Acting Teachers Service Commission (TSC) chief executive officer Evaleen Mitei is among five candidates shortlisted for the position of substantive secretary and CEO of the teachers' employer.
The commission readvertised the position on September 29, 2026, following a High Court decision that nullified the recruitment process initiated on May 6, 2025, over procedural breaches.
In its ruling delivered on September 17, 2026, a two-judge bench comprising Justices Dorah Chepkwony and Francis Nyungu of the Kiambu High Court ordered the commission to restart the recruitment process.
The judges found that the initial advertisement gave applicants only 13 days to submit their applications, against the minimum 14 days stipulated in the TSC Human Resource Policies and Procedures Manual.
The court also faulted the commission for failing to disclose the proposed remuneration for the position in the advertisement and consequently quashed the entire recruitment process.
However, the judges upheld the constitutionality of Section 16(2)(b) and (c) of the TSC Act, which requires applicants to hold a degree in education and have at least 10 years of relevant experience, including five years in senior management.
Following the fresh advertisement, which closed on October 30, 2026, the commission received 124 applications.
Among the requirements were Kenyan citizenship, a degree in education from a recognised institution in Kenya, compliance with Chapter Six of the Constitution and at least 10 years' experience in education, administration and management, human resource management or financial management.
The five shortlisted candidates are scheduled to appear before the selection panel on Monday, November 16, 2026, at the commission's headquarters in Upper Hill, Nairobi.
Cheptumo Ayabei from Baringo county will be the first to appear at 9am, followed by Mitei, who hails from Uasin Gishu county, at 10am.
Robert Odette from Migori county is scheduled for 11am, followed by Lawrence Kaburu from Tharaka Nithi county at noon.
Farah Abdi Saman from Mandera county will be the last candidate to be interviewed, at 1pm.
The candidates have been directed to present original copies of their national identity cards, academic and professional certificates and transcripts.
They must also provide valid clearance documents from the Kenya Revenue Authority, Higher Education Loans Board, a registered Credit Reference Bureau and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
Applicants with degrees from foreign universities are required to submit recognition letters from the Commission for University Education.
Other requirements include a printed acknowledgement of the online self-declaration application or a self-declaration form duly stamped by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, recommendations from relevant professional bodies and associations, where applicable, and any other supporting documents and testimonials.
"Candidates should be at the venue at least 30 minutes before the indicated interview time," the commission said in its notice.
The TSC has also invited members of the public to submit credible information about any of the shortlisted candidates through sworn affidavits addressed to the commission chairperson.
The submissions should be delivered to the TSC headquarters, third floor, or sent by email to , to reach the commission by November 13, 2026.
"Take note that Teachers Service Commission may interview any member of the public who has submitted information on any shortlisted candidates and such information shall be confidential," TSC chairperson Jamleck Muturi said.
He added that the commission was an equal opportunity employer committed to selecting candidates on merit through fair and open competition from the widest pool of eligible applicants.
The conclusion of the recruitment process will end a prolonged vacancy at the helm of the commission, with the position having remained under an acting office-holder since the exit of Nancy Macharia on June 1, 2025.
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