Nancy Macharia Declines Murang’a County Appointment
Former Teachers Service Commission (TSC) CEO Dr. Nancy Njeri Macharia has officially declined her nomination as Chairperson of the Murang’a County Public Service Board. In a formal letter dated June 25 and addressed to Governor Irungu Kang’ata, Macharia cited an international commitment and the full-time nature of the role as her reasons for turning down the offer.
Macharia, who completed her term at the helm of the TSC on June 30, expressed gratitude for the nomination but stated that she had received another offer from an international body—widely believed to be the World Bank—that would hinder her ability to serve effectively in the county position. She also noted her preference for a part-time role rather than the full-time demands required by the Public Service Board.
“I decline the post because I have received another offer from an international body, which, in my opinion, will affect my performance as the Chair of the said Board,” Macharia wrote. “I have also realized the position is a full-time job whereas I would have preferred a part-time engagement.”
Her nomination had been formally announced by Governor Kang’ata on June 18, 2025, alongside four others: Dr. Louis Mwende Musikali, Johnson Kang’ethe Kinyua, Dr. Brian Lishenga Makamu, and Oscar Kimani Gathura, the nominee for Secretary. The County Assembly of Murang’a was expected to conduct vetting for the positions on June 27.
However, Macharia’s selection quickly became a subject of public debate. A petition was filed challenging her appointment, raising concerns about her age and questioning the merit of nominating someone just days after exiting national office. The petitioner urged the assembly to consider younger candidates and emphasized the need for fair and inclusive public appointments.
Despite the opposition, many defended Macharia’s nomination, pointing to her exceptional track record in public service. As the first female CEO of the TSC, she led transformative reforms in the education sector, including the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and digitization of teacher management systems. Her nearly decade-long tenure at the commission earned her national recognition and a reputation for effective leadership and policy execution.
Macharia holds a Master’s degree in Education Policy and Management from the University of Bristol and a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Kenyatta University. Her experience and credentials have now landed her a new role at the international level, signaling a shift from local governance to global advisory work.
With her withdrawal, the Murang’a County Assembly is expected to revisit the nomination process to either select a new chair from the remaining candidates or advertise the position afresh. The Public Service Board plays a critical role in county human resource management, and the leadership vacancy will likely be filled swiftly to ensure continuity.
