TSC CEO’s Tenure Ends in 2025, Field Officers Decry Lack of Promotions.
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The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) CEO Dr. Nancy Macharia’s tenure is set to conclude in 2025, as she hinted during the 2024 KNUT Annual General Meeting held in Mombasa.
Her leadership at the Commission has been marked by significant developments, including teacher promotions scheduled for early 2025.
Disgruntlement Among TSC Field Officers
As teachers commend the Commission for the planned promotions, discontent brews among TSC field officers.
These officers, including Curriculum Support Officers (CSOs), Principal Teacher Management Officers (PTMOs), and Sub-County Directors (SCDs), express dissatisfaction over being overlooked in promotions and facilitation.
Many regret holding their positions, citing neglect in career progression and inadequate support for their roles.
Career Progression Guidelines Ignored
CSOs particularly feel sidelined despite the Career Progression Guidelines (CPG) introduced in 2019, which were intended to inform their advancement.
They lament that adherence to these guidelines could have elevated some to job groups D2 and D3. However, most remain stuck in lower grades, with some in C5 since 2017.
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One CSO claimed the introduction of the PTMO role at job group D1 was a deliberate attempt to bypass implementing the 2019 CPG.
“I cannot show you a colleague who is in D2 or D3. The employer never honoured what it gave us. We feel short-changed and thus absolutely demotivated” said one of the CSO who has remained in C5 since 2017. “
Calls for a CSO Union
Frustrated by the lack of progression and facilitation, many CSOs see the need to establish a union to advocate for their concerns.
They argue that their status as neither teachers nor part of the TSC secretariat has contributed to their neglect.
Additionally, they highlight the financial strain of using personal resources to fulfill Commission duties.
Lack of Performance Contracts Hinders Evaluation
Unlike headteachers, PTMOs, and Sub-County Directors, CSOs do not sign performance contracts with the Commission.
This omission makes it difficult for the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to evaluate their roles and assign appropriate compensation.
PTMOs and Sub-County Directors Also Discontented
PTMOs and Sub-County Directors share similar frustrations. They feel the Commission has failed to prioritize their promotions and facilitation.
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Education announced promotions for its staff at the sub-county level, but TSC reportedly did not seek funding to match these advancements for its officers.
The PTMOs argue that despite handling heavier workloads than their counterparts in the Ministry, their contributions go unrecognized.
Retooling Allowances Delayed
The financial strain on TSC field officers is further exacerbated by delayed retooling allowances. Officers had anticipated these payments to support their families during the festive season and cover school fees.
One PTMO revealed their family endured a bleak Christmas due to the allowances not being disbursed and rising taxes reducing their take-home pay.
Growing Discontent Demands Urgent Action
As the TSC field officers face another challenging year, their grievances highlight a critical issue within the Commission.
Many feel undervalued, particularly when tasked with conducting interviews for teachers who may surpass them in grades.
Read Also: Over 200 Nyamira ECDE Teachers Seek Reinstatement After Contract Termination
This mounting dissatisfaction risks undermining the Commission’s operations. Immediate action is needed to address these concerns and restore morale among this vital group of employees.
TSC CEO’s Tenure Ends in 2025, Field Officers Decry Lack of Promotions.
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