The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has initiated consultations on revising its Career Progression Guidelines, marking a move toward anticipated teacher promotions.
On Tuesday, June 9, the commission organized a forum at the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE), assembling teacher representatives nationwide, Curriculum Support Officers (CSOs), TSC directors, senior management and other key stakeholders.
According to TSC, the review seeks to update the 2016 frameworks to better address contemporary professional demands, technological advancements and socio-economic factors impacting education.
Acting CEO Eveleen Mitei stated that the consultative review aims to enhance systems supporting career advancement and professional development.
During her remarks, she emphasized to teachers, “Your voice matters in shaping the future of the teaching service.”
TSC Chairperson Jamleck Muturi, who oversaw the engagement, noted that the guidelines aim to eliminate obstacles to professional growth by establishing clear, merit-based career paths that recognize performance, qualifications and potential.
The commission mentioned that input gathered will shape the final guidelines to ensure they are practical, responsive and aligned with changing education sector expectations.
Career stagnation has been a persistent issue among teachers, with some reportedly waiting up to 30 years for advancement opportunities.
In May, the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) urged TSC to announce promotion vacancies for approximately 135,000 teachers experiencing stagnation in their current job groups.
The commission has suggested a three-year promotion cycle, allowing teachers meeting performance and competency criteria to advance through ranks and reach senior positions within 16 to 18 years.
Furthermore, automatic promotions are intended for teachers in grades C1 to C3, including primary, secondary, and special needs educators, as well as those in Lecturer I positions, who have fulfilled the required service period and met performance requirements.
Additionally, the existing grading system from B5 (Primary Teacher II) to D5 (Chief Principal) would be replaced with a six-level structure.
Overall, TSC stated that promotions under the new system will consider professional competence, experience, academic qualifications and performance, rather than available vacancies and administrative factors as in the current framework.
The overhaul accompanies the government’s plan to promote over 30,000 teachers, pending allocation of Ksh2 billion from the National Treasury for the 2026/2027 financial year.