The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) CEO Dr. Nancy Macharia appeared before the National Assembly Education Committee to respond to delays, stagnation, and perceived unfairness in the promotion of teachers.
The Committee led by Vice Chairperson and Obara Kabondo Kasipul Member of Parliament (MP) Eve questioned the Commission’s strategy to ensure fair and merit-based promotions.
“TSC cannot keep blaming budget deficits year in, year out while thousands of teachers stagnate in the same job groups. What is the Commission doing to make the promotion process predictable, fair, and inclusive?” asked Hon. Eve Obara.
The Committee also heard that more than 178,000 teachers have remained stuck in the same job group due to a Ksh35 billion funding shortfall, with only Ksh2 billion allocated over two financial years to address the backlog.
Macharia admitted that underfunding had delayed the implementation of the Commission’s Career Progression Guidelines (CPG), which are meant to streamline promotions and professional growth for educators.
She explained that the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) have criticized the Commission over the stagnation.
“Lack of sufficient budgetary provision has significantly impeded the career growth of teachers. This stagnation has triggered complaints from unions, lowered morale, and contributed to increased attrition within the profession,” Macharia said.
She revealed that between 2023 and 2025, 151,611 teachers were promoted including 75,090 through common cadre progression and 76,521 via competitive processes.
Also Read: TSC Raises Alarm Over Teacher Shortage Despite Ruto Promises
TSC Addresses Favoritism Allegations
Besides, the MPs raised concerns over regional disparities and allegations of favoritism in the promotion process.
However, Macharia defended the Commission’s integrity, citing a digitized application system, adherence to Regulation 73 of the Code of Regulations for Teachers (CORT), and data analytics to guide the equitable distribution of promotion opportunities.
“The process is guided by transparency, performance, merit, and affirmative action, especially in marginalized and hard-to-staff areas,” she said.
Macharia said TSC applies affirmative action under Article 56 of the Constitution to ensure inclusivity, including the shortlisting of all eligible applicants in marginalized areas and reserving slots for female teachers and special needs educators.
Also Read: How TSC Promotes Teachers: Criteria and Minimum Requirements
Teachers Online System
Further, Macharia said TSC has automated its promotions through the Teachers Online System to streamline the process.
The automation allows for real-time application tracking and faster turnaround times.
It also plans to review both the CPG and CORT through public participation once the TSC Act is amended.
She disclosed that 25,252 teachers were promoted in the current financial year 2024/2026.
The Committee noted that TSC should review the Code of Regulation for Teachers to set out clear principles to be adhered to during the promotion of teachers and further develop Career Progression Guidelines and Code of Regulation for Teachers.
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