Nancy Macharia Set to Exit TSC Before Her Official Retirement in July.
Dr. Nancy Njeri Macharia, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Chief Executive Officer and Secretary, is set to conclude her tenure in March 2025, ahead of her official retirement on June 30, 2025.
Serving as the Commission’s CEO for two consecutive five-year terms, her leadership has been shadowed by controversies and numerous allegations.
Critics accuse Macharia of stagnating teachers’ career progression by implementing Career Progression Guidelines (CPG) that hinder promotions.
This policy, coupled with a 2012 internal memo halting promotions for teachers who upgraded their academic qualifications, sparked significant discontent, particularly among primary school teachers who had invested in further education.
Her tenure also saw the implementation of unpopular policies, including the now-abolished teacher delocalization program.
Corruption allegations marred the teacher promotion and recruitment process, with claims of positions being sold to the highest bidders and political interference in recruitment exercises.
Teachers’ Concerns on Policies and Practices
The Teacher Performance Appraisal and Development (TPAD) system introduced under her leadership has faced criticism for being a redundant routine that adds no tangible value to schools despite requiring significant financial resources.
The teacher medical insurance scheme managed by AON Minet has also been a point of contention, with teachers decrying poor medical services.
Macharia’s strained relationship with the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) is another sore point. Many primary school teachers blame her for the union’s decline, alleging she orchestrated Wilson Sossion’s removal and supported a weakened union leadership.
Macharia succeeded Gabriel Lengoiboni as TSC CEO in June 2015 after a competitive recruitment process. Her appointment followed the advertisement of the position in May 2015, which attracted 69 applicants, with four making it to the shortlist. She became the ninth Commission Secretary/CEO and the first woman to hold the position.
Her predecessors include notable figures such as Jesse Muhoro (1967–1974), James Kamunge (1974–1977), Duncan Mwangi (1978–1980), Joseph Lijembe (1980–1982), Jackson Kang’ali (1982–1998), Benjamin Sogomo (1998–2003), James Ongwae (2003–2004), and Gabriel Lengoiboni (2004–2015).
Academic and Professional Milestones
Born in Murang’a in 1963, Macharia earned a Bachelor of Education degree in English and Literature from Kenyatta University in 1987. She began her teaching career at Kahuhia Girls’ Secondary in Murang’a, later serving as deputy head teacher at Kianderi Girls’ Secondary.
She holds a Master of Education in Policy and Management from Bristol University, UK.
Her contributions to TSC include automating key services such as payroll (Tpay), leave management, and pension systems, which significantly streamlined operations for teachers. She was instrumental in steering the national integrated data system for TSC and securing World Bank funding for the project.
In 2014, former President Uhuru Kenyatta awarded Macharia the Order of Grand Warrior for her contributions to education and national development. Her hobbies include traveling, gym sessions, music, farming, and supporting the less fortunate.
Despite the controversies surrounding her tenure, Macharia leaves behind a legacy as the first female CEO of TSC, credited with advancing automation and modernizing teacher services.
Nancy Macharia Set to Exit TSC Before Her Official Retirement in July.
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