Explained: How the next TSC CEO will be appointed

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) CEO post is one of the most powerful in Kenya’s public service, overseeing more than 350,000 teachers across the country.

With Dr Nancy Macharia's retirement scheduled for July 1, 2025, efforts to find her replacement are underway.

According to the TSC Act 2012, the process to appoint TSC chief executive officer involves public advertisement, shortlisting, interviews, and final selection and must follow a transparent and merit-based process

“The appointment of the Secretary to the Commission under Article 250 (12) of the Constitution shall be through a competitive recruitment process.”

Though it does not prescribe specific timelines for each stage, the law stipulates that a suitable candidate must be a Kenyan citizen, hold a degree in education from a recognized university, and have at least 10 years of experience in education, administration and management, public administration, human resource, or financial management.

The candidate must also meet the integrity standards outlined in Chapter Six of the Constitution.

• .

  Keep Reading

• 
  Unions demand pay for 99,000 teachers in acting positions
• 
  Wetangula now faulted for his 'skewed reading' of judgments
• 
  TSC waives promotion rule as 25,252 teachers move up
• 
  TSC rolls out plan to ensure uniformity in teacher promotions

The role, equivalent to that of a Principal Secretary (PS), is held for a renewable five-year term.

Removal from office is only possible under strict conditions such as incompetence, misconduct, or violation of the Constitution, and only after due process.

Macharia, who has served two five-year terms, will be leaving the Commission, setting the stage for what is expected to be a highly contested succession race.

While there is no statutory deadline for initiating the recruitment process, the looming July 1 deadline has placed the Commission on a tight schedule.

“The process might take close to two to three months. It involves advertisement, shortlisting, interviews, and final selection,” a senior official at the Commission said on condition of anonymity.

To ensure continuity during the transition, TSC has appointed Eveleen Mutei as Acting CEO as the recruitment process gets underway.

Insiders believe the position will attract strong contenders, not only from current and former school principals, but also senior officials within the Ministry of Education and other government agencies.

“The TSC CEO is a powerful administrative role, arguably at par with a PS. It’s no surprise some names previously shortlisted for PS positions, though not appointed, could resurface in this race,” noted Dr. Beatrice Kilonzo, an education governance analyst.

There is also speculation that the Executive could seek to influence the outcome, especially if some shortlisted candidates have known ties to the current administration.

Observers and stakeholders are urging the Commission to uphold transparency and merit in the recruitment process.

“The next CEO will be inheriting not just a massive workforce but a sector facing financial strain, learning disruptions, and reforms around CBC. It’s critical that the selection is not just about qualifications, but vision,” said Willy Kuria, Chair of the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association.

“Macharia leaves behind a legacy of bold reforms, but also deep challenges in teacher staffing, promotions, and wage negotiations.”