Nancy Macharia Bids Farewell to TSC as Commission Seeks Her Successor

Nancy Macharia Bids Farewell to TSC as Commission Seeks Her Successor

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has officially kicked off the search for a new secretary, who will also take on the role of chief executive officer, just two months ahead of Nancy Macharia’s retirement.

The announcement inviting qualified candidates to apply was published in the latest edition of MyGov on Tuesday, with a deadline for applications set for May 27. Ms. Macharia’s tenure is set to conclude on June 30, 2025.

Sources from The Nation reveal that the outgoing CEO had recommended in December that the recruitment process for her successor begin in January, allowing ample time for a smooth transition and onboarding of the new leader. However, the reasons for not following her advice remain unclear.

To be eligible for the position, applicants must be Kenyan citizens with a degree in education from a recognized university. The ideal candidate should possess a minimum of ten years of experience in education, administration, management, public administration, human resources, or financial management, and must also meet the requirements 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 an additional five years 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 alongside a comprehensive curriculum vitae, certified copies of their national identity card or passport, relevant academic and professional credentials, and testimonials. Online applicants can access the application form through the electronic portal.

Additionally, candidates must 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 via the application portal at https://www.recruitment.tsc.go.ke or as a PDF attachment sent to [email protected]. For those delivering applications in person, they should do so during official hours in a sealed envelope clearly marked “Application for the post of Secretary/Chief Executive Officer” at the TSC House, 3rd Floor, Nairobi.

“The names of all applicants and the interview schedule for those shortlisted will be published in the print media and on the commission’s website at www.tsc.go.ke following the closure of this advertisement and shortlisting process,” the advertisement states.

In a letter addressed to commission chair Jamleck Muturi on December 1, 2024, which was reviewed by The Nation, Ms. Macharia outlined critical activities at TSC that warranted her recommendation to initiate 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 concludes.

Other tasks mentioned include renewing the teachers’ medical scheme and 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 the above and considering the sensitivity of the CEO’s office in managing the ever-growing public teaching service and the complex recruitment process, I strongly recommend that the recruitment of the new commission secretary/CEO commence 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 achievements and challenges during her time as CEO. Her tenure has sparked varied opinions among different stakeholders in the education sector.

“I look back with immense satisfaction at the milestones we’ve achieved over the past decade. Leading this team has been a remarkable honor, and I take pride in what we have accomplished together. The number of teachers has grown from 311,665 in 2015 to 413,653 in 2025,” Ms. Macharia noted.

Despite facing accusations of authoritarianism, defiance of court orders, favoritism in promotions, failure to implement collective bargaining agreements, and the arbitrary issuance of employment letters by politicians, Ms. Macharia has navigated through these turbulent waters.