TSC under fire over alleged bias in teacher promotions
TSC faces heat over promotions favouring certain regions.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is under intense scrutiny after lawmakers raised concerns over recent teacher promotions, accusing the commission of favoring certain regions and promoting some teachers twice within a short period.
The National Assembly’s Education Committee has given TSC three days to explain why 5,291 teachers were promoted without meeting the mandatory three-year service requirement in their grades.
During a tense parliamentary session, MPs questioned the fairness of the process, noting that some areas had very few teachers promoted despite having large teaching populations, while others with fewer teachers saw a disproportionate number of promotions.
"When you look at these promotions, it looks like they were shared by commissioners," said Igembe North MP Julius Manaiba, highlighting what many believe is regional favoritism.
"We are giving you exactly seven days and we need not ask you for data," Committee chair Julius Melly emphasized.
He insisted the TSC provide a comprehensive list of promoted teachers, disaggregated by region, age, gender, and ethnicity, to ensure transparency and fairness.
Members pointed out data inconsistencies, such as Lamu West promoting 202 teachers compared to other larger sub-counties promoting fewer than 60.
TSC officials, led by CEO Nancy Macharia and Chair Jamleck Muturi, defended the promotions, explaining that a shortage of eligible applicants forced the commission to lower the required minimum service period from three years to six months in some counties.
This flexible approach was aimed at reducing teacher relocations and promoting administrators in acting roles to substantive positions.
"The commission’s decision was also informed by the need to minimize delocalisation of teachers, enabling them to serve within their localities where possible," Macharia noted.
She also said the promotions met affirmative action goals, with 47.04% female teachers promoted and 1,275 teachers with disabilities included.
Despite these explanations, lawmakers remain skeptical and have called for detailed data and policy clarity to ensure future promotions are fair and transparent.
The committee has scheduled a follow-up meeting next week to review the information, warning of further action if concerns are not adequately addressed.
