TSC Delays 179,000 Teacher Promotions as Budget Falls Short

TSC Delays 179,000 Teacher Promotions as Budget Falls Short.

Approximately 179,000 teachers in both primary and secondary schools have remained stuck in the same job group for extended periods, primarily due to funding shortfalls. This stagnation persists despite many being qualified for promotion, severely impacting morale and overall retention within the teaching profession.

Appearing before the National Assembly Education Committee led by Kasipul MP Eve Obara, Teachers Service Commission (TSC) CEO Dr. Nancy Macharia highlighted the urgent need for financial intervention.

Macharia reported that TSC requires Sh3 billion to promote 178,871 teachers but has only received limited funds over the past two financial years, with just Sh2 billion allocated instead of the necessary Sh3.5 billion.

“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,” Dr. Macharia told lawmakers.

The ongoing issue has fueled unrest among teachers, with many accusing the TSC of partiality in its promotion system. Critics argue that the quota-based approach — which allocates promotion slots based on regions or categories — tends to disadvantage deserving candidates, particularly in densely populated regions where competition is fierce.

Partial Progress Amid Funding Constraints

Despite the limited funding, TSC managed to promote 151,611 teachers over two years — 75,090 through common cadre promotions and 76,521 via competitive processes. In the current financial year, 25,252 teachers have been promoted through interviews conducted earlier. However, 381 advertised posts remain unfilled, despite receiving thousands of applications — 5,690 in November and another 19,943 in December.

“While we had requested Sh2 billion from the National Treasury for this year’s promotions, only Sh1 billion was allocated,” Macharia noted.

In rural areas, logistical challenges further exacerbate the problem. Delays in conducting interviews and a persistent shortage of experienced teachers have left some schools struggling. The failure to promptly address these issues has led to increasing attrition as teachers exit the profession in frustration.

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Although efforts have been made to alleviate the backlog, the scale of stagnation remains immense. Dr. Macharia admitted that only Sh1 billion was allocated for promotions in the current financial year, despite a request for Sh2 billion. The lack of sufficient funding continues to obstruct the TSC’s ability to effectively manage career progression.

Eve Obara emphasized that teachers are the foundation of the country’s future and underscored the importance of supporting them not just through commendation but with tangible resources and actions. Without swift and sustained budgetary intervention, thousands of educators risk remaining trapped in cycles of fatigue and professional stagnation.

TSC Delays 179,000 Teacher Promotions as Budget Falls Short.

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