The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has successfully obtained a budgetary allocation of Ksh 1 billion for the promotion of teachers in the 2025–2026 financial year. This funding, approved by the Parliamentary Budget and Appropriations Committee, aims to facilitate the promotion of at least 20,000 teachers to higher job groups, addressing career stagnation and enhancing motivation within the profession.
Enhancing Career Growth and Motivation
Hon. Julius Melly, the Tinderet Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the National Assembly’s Committee on Education, emphasized the significance of this initiative in boosting morale among teachers and improving the overall quality of education.
“These promotions will not only motivate teachers but also help bridge gaps in teaching resources, ensuring a more effective education system,” stated Hon. Melly.
Promotion Process and Timeline
The TSC has set April 2025 as the month for issuing promotion letters to successful candidates who attended interviews in January and February. Those who do not qualify will receive regret letters. A complete list of promoted teachers will be published on the TSC website for transparency.
Key Promotion Dates:
- Post-Primary School Interviews: Conducted between January 27 and February 6, 2025. These include interviews for teachers in secondary schools and Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs).
- Primary School Interviews: Held between January 13 and January 23, 2025.
- Promotion Advertisement: A total of 25,288 promotion slots were advertised for both primary and post-primary school teachers.
In November 2024, TSC initially advertised 5,690 promotion slots for school administrators. This was followed by an additional 19,943 promotion slots advertised on December 17, 2024, catering to teachers from job groups C1 to D3.
Distribution of Promotion Slots:
- Primary Schools: 16,109 slots
- Post-Primary Institutions: 9,179 slots
High Demand for Promotions
The 2025 promotion cycle witnessed an overwhelming response, with 189,000 teachers applying. Among them, 96,640 were primary school teachers, while 44,043 were post-primary school teachers.
New Interview Approach
Unlike previous years, the 2025 promotion interviews focused solely on document verification rather than traditional question-based assessments. The interview panels, comprising Sub-County Directors, Human Resource Officers, and Curriculum Support Officers, required candidates to present essential documents such as identification cards and academic certificates.
Age-Based Scoring Criteria
The TSC promotion scoresheet prioritized senior teachers, awarding higher marks based on age groups:
- 55 years and above: 30 marks
- 50–54 years: 26 marks
- 45–49 years: 22 marks
- 40–44 years: 18 marks
- 30–39 years: 14 marks
This approach aims to recognize long-serving teachers and provide them with opportunities for career growth.
Conclusion
The allocation of Ksh 1 billion for teacher promotions is a significant step toward professional development and job satisfaction within the education sector. With the promotion process streamlined and a focus on reducing stagnation, the initiative is expected to boost efficiency and performance in schools across the country. Teachers can now look forward to improved career progression and enhanced motivation as they continue shaping the future of education in Kenya.
