Teachers across Kenya are organizing celebratory events in anticipation of the retirement of Dr. Nancy Macharia, the Chief Executive Officer of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), scheduled for June 2025. These gatherings, being coordinated through various social media platforms, aim to mark the end of Dr. Macharia’s decade-long tenure at the helm of the TSC.
Invitations circulating among educators highlight plans for a celebration on June 20, 2025, at the TSC headquarters, followed by a goat-eating party at a venue to be announced later. The invitation emphasizes the significance of the occasion with the phrase, “KILICHO NA MWANZO, HAKIKOSI MWISHO” (What has a beginning has no end).
The motivations behind these planned celebrations are varied. Some educators view them as an opportunity to express disapproval of certain policies implemented during Dr. Macharia’s tenure, such as the delocalization policy and the Career Progression Guidelines (CPG), which faced criticism from teacher unions. One teacher from the Rift Valley region expressed strong sentiments, stating, “For Macharia’s exit, it is nothing short of good riddance!”
Conversely, other educators acknowledge the advancements achieved under Dr. Macharia’s leadership, including the digitization of TSC operations. A teacher from Laikipia noted the convenience of accessing payslips online, contrasting it with previous bureaucratic processes. He remarked, “Yes, Dr. Macharia failed in some areas… Folks, let’s see the bigger picture.”
Dr. Macharia’s tenure, which began in June 2015, is set to conclude in March 2025, with a new CEO expected to be appointed by July 2025. Her leadership has been marked by significant reforms aimed at enhancing the professionalism and performance of educators.
