The hunt for a new Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has begun with incumbent Nancy Macharia set to exit in June 2025. Macharia who has served two terms of 5 years since her appointment in 2015 is on leave as she prepares to exit office.
The powerful position that manages Kenya’s biggest employer with over 350,000 teachers has attracted interests from education stakeholders and teachers’ unions all calling for a transparent recruitment process.
TSC Leadership Transition
On February 20, 2025 the TSC appeared before the National Assembly’s Education Committee where Commissioner Ibrahim Gedi Mumin represented the commission in an acting capacity. As the search for Macharia’s successor intensifies teachers’ unions and education experts have outlined their expectations for the incoming CEO.
Hesbon Otieno, Deputy Secretary General of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) said they expect a leader who will engage stakeholders and streamline management. “We want a team player at the helm of TSC – someone who understands teachers’ challenges and prioritizes their welfare,” Otieno said.
Macharia’s Legacy and Mixed Reactions
Macharia’s tenure has been marked by reforms although opinions about her leadership are divided. According to Moses Nthurima, Acting Secretary General of the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Macharia has transformed TSC extensively. “She has done well in reforming TSC. Her successor will inherit a more structured institution,” Nthurima said.
However, there have been concerns about political interference in teacher recruitment with some accusing TSC of allowing politicians to influence hiring decisions. “We appreciate the transformation she has brought but teacher recruitment should be strictly merit based free from political interference,” Nthurima added.
Requirements for the Next TSC CEO
According to the TSC Act (2012) the CEO must meet the following requirements:
- Be a Kenyan citizen.
- Hold a degree in education from a recognized university.
- Have at least 10 years of experience in education, administration, public service, human resource or financial management.
- Meet the ethical requirements outlined in Chapter Six of the Constitution.
The CEO serves a 5 year term renewable once and is responsible for overseeing TSC operations, policy execution and financial management.
Insider Appointment?
Teachers’ unions say an insider would be the best. “An insider knows the commission and teachers better,” said Nthurima.
Now everyone is watching the TSC’s recruitment process.