Update from TSC on CPG over 50,000 teachers being promoted
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has announced that a review of the Career Progression Guidelines (CPG) is currently underway. This review comes in response to concerns from teacher unions and educators about stagnation in promotions and the impact of the current CPG regulations on their career advancement.
Key Updates on CPG and Promotions
- Interim Compensation for Administrative Roles: TSC stated that teachers who take on administrative responsibilities, such as acting as stand-in administrators, will be compensated on an interim basis. This is aimed at recognizing and rewarding the extra work performed by teachers in the absence of formal appointments.
- Promotion of Teachers: Despite TSC’s recent promotion of 51,000 teachers, a significant number—about 130,000 teachers—remain stagnant in their job groups. This stagnation led to discontent among educators and calls for further reforms. The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has been instrumental in pushing for these promotions, which eventually led to the union calling off its strike after the announcement of the CPG review.
KUPPET’s Continued Protest
Although KNUT called off its strike, the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has continued to press for further changes, particularly for Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers. KUPPET demands that these teachers be granted Permanent and Pensionable (PP) status, ensuring job security and fair compensation for their work.
Criticism of the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Requirements
KUPPET also raised concerns about the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) requirements, which they argue have contributed to the stagnation of teachers in certain job categories. They describe the current CPD structure as harsh and overly demanding, making it difficult for many teachers to qualify for promotions. The union also reiterated the need for fair pay for educators who temporarily take on administrative roles.
Court Ruling and Strike Suspension
In light of a recent court decision that ordered the end of the teachers’ strike, KUPPET had limited options. Concerns about potential reprisals against union members also played a role in the union’s eventual decision to suspend the strike following discussions with TSC.
TSC’s Commitment to Teacher Promotions
TSC CEO Dr. Nancy Macharia emphasized that the Commission is committed to promoting teachers as funds become available, with budgetary allocations from Parliament determining the pace of these promotions. The Commission reassured educators that additional promotions will continue in phases, depending on funding availability.
Concerns About Exam Preparation
With only eight weeks remaining before national exams, the strike and ongoing disruptions have raised concerns about gaps in students’ knowledge and potential modifications to the exam schedule. The TSC and unions will need to address the time lost during the strike to ensure students are adequately prepared for their exams.
In summary, the review of the CPG and the recent promotions mark a significant step in addressing the long-standing concerns of teachers. However, challenges remain, especially regarding the demands from KUPPET and the need for a fair resolution for all educators.
