The anticipated transition of Dr. Nancy Macharia, the formidable former CEO of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), into a new chapter of public service has taken an intriguing turn. Just days before her tenure at TSC was officially set to conclude on June 30, 2025, Dr. Macharia has politely but firmly declined Governor Irungu Kang’ata’s nomination to serve as the Chairperson of the Murang'a County Public Service Board. Her decision, communicated in a letter dated June 25, 2025 – a mere day before her scheduled vetting – signals a different, perhaps grander, path for the respected education administrator.
Governor Kang’ata's nomination of Dr. Macharia, alongside a distinguished list of other nominees including Dr. Louis Mwende Musikali, Johnson Kang’ethe Kinyua, and Dr. Brian Lishenga Makamu for board membership, and Oscar Kimani Gathura as Secretary, was widely seen as a strategic move. Murang'a County had hoped to leverage Dr. Macharia's reputation for integrity, transparency, and extensive experience at the helm of a critical national institution like TSC to enhance public confidence and streamline its own public service recruitment processes.
However, Dr. Macharia's letter to Governor Kang’ata provided a clear and compelling reason for her decision. "I hereby thank you for nominating me for the Chair of the Murang'a County Public Service Board. However, I decline the post as I have received another offer from an international body, which, in my opinion, could affect my performance in the said role," she wrote. This revelation of an international opportunity immediately captivated public attention, hinting at a significant global engagement for the seasoned professional. While the specific organization has not been publicly named by Dr. Macharia, reports suggest a high-profile consulting role with the World Bank.
Dr. Macharia also shed light on a crucial practical consideration that influenced her choice. She explained that she had initially envisioned the Murang'a County role as a part-time engagement. However, upon further understanding, she realized that the position would demand a full-time commitment. This realization, coupled with the demands of her new international offer, led her to conclude that taking on both responsibilities would compromise her ability to perform effectively in either.
Dr. Macharia's decision underscores the increasing opportunities for seasoned Kenyan professionals on the global stage. Her tenure at TSC was marked by firm leadership through various reforms and challenges, earning her a reputation for diligence and a no-nonsense approach to public service delivery. While Murang'a County may feel the loss of her invaluable experience, her pivot towards an international role highlights the continued recognition of Kenyan expertise beyond national borders.
