Former Chief Executive Officer Teachers Service Commission Dr Nancy Njeri Macharia.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down……, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.”
The verse, quoted by outgoing Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Chief Executive Officer Nancy Macharia last week, served as a fitting prelude to her farewell after 38 years of public service, 10 of which she spent at the helm of the country’s teacher management agency.
Addressing more than 7,000 principals gathered at Sheikh Zayed Hall in Mombasa, Ms Macharia said the verse reflects the cycles of life and the changing seasons of professional service.
Former Chief Executive Officer Teachers Service Commission Dr Nancy Njeri Macharia.
A poetic farewell
She said the verse had personal significance as she exited public office, as it speaks directly to the core phases of life and the world of work in which she operated.
“Under these life ecosystems, we are expected to operate within set doctrines, ethos, rules and regulations right from the time of entry to the time of exit,” she said.
Her message was one of gratitude, reflection, and encouragement to the educators she has worked alongside.
"While I do not wish to sound like I’m preaching today, I am excited to announce that this conference has come at a defining moment in my life and in my world of work at the Commission. What a week!" she exclaimed.
The last week of June 2025 marked the conclusion of her tenure as the TSC CEO and Secretary to the Commission, a decade-long chapter of trailblazing leadership.
It also closed the curtain on her 38-year career in education, spanning roles as a classroom teacher, school administrator, director and finally, CEO.
“I cannot be more excited to spend my last week in office addressing the highest cadre of managers , school principals who have been the reason I celebrate my sojourn at the apex of the TSC. For me, this is a period of immense joy,” Ms Macharia said.
Teachers Service Commission CEO Nancy Macharia.
Overcoming scepticism
When she was appointed CEO in 2015, becoming the first woman to hold the position, she faced scepticism.
With the education sector frequently rocked by industrial action, some doubted whether she could handle the pressure.
She recalled being asked by a senior government official, “Nancy, are you sure you will withstand the heat from trade unionists in a sector where industrial actions are their stock-in-trade?”
Her answer at the time was simple: “With God and dialogue, I will manage.”
And she says she did.
Ms Macharia noted the significant milestones achieved during her term. When she took over, there were about 6,000 principals in undefined and inconsistently remunerated positions.
Today, there are over 10,000 principals operating under a structured and refined job grading system.
“Now you start at D3, equivalent to JG-P, and the highest cadre is JG-R to D5, which almost doubled your salary,” she said.
Teachers Service Commission CEO Nancy Macharia.
She praised the quality of teaching and learning under her watch, saying Kenyan teachers have consistently won regional and international awards.
“As our gallant ground soldiers, I have enjoyed visiting your schools and witnessing firsthand your incredible work in the management of our teachers,” Ms Macharia said.
She lauded the role of principals in mentoring younger teachers and maintaining discipline in schools, which she said has contributed to a reduced workload at the Commission’s Wellness Centre.
Ms Macharia also recognised the principals' resilience in implementing the government’s 100percent transition policy and their adaptability in becoming centre managers during exam periods.
“You are the best. As solid professionals, you will midwife the process and admit Grade 10 students next year in a seamless and efficient manner,” she told the headteachers, urging them to continue managing the introduction of the Competency-Based Curriculum in senior secondary schools.
A strategic exit
Although she was scheduled to speak on the CBC pathways at the Mombasa conference, she chose instead to reflect on her journey at the commission.
She said turning down a recent job offer from the Murang’a County Government was a deliberate decision, as she had invested in succession planning and mentored capable leaders.
“As a career administrator, I knew well when to exit the dance floor,” she declared.
Ms Macharia thanked the principals and all teachers in both primary and secondary schools for their unwavering support throughout her tenure.
“And to quote again from my introductory verse — there is a time for everything. This week is my best time to exit TSC, with scintillating pride and my head held high over the amazing transformation in the teaching sector,” she said.
