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Introduction
Dr Nancy Njeri Macharia is the Chief Executive Officer of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), the constitutional body mandated to manage human resources in the teaching profession in Kenya.
Appointed in 2015 as the first female CEO in the commission’s history, Dr Macharia has led sweeping reforms, modernised systems, and guided the institution through turbulent seasons of teacher unrest and policy reforms.
With over 28 years of experience, her leadership has been marked by a mix of challenges and successes in the education sector.
Early life and education
Born in 1963 in Central region, Nancy Macharia’s formative years were shaped by her early education within the same locality.
After completing her primary and secondary schooling, she enrolled at Kenyatta University, graduating in 1987 with a Bachelor of Education degree in English and Literature.
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Years later, driven by a passion for educational leadership, she pursued further studies in the United Kingdom.
In 2002, she earned a Master of Education in Policy and Management from Bristol University.
Her academic growth was supplemented by additional training in Corporate Governance, ICT, Public Procurement, Policy Formation, and Business Excellence Models, both locally and abroad.
Career
Dr Macharia began her career in 1987 at Kahuhia Girls’ Secondary School in Murang’a County, where she taught for five years.
In 1992, she became deputy head teacher at Kianderi Girls’ Secondary School. Her shift from classroom teaching to educational administration marked a pivotal moment in her career.
She joined the Teachers Service Commission as a staffing officer, rising steadily through the ranks.
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Before becoming CEO, she served as Director of Teacher Management—a role that saw her supervise operations across 47 counties and negotiate with teachers’ unions to maintain industrial harmony.
In July 2015, Dr Macharia was appointed CEO of the TSC, succeeding Gabriel Lengoiboni after beating 69 other candidates.
Her appointment made history, as she became the first woman to lead the institution since its inception.
Her leadership has been credited with spearheading automation of HR systems, eliminating ghost workers, and enhancing data integration.
She was also instrumental in securing World Bank funding to bolster teacher management systems. In 2020, her tenure was renewed for a second five-year term.
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Personal life
Dr Nancy Macharia is a deeply private individual. She has maintained a low public profile outside her professional responsibilities.
While unverified sources suggest she is married, there is little public information about her spouse, children, or extended family.
Challenges and controversies
Dr Macharia's time at the helm has not been without challenges. Her leadership has faced resistance during numerous teacher strikes and disputes over promotions and recruitment processes.
Critics within the teaching community have, at times, questioned her administrative decisions, labelling some as abrasive or unilateral.
There was also public confusion about her retirement, with questions raised over whether she would exit upon hitting retirement age or at the end of her contract.
However, the TSC clarified that as a state officer, Dr Macharia is exempt from the standard civil service retirement rules.
She is scheduled to begin her terminal leave in March 2025 ahead of her formal exit in June of the same year.
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Legacy and impact
Dr Macharia’s contributions to the education sector have earned her national recognition.
In 2014, she was awarded the Order of the Grand Warrior by President Uhuru Kenyatta for her exemplary service in education management.
Under her stewardship, the TSC underwent significant reforms aimed at promoting professionalism, transparency, and accountability.
She has left an indelible mark by championing data-driven systems and digitisation efforts that modernised teacher management in Kenya.
She also serves on the Board of the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) and is a member of the Kenya Association of Public Administration Management (KAPAM) and the Institute of Directors.
Conclusion
Dr Nancy Macharia’s journey from a classroom teacher in Murang’a to becoming the CEO of one of Kenya’s most powerful constitutional commissions reflects her dedication, resilience, and vision.
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Her legacy as the first female CEO of the TSC and a reform-driven administrator will continue to shape the future of education in Kenya.