The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has clarified that teachers are not guaranteed promotions every year, saying career progression depends on eligibility, qualifications and the availability of funding.
Acting TSC Chief Executive Officer Evaleen Mitei made the remarks while addressing the media on August 5.
Promotions Depend on Funding
Mitei explained that the commission follows established career progression guidelines when promoting teachers.
She dismissed claims that delays in promotions reflect a lack of commitment to teachers’ welfare and said funding remains the main determining factor.
“Promotions happen based on availability of funding. The delay is not because the commission is delaying the exercise, but sometimes the funds are not available,” she said.
She also cautioned teachers against expecting promotions every year simply because they performed well in sports or other co-curricular activities.
Co-Curricular Activities Still Matter
The acting CEO said TSC will continue considering teachers’ contributions beyond classroom teaching, including participation in sports and other activities.
However, she emphasized that such contributions do not automatically guarantee annual promotions.
Government Allocates KSh2 Billion
Mitei welcomed the government’s allocation of KSh2 billion for teacher promotions in the current financial year.
According to TSC, the funding will support the promotion of 34,016 teachers as the commission seeks to address career progression concerns across the education sector.
TSC Advertised 34,016 Vacancies
The commission advertised 34,016 promotion vacancies across 30 job grades for the 2026/2027 financial year.
The positions range from Senior Teacher II to Chief Principal and target teachers serving in public primary schools, junior secondary schools, secondary schools and teacher training colleges.
TSC directed eligible teachers to submit applications through the TSC Online Portal by August 10, 2026, and stated that it would not accept manual applications.
Senate Questions JSS Exclusion
The clarification came days after nominated Senator Esther Okenyuri petitioned the Senate over the alleged exclusion of Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers from the ongoing promotion exercise.
Okenyuri asked the Senate Standing Committee on Education to investigate whether qualified JSS teachers could apply for promotions through the TSC online system.
She claimed that the platform appeared to recognize only teachers deployed to primary and secondary schools, potentially locking out JSS teachers.
TSC Asked to Explain Eligibility Criteria
The senator further requested clarification on the criteria used to determine eligibility for promotion and whether the current framework adequately accommodates teachers serving at the junior secondary level.
The issue has sparked debate among teachers and education stakeholders as thousands of educators continue applying for the advertised promotion opportunities.
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