Why there was a reshuffle of top TSC officials

TSC Chief Executive Officer Nancy Macharia

At least 20 senior Teachers Service Commission (TSC) officials were reshuffled because some had overstayed in their stations.

As a result, the officers were too comfortable in their small 'kingdoms' in the counties and this was slowing down service delivery.

Others were moved because they were not productive, a senior official familiar with the reshuffles told The Standard.

"Basically, laxity, overstaying and reduced productivity were the main reasons they were moved," said the insider.

Multiple sources also told The Standard that Commission leaders were keen to assert themselves to achieve a reform agenda.

"This is a transition and staff at TSC are expecting many changes right from the top to those in the lower cadres. Many reforms being introduced by the leaders who are also calling for a shake-up and hiring and retaining of staff who can deliver," said the sources.

Some 20 TSC county directors were reshuffled and another four recalled to the head office in Nairobi.

"It has been decided that you be transferred with effect July 11," reads the letter signed by TSC Chief Executive Officer Nancy Macharia.

The letter, a copy of which The Standard has seen, issued a 30-day notice for the officers report to their new stations. "Inform this office once handing over is finalised not later than 30 days from date of this letter," reads the letter dated July 4.

Affected counties are Tharaka Nithi, Isiolo, Vihiga, Kajiado, Nyamira, Taita Taveta, Mombasa, Kakamega, Trans Nzoia, Siaya, Busia, Elgeyo Marakwet, Samburu, Nakuru, Nandi, Meru, Kiambu and Embu.

Positions in Kisumu, Migori, Mombasa, Turkana, Taita Taveta, Kericho and Trans Nzoia are however still vacant as they did not receive new directors. The directors were asked to hand over to their deputies.

Kericho, Meru and Kisumu fell vacant after their directors retired. It is not clear when TSC will fill the vacant positions.

The transfer letters were issued on Wednesday evening. Vacancy notices were placed in April inviting applications from persons in Job Group P.

Candidates were asked to be conversant with TSC operations at headquarters, counties and school level.