The race to lead Kenya’s Teachers Service Commission has narrowed to five candidates. Acting chief executive Evaleen Jesang Mitei is among those seeking the permanent position.

The shortlist was announced on Tuesday, November 3, after the commission received 124 applications. The successful candidate will become the Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the body responsible for managing the country’s teaching service.

Five Candidates Make the Shortlist

The full list of five candidates shortlisted for the position of Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, following a recruitment exercise that attracted 124 applicants. The list includes acting CEO Evaleen Jesang Mitei and four other candidates from different counties.

Mitei, who comes from Uasin Gishu County, will compete with four other applicants drawn from different parts of the country.

The shortlisted candidates are:

  • Cheptumo Ayabei – Baringo County

  • Evaleen Jesang Mitei – Uasin Gishu County

  • Robert Odette – Migori County

  • Lawrence Ngai Kaburu – Tharaka-Nithi County

  • Farah Abdi Saman – Mandera County

Their applications were assessed against the requirements set out in the recruitment advertisement published on September 29, 2026.

Interviews Set for November 16

The five candidates will face the selection panel on Monday, November 16, at the TSC headquarters in Upper Hill, Nairobi.

The interviews are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Cheptumo Ayabei will appear first, followed by Mitei at 10 a.m.

Odette is scheduled for 11 a.m., Kaburu for noon and Saman for 1 p.m.

Candidates have been asked to arrive at least 30 minutes before their allocated times. They must also present original identification, academic and professional certificates, transcripts and other supporting documents.

Public Invited to Submit Information

The commission has opened the process to public scrutiny. Members of the public have been invited to submit credible information about any of the shortlisted candidates.

Submissions must be made through sworn affidavits addressed to the TSC chairperson. They must reach the commission by Friday, November 13, three days before the interviews.

The invitation gives members of the public an opportunity to raise relevant concerns before the selection process is completed.

Court Ruling Forced Fresh Recruitment

The latest exercise follows a High Court decision that overturned an earlier recruitment process over procedural irregularities.

In a ruling delivered on September 17, 2026, the court found that the original advertisement gave applicants only 13 days to submit their applications. This fell short of the 14-day minimum set out in the commission’s human resource guidelines.

The court also faulted the TSC for failing to disclose the proposed salary for the position. The recruitment process was subsequently nullified, forcing the commission to advertise the vacancy again.

Position Vacant Since Nancy Macharia’s Exit

The CEO position became vacant following the retirement of Nancy Macharia on June 30, 2025. She had served a 10-year term at the commission.

Mitei has since been serving in an acting capacity. Her inclusion in the shortlist now places her among the candidates competing to take over the office substantively.

The November interviews will mark the next major stage in the recruitment process. The final appointment will determine who leads the TSC secretariat and oversees the commission’s work in managing Kenya’s teaching service.