The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) of Kenya has re-advertised the position of Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, following a High Court ruling that quashed the previous recruitment process. The court found that the commission breached its own recruitment rules in the previous advertisement. The new advertisement, published on September 29, 2026, allows prospective applicants until October 30, 2026, to submit their applications.
The High Court ruling was based on a petition by Simon Kariu Kimaita, who challenged the CEO qualifications and the recruitment process. The court upheld the requirement for an education degree and at least 10 years' relevant experience but found that the commission's May 6, 2025 advertisement did not comply with the minimum application period prescribed in its Human Resource Policies and Procedures Manual. The advert was open for 13 days, instead of the required minimum 14 days.
The court also found that TSC had failed to disclose the proposed remuneration for the position. Justice Francis Nyungu ruled that the commission had not adequately explained why it shortened the application period, noting that the decision potentially reduced the opportunity for qualified Kenyans, including serving teachers, to compete for the position. The judge directed the commission to re-advertise the position "without undue delay" and conduct a fresh recruitment process.
Under the fresh advertisement, the successful candidate will earn a gross monthly salary of Sh698,600, a monthly airtime allowance of Sh15,000, and an annual leave allowance of Sh50,000. Other benefits include an official vehicle of up to 3,000cc and medical cover for the office holder, one spouse, and up to four fully dependent children below 25 years. The medical package provides an annual inpatient limit of Sh10 million, outpatient cover of Sh300,000, maternity cover of Sh150,000, dental cover of Sh75,000, and optical cover of Sh75,000.
The CEO will also receive service gratuity at 31 per cent of annual pensionable emoluments for the term served, alongside group life insurance and personal accident cover equivalent to three times the annual pensionable emoluments. The package further provides for a car loan of up to Sh6 million and a mortgage of up to Sh30 million at an interest rate of 3 per cent per annum, subject to applicable regulations and availability of funds.
Applicants must be Kenyan citizens, hold a degree in education from a university recognised in Kenya, and have at least 10 years' experience in education, administration and management, public administration, human resource, or financial management. They must also meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution. The Secretary will head the commission's secretariat, serve as its accounting officer and custodian of its records.
The position fell vacant after the departure of former CEO Nancy Macharia, whose 10-year term ended on June 30, 2025. Evaleen Mitei has been serving as acting Secretary and CEO since then. TSC chairperson Jamleck Muturi said applicants can submit their applications through the commission's online recruitment portal, by email, or by hand-delivering sealed applications to his office at TSC House in Upper Hill, Nairobi.
Key points
- The Teachers Service Commission has re-advertised the CEO position following a High Court ruling that quashed the previous recruitment process.
- The successful candidate will earn a gross monthly salary of Sh698,600 and enjoy various benefits, including medical cover and a car loan.
- Applicants must be Kenyan citizens with a degree in education and at least 10 years' experience in education or related fields.
