The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has officially shortlisted five candidates for the highly coveted position of Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, sending shockwaves through Kenya’s education sector. In a public notice released on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, the Commission revealed that acting CEO Dr. Evaleen Jesang Mitei is among the final five contenders who will battle it out for the powerful role that oversees the management of hundreds of thousands of teachers across the country.
The announcement has ignited intense public interest and speculation, especially because Mitei has been steering the Commission in an acting capacity since the exit of long-serving CEO Nancy Macharia in June 2025. Many education stakeholders are now asking whether the acting boss will finally secure the substantive appointment or whether an outsider will take the helm of one of Kenya’s most influential constitutional commissions.
From 124 Applications to Just Five Contenders
The recruitment process has been anything but smooth. After the High Court in Kiambu nullified an earlier recruitment exercise on September 17, 2026, over procedural breaches, the TSC was forced to restart the entire process. The Commission re-advertised the vacancy on September 29, 2026, under Advert No. TSC/CS/001/2026. By the time applications closed on October 30, 2026, a total of 124 Kenyans had thrown their hats into the ring.
After rigorous shortlisting based on the strict requirements of the Teachers Service Commission Act — including a degree in education and at least 10 years of relevant experience with five years in senior management — only five candidates made the cut. The Commission, chaired by Dr. Jamleck Muturi John, has scheduled interviews for all five on a single day: Monday, November 16, 2026, at the TSC headquarters in Upper Hill, Nairobi.
The Shortlisted Candidates: Full Details and Interview Schedule
Here is the complete list of the five shortlisted candidates, their counties of origin, and the exact interview times:
| Time | Candidate | County | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | Cheptumo Ayabei | Baringo | Male; Person with Disability (PWD) |
| 10:00 AM | Dr. Evaleen Jesang Mitei | Uasin Gishu | Acting TSC CEO; only woman on the shortlist |
| 11:00 AM | Robert Odette | Migori | — |
| 12:00 Noon | Lawrence Ngai Kaburu | Tharaka Nithi | Currently Director of Health Revenue |
| 1:00 PM | Farah Abdi Saman | Mandera | — |
Candidates have been instructed to arrive at least 30 minutes early and to present original national identity cards, academic and professional certificates, transcripts, and Chapter Six compliance documents including clearances from KRA, HELB, a Credit Reference Bureau, DCI, and EACC self-declaration forms.
Why This Race Matters
The TSC CEO is not just another government job. The office holder is the Commission’s Accounting Officer and is responsible for implementing policies that directly affect the welfare, promotion, deployment, and discipline of teachers nationwide. With ongoing debates around teacher shortages, promotions, the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), and industrial relations with teacher unions, the next CEO will play a pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s education landscape for years to come.
Dr. Evaleen Mitei’s presence on the shortlist is particularly significant. As the only woman and the current acting head, her candidacy has drawn both support and scrutiny. Supporters argue that her institutional knowledge and experience in the acting role give her a strong edge. Critics, however, have raised questions about whether the process will be truly competitive or whether the outcome is already predetermined.
The geographic diversity of the shortlist is also notable. Candidates hail from Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Migori, Tharaka Nithi, and Mandera — spanning the North Rift, Lake Region, Mt. Kenya, and North Eastern regions. This spread may help counter perceptions of regional bias that often accompany high-profile public appointments in Kenya.
Public Invited to Weigh In
In a move aimed at enhancing transparency, the TSC has invited members of the public to submit any credible information about the shortlisted candidates. Such information must be submitted through sworn affidavits addressed to the Commission Chairperson and must reach the Commission by November 13, 2026 — three days before the interviews.
This public participation window is critical. Previous recruitment processes for senior public positions in Kenya have sometimes been marred by allegations of lobbying, political interference, or incomplete background checks. By opening the door for public input, the TSC appears determined to avoid a repeat of the legal challenges that forced the restart of this particular process.
What Happens Next?
After the interviews on November 16, the selection panel will deliberate and recommend the successful candidate to the Commission for appointment. The successful applicant will then be formally appointed as Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Teachers Service Commission, becoming the face of teacher management in Kenya.
Education stakeholders, teacher unions, parents, and political leaders will be watching closely. The outcome of this recruitment will not only determine who leads the TSC but could also signal the direction of key education reforms in the coming years.
For now, the five shortlisted candidates have less than two weeks to prepare for the most important interview of their careers. Whether acting CEO Evaleen Mitei will convert her temporary role into a permanent one, or whether one of the other four contenders will emerge victorious, remains the biggest question hanging over Kenya’s education sector.
One thing is certain: on November 16, 2026, the future of the Teachers Service Commission will begin to take clearer shape.
