The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has published a shortlist of five candidates for the Secretary/Chief Executive Officer role and invited the public to submit sworn affidavits with any credible information before interviews on 16 November 2026. This notice — commonly referred to as the TSC CEO shortlist — begins a formal public vetting phase and sets strict documentation and clearance requirements for each candidate.
Key Takeaways
- Five candidates were shortlisted from 124 applicants to face interviews on 16 November 2026.
- The public may submit sworn affidavits with relevant information by 13 November 2026.
- Candidates must present multiple original documents and valid clearances at the interview.
- The process is governed by the Constitution and the TSC Act and is intended to confirm merit and integrity.
What the TSC CEO shortlist means
The TSC CEO shortlist signals the start of the final stage in choosing the Secretary/CEO, the commission’s chief administrative officer. The selection follows Article 250(12) of the Constitution and section 16(1) of the Teachers Service Commission Act, which require a competitive process to fill the post. The shortlisted candidates will be publicly vetted, asked to present original documents, and interviewed on the same day.
Shortlisted candidates and interview schedule
Interviews are scheduled for 16 November 2026 at the TSC Building in Upper Hill, Nairobi. Candidates must arrive at least 30 minutes before their set time. The five shortlisted candidates and interview times are:
- 9:00 am — Mr. Cheptumo Ayabei (Baringo County; identified as a person with disability)
- 10:00 am — Dr. Evaleen Jesang Mitei (Uasin Gishu County; the only woman shortlisted)
- 11:00 am — Mr. Robert Odette (Migori County)
- 12:00 noon — Mr. Lawrence Ngai Kaburu (Tharaka Nithi County)
- 1:00 pm — Mr. Farah Abdi Saman (Mandera County)
Eligibility and selection criteria
Applicants to the position were screened against four main requirements:
- Kenyan citizenship.
- A degree in Education from a university recognised in Kenya.
- At least ten years’ experience in education, administration, public service, human resource, or financial management.
- Compliance with Chapter Six of the Constitution on leadership and integrity.
The Chapter Six requirement triggers additional clearances to confirm candidates’ integrity and suitability for public office.
Documents and clearances required at interview
Each shortlisted candidate must present original documents and current clearances. The main items include:
- National Identity Card.
- Academic and professional certificates and transcripts.
- Supporting testimonials and other relevant documents.
- Valid clearances from: Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), a registered Credit Reference Bureau, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (Police Clearance), and the Commission for University Education (CUE) if qualifications are foreign.
These checks cover tax compliance, loan status, criminal records, academic recognition, and ethical standing.
The public’s role in vetting
TSC has invited the public to submit any credible information of interest about shortlisted candidates using sworn affidavits. Submissions must reach the Commission by 13 November 2026 and can be delivered physically to the TSC Chairperson at the Upper Hill offices or emailed as indicated in the notice. The Commission may interview those who submit affidavits and will treat submissions confidentially.
Why this appointment matters
The Secretary/CEO leads the secretariat that implements teacher registration, recruitment, deployment, promotion, and discipline. A credible, merit-based appointment affects how effectively teachers and learners are served across the country. The public vetting stage and the strict clearance list are designed to promote transparency and trust in the final decision.
Next steps and what to expect
After the public submission window closes on 13 November, the Commission will review any information received and proceed with the interviews on 16 November. The announcement of the final appointment will follow Commission deliberations; no date was specified in the notice. For the candidates, the immediate tasks are to gather and verify documents and secure any outstanding clearances.
Resources for teachers and candidates
Teachers preparing for interviews or seeking professional resources can use available exam and curriculum materials to refresh knowledge or prepare documentation. For curriculum and exam resources, see these pages:
- CBC exams resources — practice papers and exam guidance for competency-based curriculum candidates.
- KCSE revision exams — topical revision and past papers for secondary school teaching and assessment preparation.
- CBC curriculum designs — official curriculum designs and guides useful for teachers preparing professional documents and evidence of teaching competence.
If you have credible information about a shortlisted candidate and wish to participate in the public vetting process, prepare a sworn affidavit and submit it before the 13 November deadline. The process is an opportunity for stakeholders to ensure that the next Secretary/CEO meets the standards expected for leadership of the teaching service.
