The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) of Kenya has announced the shortlist of candidates for the position of Secretary and Chief Executive Officer. Following a recruitment exercise that drew 124 applications, the commission has selected five candidates for interviews. The names were made public through a notice by TSC Commission Chairman Jamleck Muturi John. The recruitment process began with an advertisement issued on September 29, 2026, and applications closed on October 30, 2026.
The five shortlisted candidates are Cheptumo Ayabei from Baringo County, Evaleen Jesang Mitei from Uasin Gishu County, Robert Odette from Migori County, Lawrence Ngai Kaburu from Tharaka Nithi County, and Farah Abdi Saman from Mandera County. Notably, Ayabei is listed as a Person With Disability (PWD). The interviews for these candidates are scheduled to take place on November 16, 2026, at the TSC Building located on Kilimanjaro Road, Upperhill, Nairobi. Each candidate has been assigned a specific time slot between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
To qualify for the Secretary/CEO role, candidates were required to meet specific eligibility criteria. They had to be Kenyan citizens with a degree in Education from a recognized university, possess at least ten years of experience in education, administration, management, public administration, human resource, or financial management, and meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution. Candidates attending the interviews are required to bring original academic certificates, transcripts, a National Identity Card, and valid clearances from various institutions.
The TSC has invited members of the public to submit any credible information regarding the shortlisted candidates. This can be done through sworn affidavits addressed to the Commission Chairperson at the TSC Building or emailed to [email protected]. All such submissions must be received by November 13, 2026. The commission noted that it may interview any member of the public who provides such information and that all submissions will be treated as confidential.
The appointment of the TSC Secretary/CEO is based on Article 250(12) of the Constitution of Kenya and Section 16(1) of the Teachers Service Commission Act No. 12 of 2012. These provisions mandate a competitive recruitment process for the role. The TSC aims to ensure transparency and suitability in the appointment of the Secretary/CEO, who will lead the commission in its mandate to manage and regulate the teaching service in Kenya.
The interview process is a critical step in selecting the next Secretary/CEO of the TSC. With a rigorous selection process in place, the commission seeks to identify a candidate with the requisite skills, experience, and leadership qualities. The successful candidate will be expected to provide strategic direction and oversight, ensuring the effective implementation of the commission's objectives.
As the interviews approach, the public's role in providing information about the candidates is crucial. The TSC's initiative to involve the public in the vetting process underscores its commitment to transparency and accountability. The commission's decision will ultimately contribute to the effective leadership and management of the teaching service in Kenya.
Key points
- The Teachers Service Commission shortlisted 5 candidates for the Secretary/CEO role from 124 applicants.
- Interviews for the shortlisted candidates are scheduled for November 16, 2026.
- The public can submit sworn affidavits about any shortlisted candidate to TSC by November 13, 2026.
