chapter at the Commission. It opens the door to a potentially hotly contested succession.
Though no law dictates when recruitment must begin, the July 1 retirement date has left the Commission with limited time to conclude the process.
“The process might take close to two to three months. It involves advertisement, shortlisting, interviews, and final selection,” said a senior Commission official who requested anonymity.
In the interim, TSC has appointed Eveleen Mutei as the Acting CEO to steer the institution through the transition phase.
The vacancy is expected to attract a competitive field of candidates, ranging from high-ranking officials in the Ministry of Education and the public sector to current and former school heads.
By Joseph Mambili
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
