KUPPET Demands Reforms in Teacher Promotion, Criticizes TSC Policies
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has intensified calls for reforms in the teacher promotion system, citing stagnation and inequitable distribution of vacancies as pressing concerns.
Concerns Over Promotion Process
The union’s stance follows the Teachers Service Commission’s (TSC) announcement of promotions for 28,288 teachers this year. However, KUPPET’s Deputy Secretary-General, Moses Nthurima, expressed dissatisfaction with TSC’s processes, describing them as unfair and imbalanced. He pointed out disparities in vacancy allocation, noting that teachers in populous counties have significantly fewer promotion opportunities than their counterparts in counties with smaller teacher populations.
Furthermore, KUPPET highlighted that approximately 130,000 teachers have remained in the same job group for over five years. The union argues that such stagnation undermines career progression and demoralizes educators.
Criticism of ASAL Promotion Policies
KUPPET has raised concerns over the fast-track promotion policy for teachers in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL). While the policy was designed to address staffing shortages in hardship areas, Nthurima claims it has created inequalities. Teachers in ASAL regions with minimal experience are being confirmed in administrative positions, whereas more qualified educators in other areas are overlooked. The union has called for a review of the ASAL classification, arguing that it no longer serves its intended purpose and only worsens promotion disparities.
Funds Allocation and Career Progression Guidelines
Despite funds being allocated for promotions, KUPPET revealed that some of these resources were redirected to hire new teachers. While the union supports new teacher recruitment, it insists that addressing the stagnation of existing educators should take priority.
KUPPET has also demanded the scrapping of the Career Progression Guidelines (CPGs) introduced in 2017, which they claim are a major barrier to career growth. According to the union, these guidelines have prevented many experienced teachers from qualifying for leadership positions, forcing them to wait years for promotions.
Demand for Automatic Promotions
The union is advocating for automatic promotions based on progressive experience rather than just academic qualifications. KUPPET has also criticized the lack of recognition for teachers excelling in co-curricular activities. According to Nthurima, the failure to publish promotion lists under the Presidential Award for Excellence in drama, music, and sports has been particularly disheartening.
During a previous strike, KUPPET Secretary-General Akelo Misori urged TSC to address the stagnation crisis, citing the large number of teachers who have not been promoted for over five years.
Overwhelming Demand for Promotions
The high demand for promotions was evident in the 189,948 applications for just 25,288 promotion vacancies this year. These included:
- 9,179 positions in post-primary schools
- 16,109 positions in primary schools
Ongoing Promotion Interviews
Interviews for the promotions are currently underway:
- Primary school teachers (96,640 applicants): Interviews conducted at the sub-county level from January 13 to 24, 2025.
- Post-primary teachers (44,043 applicants, Grades C3-D2): Interviews being conducted at the county level between January 27 and February 7, 2025.
- Principals and senior teachers (7,224 applicants, Grades D3-D5): Interviews ongoing at regional headquarters during the same period.
Call for Fairness and Career Growth Opportunities
KUPPET continues to press for an overhaul of the promotion system to ensure fairness and career growth opportunities for all educators. The union maintains that until these issues are addressed, the promotion process will remain contentious and demoralizing for teachers nationwide.
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