TSC Summoned by MPs Over 25,252 Teacher Promotions
TSC Summoned by MPs Over 25,252 Teacher Promotions, The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is set to appear before Members of Parliament on Tuesday, May 27, to address concerns surrounding the promotion of 25,252 teachers following interviews conducted in January and February 2025.
This follows growing controversy over alleged irregularities in the promotion process. Lawmakers are questioning the fairness of the promotions, with reports indicating that 5,291 teachers were advanced despite not meeting the minimum three-year service requirement under the Career Progression Guidelines (CPG).
MPs have also accused TSC of regional bias, claiming that some counties received disproportionately high numbers of promotions, while others were overlooked. Some teachers have reportedly waited up to 18 years without promotion despite attending multiple interviews.
TSC, led by CEO Dr. Nancy Macharia, insists the process was fair, strategic, and took gender equity into account. The Commission has defended its actions by citing affirmative action policies, especially in hardship areas where the three-year rule does not apply.
Despite the publishing of the promotion list in early April, many teachers are still waiting for their official promotion letters.
County Breakdown of TSC Promotions – FY 2024/2025
A total of 25,252 promotions were distributed across various counties and grades (C2 to D5), with counties like Machakos, Meru, and Makueni receiving the highest number of promotions. Meanwhile, sparsely populated or hardship counties like Lamu, Samburu, and Wajir recorded significantly lower numbers.
MPs Demand Transparency
During a recent session at the Bunge Towers, MPs—led by Tinderet MP Julius Melly—grilled TSC officials, demanding clarity on the promotion criteria. They expressed frustration over repeated complaints from teachers who have unsuccessfully attended multiple interviews with no promotion outcome.
“You’ve promoted some teachers who have been interviewed just once, while others have attended four or five interviews without success,” Melly told the Commission. “There’s still no transparency in your documents.”
MPs criticized the Commission’s lack of adherence to fairness and equity principles, warning of possible consequences unless TSC submits a comprehensive report outlining the full promotion criteria and justifications within seven days.
“You need to know this Committee has powers equal to the High Court,” Melly warned. “You have one week to file a proper explanation, or face contempt charges.”
Stakeholders Raise Concerns
Since the promotion announcement in April, education stakeholders, including teachers’ unions, have criticized TSC’s process, alleging bias and lack of clarity. The promotion process was executed in two phases:
- Phase 1: 5,690 teachers in acting positions as head and deputy head teachers.
- Phase 2: 19,943 teachers in various teaching and administrative roles.
Speaking on April 2, TSC CEO Dr. Macharia stated the aim of the promotions was to address career stagnation among teachers, a long-standing issue in the sector.
Delay in Promotion Letters Explained
On May 14, 2025, Dr. Macharia issued an official circular to all TSC regional, county, and sub-county directors explaining the delay in releasing promotion letters. Key reasons included:
- Pending Budget Approval: The National Treasury has not yet finalized funding for implementation.
- Administrative Checks: TSC is finalizing internal verifications to ensure legal and procedural compliance.
- Stakeholder Consultations: Discussions are ongoing with the Public Service Commission and teachers’ unions to ensure a transparent rollout.
Teachers have been urged to remain patient as the Commission finalizes these steps.
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