Race to Replace TSC CEO Heats Up Ahead of Nancy Macharia’s Exit!
With just four months remaining before the departure of Teachers Service Commission (TSC) chief executive officer Nancy Macharia, the race to find her replacement is officially underway.
Having served two consecutive five-year terms since her appointment in June 2015, Macharia is set to retire at the end of June. Reports indicate that she is currently on leave in preparation for her exit.
During a session with the National Assembly’s Education Committee on February 20, 2025, the TSC was represented by Commissioner Ibrahim Gedi Mumin in an acting capacity. As the employer of over 350,000 teachers, the position of TSC CEO holds significant influence.
Teachers’ union officials have emphasized the need for a transparent selection process while outlining their expectations for the incoming chief. Perspectives on Macharia’s tenure vary depending on the source.
Hesbon Otieno, deputy secretary general of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut), stated that the next CEO should be a team player capable of engaging stakeholders and implementing an improved management approach that satisfies all parties within the commission.
He underscored the need for professionalism in the leadership of TSC. While the union has had a turbulent relationship with Macharia’s administration, recent developments suggest a reconciliation.
Otieno stressed that the new CEO should elevate the commission’s standards and address unfinished matters, including the collective bargaining agreement, policy formulation, and improving teachers’ welfare. He further highlighted the importance of handling teachers’ grievances at an individual level to ensure a conducive work environment.
Similarly, Moses Nthurima, the acting secretary general of the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet), acknowledged the transformative changes Macharia had implemented at the commission.
He mentioned that the job advertisement for her successor might be released in late April. While Kuppet does not have a role in the selection process, he expressed appreciation for Macharia’s contributions.
Concerns Over Political Interference
Nthurima noted that the outgoing CEO had made significant progress in reforming the TSC, making it easier for her successor to navigate the role.
However, he criticized her for allegedly allowing political figures to interfere in teacher recruitment, claiming that politicians had been distributing appointment letters obtained from her office. He insisted that teacher recruitment should be based purely on merit rather than political influence.
Recognizing Macharia’s role as the first secretary of TSC since its transition to an independent entity, Nthurima acknowledged her efforts in steering the commission forward.
Nonetheless, he advocated for a leader who would be more receptive to teachers’ concerns and drive transformative changes within the institution.
According to Nthurima, the most suitable candidate for the position should come from within the education sector rather than an external field.
He reasoned that an insider would have a better grasp of the commission’s operations and the needs of teachers compared to an outsider who might struggle to understand the intricacies of the sector.
Qualifications and Appointment Process
The TSC Act outlines the qualifications required for the CEO position. The candidate must be a Kenyan citizen and hold an education-related degree from a recognized Kenyan university.
Furthermore, the individual must have at least ten years of experience in education, administration, public service, human resource, or financial management while also meeting the ethical standards set in Chapter Six of the Constitution.
“At least 10 years’ experience in education, administration and management, public administration, human resource or financial management and meets the requirements of chapter six of the constitution,” read the requirements in the TSC Act (2012).
Read Also: Teachers Oppose Kuppet Constitutional Amendments Over Transparency Concerns
The Act stipulates that the CEO will serve a five-year term, with the possibility of a single renewal for an additional five years. The CEO will be responsible for heading the secretariat, serving as the commission’s accounting officer, managing all records, and executing commission decisions.
However, the Act also provides grounds for removal from office, which include physical or mental incapacity, gross misconduct, or misbehavior, in line with the stipulated terms and conditions of service.
Race to Replace TSC CEO Heats Up Ahead of Nancy Macharia’s Exit!
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