New TSC Criteria Favors Teachers Over 50 for Promotions

TSC Prioritizes Teachers Aged 50+ in Latest Promotion Recruitment.

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) promotion interviews entered their third day today, having commenced on Monday, January 13, across all sub-counties. This year’s exercise introduces notable changes in assessment and selection criteria.

A review of the TSC promotion scoresheet reveals that older teachers are receiving higher marks, increasing their chances of promotion. Teachers aged 55 years and above are allocated 30 marks, while those between 50 and 54 years receive 26 marks. The distribution continues as follows:

Academic Qualifications and Experience

Candidates are also assessed based on their academic qualifications, length of stay in the current grade, and their Teacher Performance Appraisal and Development (TPAD) ratings. The breakdown is outlined below:

• Academic Qualifications: Masters (5 marks), Degree (3 marks), Diploma (1 mark).
• Length of Stay in Current Grade: 7+ years (50 marks), 6 years (40 marks), 5 years (30 marks), 4 years (20 marks), 3 years (10 marks).
• TPAD Ratings: Scores range from 2 to 10 marks, with higher marks awarded for better performance.

Additionally, examiners working under the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) earn 4 extra marks.

Simplified Interview Process

Unlike previous years where applicants faced numerous questions, this year’s interview process is limited to document verification. Panelists confirm the applicants’ age, years of service, and credentials. Reports suggest that promotions are primarily based on age and service duration.

The Commission aims to fill 19,943 promotion slots declared in December. This initiative is fueled by impending retirements, with significant numbers of teachers expected to exit by June and August.

Promotions will address vacancies left by Head of Institutions (HOIs) and Deputy Head of Institutions (DHOIs) who have retired or are due to retire.

Following an advertisement on December 17, TSC invited applications for promotion from teachers across primary and post-primary institutions.

The deadline for submissions was midnight on December 30, 2024. Teachers who had applied under Advert 1 to 4 of 2024 (from November 12 to 18) were also asked to reapply.

Required Documents for Interviews

Applicants were instructed to carry specific documents for verification, including:

1. Original ID.
2. Academic certificates (KCSE, PTE, Diploma, and Degree).
3. Letter of appointment to the current grade.
4. Latest payslip.
5. Last promotional letter.
6. Responsibility letters for HOI/DHOI roles.
7. Performance appraisal reports (TPAD) for 2021-2023.
8. Other relevant testimonials.

Post-Interview Documentation

Successful candidates must present the following documents in compliance with Chapter 6 of the Kenyan Constitution:

1. Valid Certificate of Good Conduct from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
2. Clearance Certificate from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).
3. Tax Compliance Certificate from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
4. Clearance from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
5. Clearance Certificate from a Credit Reference Bureau (CRB).

Read Also: Ministry of Health Directs Parents to Confirm Dependents via SHA Platform

Addressing Leadership Shortages

At least 3,359 public schools currently lack heads of institutions, with 1,918 primary schools without headteachers and 1,441 secondary schools without principals.

TSC attributes this shortage to a lack of qualified candidates and an increase in newly registered schools.

A TSC official highlighted the importance of addressing these gaps, emphasizing that filling these roles is crucial to maintaining quality education standards.

Conclusion

The TSC promotion interviews signify a shift towards a more streamlined and criteria-based selection process. With nearly 20,000 promotion slots available, the exercise is expected to address leadership gaps and enhance teacher motivation across the country.

Successful candidates will be posted to schools with existing vacancies starting January.

TSC Prioritizes Teachers Aged 50+ in Latest Promotion Recruitment.

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