TSC Clarifies 25,000 Teachers Promotions Concerns, Calls for Amicable Resolution.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has stood firm in its defense of the recent promotion of 25,000 teachers, despite rejection by Parliament. The Commission insisted that the process was conducted transparently and fairly.
Addressing the issue publicly for the first time, TSC Chief Executive Officer Nancy Macharia expressed hope that the matter would soon be resolved amicably to allow eligible teachers to assume their new roles.
Dr. Macharia made these remarks while addressing participants at the Kenya National Schools Principals Forum in Mombasa. She emphasized that, during her decade-long tenure, a range of reforms had been implemented, many of which enhanced the quality of the education system. Among these, she highlighted the current promotions, which have become a source of contention.
Dr. Macharia pointed out that under her leadership, the TSC had consistently delivered effective service in managing national schools across Kenya.
She noted that her decision to speak at the event, despite being only two months away from the end of her term in June 2025, demonstrated the high regard she had for the 103-member Kenya National Schools Principals Forum.
She reminded the audience that the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association and education unions had already voiced concerns about the selection criteria even before the results of the interviews were released.
She stated that many educators had earned their promotions through merit and dedication, rising to senior roles through their commitment and consistent performance.
“Even before we could announce the results of the interviews, your own Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association and trade unions were up in arms protesting the criteria of the promotions,” said Ms Macharia.
KUPPET Raises Fairness and Representation Issues
Moses Nthurima, acting secretary general of the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet), criticized the allocation process, demanding fairness and transparency.
He argued that promotions should be based on an individual’s contributions to learners, participation in co-curricular activities, and overall impact on students’ development. However, he observed that the TSC had instead opted for equal distribution of positions across counties.
Mr. Nthurima provided examples, noting that Kiambu County, which has 11,000 teachers, was allocated the same number of promotion slots as Wajir County, which has only 800. He questioned how teachers from marginalized Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL), with as little as six months of service, received promotions ahead of those who had served for over a decade.
The Kuppet official alleged that the promotions were politically influenced, suggesting that areas perceived as potential voting strongholds received a larger share of promotions. He expressed concern over political interference in the management of teachers, citing instances where employment letters were reportedly distributed in churches and markets.
Mr. Nthurima criticized the Commission for not consulting unions before finalizing the promotions, stating that if the TSC failed to engage them in dialogue, they would pursue alternative actions including court intervention or public demonstrations. He lamented the lack of transparency and claimed that many teachers were being overlooked repeatedly, despite years of service.
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TSC Rejects Claims of Political Involvement
In response to these claims, Dr. Macharia denied any political interference in the promotions process. She clarified that she does not attend political events and becomes aware of such developments only through media reports and social platforms. She dismissed accusations of favoritism, suggesting that those alleging political ties were themselves more likely to be engaged with politicians.
She added that under the Kenya Kwanza government, Parliament had directed the Commission to decentralize recruitment to the county level. This move was intended to allow counties to compete fairly, provide role models in underrepresented areas, and enable locals from ASAL regions to access opportunities.
TSC Clarifies 25,000 Teachers Promotions Concerns, Calls for Amicable Resolution.
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