Dr. Nancy Macharia, the outgoing CEO of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), leaves behind a remarkable legacy that will be remembered for years to come. Serving two consecutive five-year terms, she has steered the organization through transformative changes, helping to shape the future of Kenya’s education system. Under her leadership, TSC has evolved from a body characterized by strikes and unrest into a more orderly, streamlined, and efficient organization. As Dr. Nancy Macharia prepares to retire early next year, it is fitting to reflect on her significant contributions and the indelible mark she leaves on the teaching profession in Kenya.
When Dr. Nancy Macharia assumed office as CEO in 2015, she inherited an institution mired in frequent disruptions, mainly due to strikes over salary disputes. Teachers were often engaged in long, drawn-out battles with the government over pay, working conditions, and promotions. The frequent industrial actions not only caused anxiety within the teaching fraternity but also disrupted learning across the country, putting millions of students at a disadvantage. Under Macharia’s leadership, however, these strikes have become a thing of the past. Her ability to navigate delicate negotiations, coupled with a strong commitment to the welfare of teachers, enabled her to find lasting solutions to some of the most intractable challenges.
Her leadership style has been marked by a combination of firmness and compassion. While she took decisive steps to enforce discipline and accountability within the teaching profession, she also worked tirelessly to advocate for better working conditions for teachers. Macharia recognized the importance of striking a balance between the needs of the government and those of teachers, understanding that a satisfied workforce would lead to improved educational outcomes. Through her efforts, the TSC was able to successfully negotiate salary increases for teachers, ensuring their welfare without having to resort to disruptive industrial action.
One of Dr. Nancy Macharia’s most significant contributions was the introduction of a framework aimed at improving teacher professionalism and performance. She spearheaded the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) program, which ensures that teachers are continually improving their skills and staying updated with the latest pedagogical techniques. This initiative has been pivotal in transforming the teaching profession from one of static knowledge delivery to one that emphasizes lifelong learning.
Her tenure also saw the development and enforcement of teacher appraisal systems. These systems were designed to ensure that educators are not only accountable but also rewarded for their performance. By introducing a performance-based system, Macharia underscored the importance of merit and hard work, contributing to the professional growth of teachers across the country.
In addition, under her leadership, the TSC worked to streamline teacher recruitment, making the process more transparent and merit-based. This effort not only ensured that the best candidates were hired but also helped reduce nepotism and favoritism that had previously marred the recruitment process. Teachers felt more valued, knowing that their contributions were being recognized, and they were being hired based on merit rather than connections.
Perhaps the most notable achievement of Dr. Nancy Macharia’s tenure is the restoration of order and stability within the teaching profession. By tackling the root causes of dissatisfaction, she eliminated the need for frequent strikes, ensuring a more stable learning environment for students. The impact of this stability cannot be overstated; it has allowed for more consistent learning, which in turn has improved academic outcomes for students nationwide.
Moreover, the peaceful relations between the TSC and teachers’ unions, especially the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), are a testament to Macharia’s diplomacy. Her negotiation skills helped to calm tensions, allowing for dialogue and collaboration rather than confrontation. By fostering a more amicable relationship between teachers and the TSC, she laid the groundwork for a more cohesive educational system.
Under Dr. Nancy Macharia’s leadership, TSC embraced modernization and the use of technology in the management of teachers. The introduction of digital systems for teacher registration, promotion, and transfers has made the Commission more efficient. Dr. Nancy Macharia's vision of a tech-driven TSC has helped reduce bureaucratic delays, ensuring that teachers' issues are addressed promptly.
Additionally, Dr. Nancy Macharia was a strong proponent of using data to drive decision-making. By leveraging data on teacher performance, student outcomes, and school needs, she ensured that TSC’s policies were grounded in evidence, thus making them more effective. This data-driven approach was particularly useful during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the TSC had to quickly adapt to new realities, including remote learning and teacher deployment.
As Dr. Nancy Macharia prepares to retire, it is clear that her legacy will continue to shape the TSC and the teaching profession in Kenya for many years to come. She has been a trailblazer, transforming TSC into a more dynamic, efficient, and responsive institution. Her focus on professionalism, teacher welfare, and accountability has raised the standards of teaching in the country, benefiting both teachers and students alike.
Macharia’s leadership has been marked by a deep sense of duty to the teaching profession. Her ability to navigate the complex challenges facing TSC, while maintaining a commitment to fairness and integrity, has earned her widespread respect. Teachers, parents, and students alike owe a great deal to her for the stability and progress she has fostered in the education sector.
As she steps down, Macharia leaves behind a legacy of visionary leadership, one that will inspire future leaders at the TSC to continue pushing for reforms that benefit teachers and students. Her contribution to the Kenyan education system will not soon be forgotten, and her name will forever be associated with the positive transformations she championed at the Teachers Service Commission.
Dr. Nancy Macharia’s decade at the helm of TSC has been marked by progress, stability, and a commitment to the welfare of teachers and students. She has shown that leadership, when anchored in a clear vision and executed with integrity, can bring about lasting change. As she embarks on her retirement, the education sector will continue to build on the solid foundation she has laid, ensuring that her legacy endures for generations to come.
Ashford Gikunda teaches English and Literature in Gatundu North Sub County
