Treasury allocates Sh1bn as over 25,000 teachers get promotions

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has published the names of 25,252 teachers who have been promoted to different job groups following a nationwide application and interview process.

The list, now available on the TSC website, follows an allocation of Sh1 billion by the National Treasury to facilitate the promotions.

The commission advertised the vacancies in late 2024 and conducted interviews in early 2025.

A total of 5,690 teachers applied for positions announced in November 2024, while 19,943 applied for those advertised in December. However, 381 vacancies remain unfilled.

The Treasury’s allocation of Sh1 billion is half of the Sh2 billion initially requested by the TSC to implement the promotions.

The promotions come amid concerns raised by the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA), which has criticized the process, particularly the use of a quota-based system.

The association argues that the method is unfair as it limits opportunities for teachers in regions with a higher number of qualified candidates.

“A quota-based system will lead to a situation where teachers in certain regions are at a clear disadvantage by unfairly reducing opportunities for qualified teachers from regions that have a higher number of competent and deserving candidates,” KESSHA chair Willy Kuria said in a petition.

Kuria also raised concerns about some teachers being invited for interviews before completing the required six-month period in their current job group, noting that this was more common in ASAL areas.

Additionally, he pointed out that several teachers applying for promotions to Job Group Deputy D2 and below were not shortlisted despite meeting all the qualifications.

“We easily got the information from the county directors, and when we complained and wrote to the TSC, they never disputed the information. This was mainly favouring ASAL areas,” Kuria told the Daily Nation.

He warned that if the current system remains in place, many teachers may face stagnation in their job groups due to their geographical location.

“A promotional interview should prioritize merit, experience, and individual achievement. The imposition of a regional quota system undermines these principles by promoting teachers based on their geographical position,” the petition stated.

Kuria urged the TSC to reconsider the promotion criteria to ensure that all teachers have a fair chance based on merit while still promoting inclusivity.