TSC Appoints Eveleen Mitei as Acting CEO as Nancy Macharia Exit.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has named Eveleen Mitei as the Acting CEO following Dr. Nancy Macharia’s commencement of terminal leave. Dr. Macharia, who officially stepped aside on June 1, 2025, is scheduled to retire on June 30, bringing to a close a transformative tenure marked by widespread reforms in Kenya’s education system.
In a memo addressed to staff on the same day, Dr. Nancy Macharia informed the Commission of her exit, stating that she had formally begun her terminal leave pending retirement. She indicated that Ms. Mitei had been appointed in an acting capacity as Commission Secretary/CEO until a substantive successor is appointed. Dr. Macharia encouraged all staff to support the new leadership as the transition takes place.
The appointment comes in the midst of legal hurdles surrounding the recruitment of the next CEO. The Employment and Labour Relations Court in Mombasa recently issued interim orders halting the process. This followed a petition lodged by Thomas Mosomi Oyugi, a resident of Mombasa, who claimed the selection process was flawed, discriminatory, and in violation of constitutional provisions.
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Justice Kebira ruled that the status of the recruitment process, as it stood on May 27, 2025, at 5:10 PM, should be preserved until further notice. The case has raised questions around transparency and fairness in the selection process for one of the country’s most critical public service positions.
Application Process and Job Requirements
Despite the court’s intervention, the Commission had already advertised the position in May through the MyGov publication. The vacancy notice described the CEO as the individual responsible for driving the Commission’s strategic vision and ensuring the implementation of its policies and decisions.
The role carries a five-year term, renewable once, as stipulated under Section 16 of the TSC Act. Prospective applicants were required to have at least a decade of experience in sectors such as education, public administration, human resource management, or financial oversight. Additionally, they were expected to meet Chapter 6 requirements of the Constitution, which pertain to integrity and leadership standards.
All applications were to be submitted by Tuesday, May 27, 2025, to the Chairman’s office in Upper Hill, Nairobi. Applicants also needed to secure clearance from KRA, HELB, EACC, DCI, and CRB.
Dr. Macharia’s retirement marks the end of a distinguished career in public service. Her leadership saw the Commission through notable milestones and significant challenges. She was vocal about her pride in the progress made during her time at the helm.
In her farewell memo, Dr. Macharia reflected on her tenure, applauding her team’s dedication and professionalism. She called on them to uphold the Commission’s core values during the transition. She emphasized that she was proud of the TSC team not only for their work ethic but also for their unwavering commitment to service delivery across the nation.
Dr. Macharia expressed her confidence in the Commission’s future, stating that she believed her successor and the board would be given the necessary support to propel the institution forward.
A Vote of Confidence for the Future
Eveleen Mitei’s appointment has been met with optimism within the Commission. One senior staff member stated that Ms. Mitei is well-positioned to guide the TSC during this interim period, noting her deep understanding of internal operations and her experience in leadership.
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Another staffer expressed enthusiasm, saying that the change was timely and that they were hopeful for continued stability and growth within the Commission under Ms. Mitei’s stewardship.
With a seasoned acting CEO in place and a leadership legacy to build on, the TSC now stands at a critical juncture, with reforms underway and fresh leadership on the horizon.
TSC Appoints Eveleen Mitei as Acting CEO as Nancy Macharia Exit.