TSC insiders likely to succeed Nancy Macharia as CEO

The TSC commissioners have placed an advert seeking applications for the position of Chief Executive Officer and Commission Secretary, following the end of Macharia’s 10-year tenure.

An analysis by The Star of the qualifications required for the role, alongside the academic credentials of the TSC’s nine directors, shows that only five meet the set criteria.

One of the key requirements for applicants is a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from a recognised university, along with at least 10 years of experience in education, administration and management, public administration, human resources, or financial management.

This requirement effectively rules out the other four directors, who hold degrees in fields unrelated to education, locking them out of the succession race.

This analysis assumes that the nine-member Jamleck Muturi-led commission will choose an internal candidate to succeed Macharia at the helm of the TSC secretariat.

Historically, the commission has selected both insiders and outsiders for the top role, including Macharia, who succeeded Gabriel Lengoiboni in 2015.

At the time, Macharia was serving as Director of Teacher Management before her elevation. Lengoiboni, who held the post for 11 years, had been the Senior Deputy Director of Education at the Ministry of Education before his appointment to lead the TSC.

Among the current directors who meet the qualifications are:

Ibrahim Mumin, Director of Administrative Services, who holds a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Education Management and Policy Studies from the University of Bristol and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Stirling (UK)

Employed by the TSC since 1983, Mumin has served as a teacher, District Education Officer, District Inspector of Schools, and head of the Human Resource Development division. Before his current role, he was Senior Deputy Director in charge of Administration.

Dr Reuben Mugwuku, Director of Teacher Management, holds a PhD in Educational Communication Technology from Moi University, a Master of Education (Curriculum Option) from the University of Nairobi, and a Bachelor of Education in Mathematics and Geography from Egerton University. He previously served as Director of Quality Assurance and Standards.

Evaleen Mitei, Director of Teacher Discipline Management, who joined the Commission in 1994 as a teacher and moved to the Secretariat in 1999, rising through the ranks.

She holds a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from the University of Manchester (UK) and a Bachelor of Education from Moi University. Mitei has served in roles including Staffing Officer, Human Resource Management and Development Officer, and Discipline Officer.

Gabriel Mathenge, Director of Operations, holds a powerful position within the secretariat.'

He holds a Master’s degree in Education Management and a Bachelor’s degree in Education, with 14 years’ experience at TSC in quality assurance and standards.

Before his current role, Mathenge was Deputy Director of Quality Assurance and Standards and was instrumental in leading the rollout of the Teacher Performance and Appraisal Development (TPAD) programme in 2018.

Antonina Lentoijoni, newly confirmed as Staffing Director in 2024 after acting in the role for several years. With over 19 years at the Commission, Lentoijoni has extensive experience in teacher management and recruitment. A trained teacher, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s degree in Business Management (Strategic Management) from the University of Nairobi.

The other directors, whose qualifications fall outside the education field, include Cavin Anyuor (Legal, Labour and Industrial Relations), Benjamin Mainga (Internal Audit), Cyrus Kamau (ICT), and Cheptumo Ayabei (Finance).

Macharia is the ninth TSC boss, following 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.

According to the TSC advert published on May 6, candidates must meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution, covering integrity and leadership.

The successful candidate will head the TSC Secretariat, serve as the Commission’s Accounting Officer, and be the custodian of all Commission records. Additional responsibilities include supervising staff, coordinating policy implementation, and ensuring compliance with public ethics and values.

“Applications must be submitted by Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., through the TSC online portal https://www.recruitment.tsc.go.ke, via email to [email protected], or hand-delivered to the Commission’s offices in Upper Hill, Nairobi,” the advert states.

Applicants must include a completed application form, detailed CV, academic and professional certificates, and valid clearance documents from five oversight bodies — KRA, HELB, EACC, DCI, and a recognised Credit Reference Bureau.

“The names of all applicants and the interview schedule of those shortlisted shall be published in the print media and the Commission’s website,” TSC noted, warning that canvassing or providing false information will result in disqualification.