The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has launched a search for a new chief executive officer, as Dr Nancy Macharia’s decade-long tenure leading the Commission nears its end.
The vacancy, advertised this week, marks an important leadership transition for the body overseeing the 400,000-strong teaching workforce in public schools countrywide.
Macharia, the first woman to helm the TSC since its inception, has served as CEO since 2015. Her tenure saw advancements in teacher training and efforts to address staffing gaps, though it was also marred by disputes with unions over salaries and working conditions, including problems with promotions.
Her successor is expected to assume office later this year, following a competitive selection process in line with Article 250(12) of the Kenyan Constitution.
The new CEO will steer the Commission’s strategic direction, manage daily operations, and serve as its Secretary, according to the job posting.
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Work of TSC CEO
The TSC Act says its Secretary is the chief executive and is responsible for the day-to-day operations. The position, appointed for a five-year term renewable once, carries a broad portfolio: implementing commission policies, managing staff recruitment and training, overseeing financial resources, and ensuring compliance with legal frameworks.
The Secretary as the CEO also represents the TSC in public and official engagements, serving as the face of an institution central to the country’s education development goals.
Qualifications to be TSC CEO
To qualify for the role of TSC CEO (Secretary to the Commission), a candidate must:
Hold at least a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field from a recognised university. A master’s degree is preferred, as it shows advanced knowledge.
Have at least ten years of experience in education, public service, or corporate leadership, with at least five years in a senior leadership role.
The candidate must demonstrate strong leadership and the ability to manage a large public institution. And strategic thinking and financial management skills are essential, as the CEO will handle the TSC budget and secure funding for teacher recruitment and training.
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills are also required, as the CEO must work closely with teachers’ unions, government officials, parents, and international partners.
Above all, integrity is a must. Candidates must meet the ethical standards set out in Chapter Six of the Kenyan Constitution, which focuses on leadership and accountability.
Importantly, only Kenyan citizens can apply for this role.
How to apply;
Applications, due by May 27, 2025, must be submitted via the TSC’s online portal, email, or in person at its Nairobi offices. Candidates are required to provide detailed CVs, academic certificates, and clearance from bodies such as the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), CRB, and HELB.
The TSC has pledged transparency, promising to publish applicants’ names and shortlist interview schedules in print media and online, while warning that canvassing or false submissions will lead to disqualification.
In the context of a work application, canvassing refers to the act of soliciting or lobbying for support, favouritism, or preferential treatment to secure a job or position, often through improper or unethical means. This could include contacting members of the hiring committee, influential individuals, or decision-makers outside the formal application process to gain an unfair advantage over other candidates.
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