Two Weeks to a Critical Crossroads: Countdown Begins to End of Mitei’s Acting Tenure
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is hurtling toward a critical constitutional and administrative crossroads.
In exactly two weeks, on June 30, 2026, the second and final six-month acting tenure of Eveleen Mitei as Chief Executive Officer and Secretary of the Commission will officially expire.
By law, an acting head cannot extend service beyond this statutory limit of two terms of six months each.
As Mitei prepares to step down, the massive apparatus that governs over 400,000 Kenyan teachers finds itself caught in an intricate web of legal battles, systemic policy transformations, and political maneuvers.
While a newly inaugurated selection panel races to fill critical vacant Commissioner slots, a persistent court injunction has paralyzed the process of hiring a permanent CEO.
The impending exit of a leader widely viewed by rank-and-file teachers as a “messiah” leaves the commission vulnerable to a major power vacuum at a time when the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and secondary education transitions demand absolute stability.
1. The Anatomy of a Legal Logjam: Why the CEO Search is Frozen
To understand the current anxiety gripping the education sector, one must look at the judicial wall blocking the recruitment of a substantive 10th CEO in TSC’s history.
The search for a successor to Nancy Macharia—who exited service in June last year after a decade-long tenure—has been anything but smooth.
June 2025: Nancy Macharia retires after 10 years of service. |
| July 2025: Eveleen Mitei assumes office as Acting CEO (Term 1). |
| January 2026: Eveleen Mitei’s acting tenure extended for final 6 months. |
| February 2026: Kiambu High Court halts recruitment over legal challenge.|
| June 30, 2026: Statutory maximum acting period expires for Mitei.
The recruitment process briefly resumed early this year after the lifting of a previous injunction that had frozen the exercise since May last year.
However, the relief was short-lived. A Mombasa-based petitioner moved aggressively to halt the process, raising a fundamental procedural question: Can an institution advertise a position before a formal vacancy declaration is officially gazetted?
The petitioner argued that by proceeding with job advertisements without this statutory declaration, the TSC was effectively recruiting for a non-existent position.
Compounding this procedural challenge is a deeper, structural critique of Section 16(2) of the TSC Act.
The advertisement issued by the commission specified that applicants must hold a degree in education and possess at least 10 years of experience within the education sector.
The petitioner has challenged these parameters in court, asserting that they are overly restrictive and unconstitutionally exclude highly qualified human resource, legal, and financial management professionals from the wider corporate and public sectors.
On February 3, the Kiambu High Court stepped into the fray. Justice Dorah Chepkwony certified an application filed by Samuel Kariuki Kimata as urgent, issuing sweeping conservatory orders:
“That a conservatory order be and is hereby issued staying, suspending and restraining the 1st Respondent from implementing or continuing with the ongoing recruitment exercise of the Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the 1st Respondent pending the inter-partes hearing of the application.”
Though an inter-partes hearing was conducted on March 5, 2026, and subsequent mention dates issued, the conservatory orders remain firmly in place.
With the recruitment frozen by the courts and Mitei’s clock ticking down to June 30, the TSC faces a historic executive crisis.
2. The Power and Magnitude of the TSC CEO Position
The desperation to control or influence the appointment of the TSC Secretary is tied directly to the sheer scope of power vested in the office.
The TSC CEO is arguably one of the most powerful public service officials in East Africa.
Core Responsibilities of the Office
Pursuant to the TSC Act, the Secretary acts across several vital operational pillars:
The Head of the Secretariat: Managing thousands of administrative staff across the head office and 47 counties.
The Accounting Officer: Directly accountable to Parliament for a budget running into hundreds of billions of shillings.
The Custodian of Records: Holding the professional history, disciplinary logs, and certification files of every registered teacher.
The Policy Enforcer: Tasked with executing the collective decisions of the commission, assigning staff duties, and ensuring rigid compliance with public ethics and Chapter Six of the Constitution.
Managing a workforce exceeding 400,000 individuals means the CEO shapes the socio-economic welfare of millions of dependents.
The position dictates terms of engagement, controls the massive payroll, and possesses the final disciplinary stick over professional misconduct.
For political players, trade unions, and civil society, the identity of the person sitting on the third floor of TSC House in Upper Hill is a matter of paramount strategic interest.
3. The “Mitei Phenomenon”: Why Teachers Are Demanding Her Retention
As policy analysts debate the legal deadlock, ordinary teachers across Kenya’s primary, junior, and senior secondary schools are watching the June 30 deadline with absolute dread.
For them, Eveleen Mitei’s one-year stint at the helm has been nothing short of transformative.
Taking over from Nancy Macharia, whose long tenure was often marked by fierce, adversarial battles with unions, Mitei adopted an overtly pro-teacher, empathetic style of governance.
MITEI’S PRO-TEACHER REFORM MATRIX
[Online Transfers] ————–> Streamlined swap-mate approval system
[Maternity Return] ————–> 2-hour daily nursing breaks for mothers
[Exit Protections] ————–> Retaining full pension benefits on resignation
[Career Pathways] ————–> Scrapping CPG for flexible promotions
[Extracurricular] ————–> Direct upgrades for sports/music excellence
During her short tenure, Mitei has dismantled several long-standing pain points that fueled teacher demoralization for a decade:
The Localization and Transfer Relief
For years, the “delocalization” policy forced teachers away from their families, leading to broken homes and mental health crises.
While repatriation efforts began late in Macharia’s term, Mitei revolutionized the system by fully optimizing the TSC online transfer platform.
Under her directive, the platform was re-engineered to automatically approve and facilitate transfers the moment a teacher secures a valid “swap-mate” in their desired county, cutting through months of bureaucratic red tape and corruption.
Maternal Care and Transition Reforms
In a move that won her immense praise from female educators, Mitei introduced a mandatory policy allowing nursing teachers a two-hour break every single school day upon resuming work from maternity leave.
This humanitarian intervention aimed to ease the physical and emotional transition for new mothers balancing demanding classroom hours with infant care.
Securing Benefits under the 2025–2029 CBA
Mitei successfully pushed for revolutionary changes in the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Crucially, she secured a framework ensuring that teachers who choose to resign or those dismissed from service under non-criminal structural adjustments will be paid their hard-earned pension and accumulated benefits in full—a major departure from historical practices where resignation often meant forfeiting significant retirement packages.
Rewarding Co-Curricular Excellence
Recognizing that education extends far beyond textbooks, Mitei introduced an innovative policy to promote teachers who excel in co-curricular activities.
Educators who successfully coach students to national and regional levels in sports, music, drama, and science congress contests are now explicitly earmarked for accelerated career upgrades.
Dismantling the Dreaded Career Progression Guidelines (CPG)
Perhaps her most popular initiative is the current plan to completely scrap the controversial Career Progression Guidelines (CPG).
Introduced years ago, the CPG has been heavily blamed by unions for causing massive stagnation, where highly qualified teachers remained in the same job groups for over a decade without monetary or status advancement.
Mitei initiated a process to replace the CPG with a more dynamic, meritocratic system that automatically recognizes higher qualifications and clear performance matrices.
Immediate Action Against Predator Deductions
On Sunday, April 12, and Monday, April 13, investigative pieces by KTN and the Standard Newspaper exposed how the Kenya Women Teachers Association (Kewota) was allegedly making unauthorized, predatory deductions from female teachers’ payslips.
While past administrations might have launched lengthy, inconclusive probes, Mitei acted within hours of the publication, issuing a blanket suspension on all contested Kewota deductions and earning her the title of “the defender of the teacher’s coin.”
4. The Unresolved Grievances: Dark Clouds in Mitei’s Record
Despite the sweeping adoration, Mitei’s tenure has not been without its vulnerabilities.
If she is to be confirmed, or if a successor takes over, there remains a critical list of systemic grievances that the TSC leadership has failed to conclusively handle.
Political Interference in Teacher Recruitment
One of the most alarming trends during Mitei’s acting tenure has been the blatant weaponization of TSC employment letters by politicians.
Across various counties, Members of Parliament and political operatives have been caught on camera publicly handing out permanent and pensionable (PNP) employment letters at political rallies and constituency offices.
This has triggered widespread anger, with teachers accusing the TSC secretariat of surrendering its constitutional independence and outsourcing its recruitment mandate to local politicians in exchange for political patronage.
The Plight of Unemployed P1 Teachers
While the government has heavily focused its recruitment drives on filling slots within the newly established Junior Secondary Schools (JSS), a massive pool of unemployed P1 teachers has been left out.
These teachers are demanding that the TSC lift restrictions and allow them have mass recruitments like in junior and senior schools.
Stagnation Due to Ignored Academic Certificates
A large contingent of teachers continues to complain about the non-recognition of advanced academic papers. This group includes:
P1 teachers who went ahead to self-sponsor and attain full university Degrees (Secondary Option) with a C+ in two teaching subjects, but are disqualified because their original KCSE mean grade was a C plain.
Primary school teachers who hold specialized Diplomas and Degrees in Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) but continue to be paid at standard entry-level P1 scales.
Primary school teachers with Degrees (Primary Option) with KCSE mean grade of C+ (Plus).
Teachers argue that ignoring these hard-earned qualifications is a massive waste of human capital and a direct contradiction of the commission’s stated goal of continuous professional development.
5. The Looming Vacuum: A Complex Web of Contenders
The anxiety over June 30 is further compounded by a quiet whispering campaign within government circles suggesting that Mitei might not even be legally eligible for confirmation because she allegedly did not formally submit her application when the post was advertised back in May 2025.
If this rumor holds true, the race will crack wide open to a powerful mix of seasoned trade unionists, former top ministry bureaucrats, and deeply entrenched TSC insiders.
The high-profile names currently linked to the coveted seat represent distinct factions fighting for control of Kenya’s education policy:
Wilson Sossion: The fiery former Secretary General of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and nominated MP.
Sossion is a polarizing figure whose entry into the TSC secretariat would completely upend traditional teacher-employer dynamics.
Having spent decades fighting the TSC from the outside, his intimate knowledge of union strategies makes him a formidable contender.
Dr. Julius Jwan: The former Basic Education Principal Security. Dr. Jwan brings immaculate credentials in statecraft, diplomatic negotiation, and deep experience coordinating multi-billion-shilling donor projects with institutions like the World Bank.
His appointment would signal a desire by the executive to align the TSC closely with the Ministry of Education’s political goals.
The Inside Faction: A powerful contingent of veteran directors inside TSC House who argue that the commission is too complex an engine to be handed over to outsiders.
This internal front includes Antonina Lentoijoni (Director of Staffing), Cheptumo Ayabei (Finance Director), Dr. Reuben Nthamburi (Director of Quality Assurance and Standards), and Gabriel Mathenge (Head of Operations). Any of these names would represent a continuation of the institutional status quo.
6. The Commissioner Recruitment Safety Valve
Recognizing that a dual vacancy at both the CEO and Board level could completely cripple the commission’s ability to transact business, the government has moved swiftly to stabilize the overarching TSC board structure.
A few weeks ago, Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku, formally inaugurated a brand-new selection panel.
Led by its Chairman, Ambassador Isaac Njenga, and featuring high-profile members like Public Service Principal Secretary Dr. Jane Kere Imbunya, the panel was given a strict mandate: Fill the two vacant Commissioner seats left behind by members whose six-year terms recently ended.
This parallel recruitment process moved quickly. The selection panel shortlisted 33 candidates and conducted rigorous, marathon interviews over a four-day period from Tuesday, June 2, to Friday, June 5, 2026.
The public release of the interview schedule highlighted a deliberate attempt to maintain regional, ethnic, and demographic balance, alongside clear representation for Persons with Disabilities (PWD):
Complete TSC Commissioner Interview Schedule (June 2 – June 5, 2026)
| Date | Time Slot | Candidate Name | Representing County / Special Status |
| Tuesday, June 2, 2026 | 08:00 AM | Scholastica Seem Matunge | Laikipia |
| Follow-on | Daniel Mwangi Karomo | Kajiado | |
| Follow-on | Japheth Mbithi Kivuitu | Machakos | |
| Follow-on | Ibrahim Gedi Mumin, OGW | Mandera | |
| Follow-on | Dr. Patrick Wakaba Mathu, PhD | Kiambu | |
| Follow-on | Fredrick Josphat Kibuti Nyaga | Embu | |
| Follow-on | Charity Rebecca Wako Kagwi | Nairobi | |
| Follow-on | Ali Jimal Ahmed | Wajir (PWD) | |
| Wednesday, June 3, 2026 | 08:00 AM onwards | Hon. Abdulaziz Ali Farah | Mandera |
| Follow-on | Areba Omwoyo Samba | Nyamira | |
| Follow-on | Pamela Auma Ahago | Siaya | |
| Follow-on | John Mutegi Muriungi | Tharaka Nithi | |
| Follow-on | William Emoru Ejore | Turkana (PWD) | |
| Follow-on | Gilbert Vidija Musalia Edebe | Vihiga | |
| Follow-on | Amb. Simon W. Nabukwesi, CBS | Bungoma | |
| Follow-on | Daniel Ndungu Wakenye | Nyandarua | |
| Follow-on | Dr. Samuel Obudho, PhD | Homa Bay | |
| Thursday, June 4, 2026 | 08:00 AM | Antonina Lentolijoni | Samburu |
| 09:00 AM | Wilson Sossion | Bomet (Former KNUT SG / Nominated MP) | |
| 10:00 AM | CPA Sahara Kunow Yusuf | Wajir | |
| 11:00 AM | John Kwevi Meng’wa | Bungoma (PWD) | |
| 12:00 PM | CPA Florence T. Biiya | Kilifi | |
| 02:00 PM | Joel Mwita Daniel, CPM | Migori | |
| 03:00 PM | Anne W. Gachoya | Laikipia | |
| 04:00 PM | Dr. Garise Bakari Omera, PhD | Tana River |
(Note: The remaining candidates out of the 33 shortlisted applicants completed their sessions on Friday, June 5, 2026, with the full roster archived on the Ministry of Public Service website).
Interestingly, several candidates find themselves in highly strategic positions. For instance, Wilson Sossion successfully faced the panel on June 4, meaning he is simultaneously positioned as a potential Commissioner candidate and a rumored contender for the CEO seat.
Similarly, Antonina Lentoijoni, the sitting TSC Director of Staffing, was interviewed for a Commissioner slot on the morning of June 4, showcasing the fluidity between the TSC secretariat and its oversight Board.
7. The Crucial Role of the Realigned Board
The push to stabilize the board comes on the heels of another critical administrative shift.
On May 21, 2026, the TSC formally appointed Sharon J. Kisire as its new Vice Chairperson, succeeding Leila Ali Abdi whose tenure had come to an end.
TSC BOARD LEADERSHIP
CHAIRPERSON: Jamleck Muturi
| VICE CHAIRPERSON: Sharon J. Kisire (Appointed May 21, 2026)
| ROLE: Drive policy direction, oversee strategic decisions, protect
| the constitutional mandate, and navigate executive transition.
Kisire is uniquely qualified to help navigate the impending transition. She has served as a TSC Commissioner since 2021, when she was nominated by former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Because she is deeply familiar with the inner workings of the commission, her promotion to Vice Chairperson gives the Board a steady hand to support Chairperson Jamleck Muturi.
As Vice Chairperson, Kisire is expected to play a frontline role in managing the fallout of the June 30 deadline.
If the courts do not lift the injunction blocking the CEO recruitment before Mitei’s exit, it will fall upon Muturi, Kisire, and the newly appointed Commissioners to figure out a legally compliant stop-gap measure.
This could include appointing a new acting head from among the current internal directors—a move that could trigger immense pushback from trade unions and teachers who remain fiercely loyal to Mitei.
8. What Next After June 30? Scenarios for the Education Sector
As the clock ticks toward the midnight hour of June 30, the Kenyan education sector is looking at three potential paths forward, each carrying distinct political and administrative consequences:
Scenario A: The Emergency Judicial Intervention
In this scenario, the Attorney General and legal teams representing the TSC successfully convince the High Court to lift or vary the conservatory orders on an emergency basis.
They would argue that leaving an institution that manages 400,000 public servants without a legal accounting officer creates an unprecedented constitutional crisis that threatens national security and public order.
If the orders are lifted, the selection panel could instantly process the applications, conduct interviews, and announce a substantive CEO by early July.
Scenario B: The Executive Designation Loophole
If the court injunction remains frozen, the Executive might look into alternative legal avenues.
While the TSC Act limits an acting CEO to two terms of six months, the President, using overriding public interest provisions or working closely with the Public Service Commission (PSC), could issue a special administrative waiver.
This waiver would allow Mitei to remain in an interim caretaker capacity until the judicial dispute is resolved, satisfying the demands of the teaching fraternity.
Scenario C: The Internal Directorate Rotation
Should the law be interpreted rigidly, forcing Mitei out on June 30 without a permanent replacement, the TSC Board under Jamleck Muturi and Sharon Kisire will be forced to appoint a new Acting Secretary from the pool of internal directors who have not yet exhausted their acting limits.
While operationally seamless, this scenario is highly volatile. It would instantly trigger widespread anxiety among teachers, who fear that a new acting head might reverse Mitei’s popular policies, scrap the progression guidelines overhaul, or revive aggressive delocalization tactics.
Conclusion: A System in Desperate Need of Stability
The unfolding situation at the Teachers Service Commission is a stark reminder of how fragile institutional success can be when caught between shifting legal boundaries and popular policy choices.
Eveleen Mitei has spent the last year proving that a compassionate, teacher-centric approach can bring peace to a historically turbulent sector. However, the strict realities of the law do not accommodate sentimentality.
Whether the resolution comes via a sudden breakthrough in the Kiambu High Court, the fast-tracked appointment of new Commissioners to steady the ship, or the dramatic entry of an external force like Wilson Sossion, one thing is certain: the decisions made over the next fourteen days will reshape Kenyan classrooms for the next decade.
For the sake of millions of children navigating the complex transitions of CBC, the state must act with absolute clarity and urgency.
The alternative—a long, drawn-out leadership vacuum at TSC House—is an experiment Kenya simply cannot afford.