TSC states that the recent promotions of 25,000 teachers that were rejected by Parliament were carried out fairly and transparently.
What you need to know:
– The Parliamentary Committee on Education turned down the list of promotions, claiming that they were not executed fairly.
– Kuppet acting secretary general Moses Nthurima called for transparency and equity in teacher promotions.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) asserts that the recent promotions of 25,000 teachers that Parliament rejected were performed fairly and transparently.
Speaking publicly on the issue for the first time, TSC chief executive officer Nancy Macharia expressed her hope that the matter will soon be resolved amicably so that deserving teachers can begin to enjoy their new roles. The Education Committee of the National Assembly dismissed the list of promotions, arguing that they were not done fairly and that some deserving educators were excluded.
Ms. Macharia, whose 10-year term concludes on June 30, 2025, stated that she has implemented numerous reforms over the years, most of which have enhanced the school system. For example, she mentioned the promotions of 25,000 teachers across all categories, which have now generated significant criticism.
She addressed attendees during the Kenya National Schools Principals Forum in Mombasa.
“Even before we could share the interview results, your very own Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association and trade unions were protesting the criteria for the promotions,” Ms. Macharia noted.
“Year after year, many of you have earned well-deserved promotions and reached the pinnacle of the principal role, all because most of you take your responsibilities seriously,” remarked the TSC leader. Ms. Macharia stated that for the decade she has been at the helm overseeing teachers as the CEO of the commission, the commission has provided dedicated service to the nation by guiding national schools in Kenya.
“Indeed, my willingness to address you today, with only two months left in my tenure, is a testament to the high priority of the 103-member Kenya National Schools Principals Forum,” Ms. Macharia expressed.
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) acting secretary general Moses Nthurima called for transparency and fairness in teacher promotions.
“Promotions are based on merit, evaluating how an individual has contributed to learners, engaged in co-curricular activities, and supported the overall environment and growth of learners. However, what the commission did was distribute positions equally across the counties,” Mr. Nthurima explained.
For instance, he pointed out that Kiambu County has 11,000 teachers while Wajir only has 800, yet both received an equal number of slots for promotions, implying that populous counties with the highest number of stagnant teachers would be overlooked.
He questioned how TSC promoted teachers in marginalized areas in Arid and Semi-Arid Zones who had only served for six months, while those who had dedicated ten years were left out.
“Where is the fairness in that? ” he inquired, adding that the promotions lacked transparency, with unions unaware of the criteria applied. He urged TSC to invite teachers’ unions for a meeting to further discuss the issue.
Kuppet has reached out to TSC requesting a meeting. Mr. Nthurima stated that if the meeting does not occur, they will turn to alternative measures such as seeking a court injunction or organizing demonstrations.
“They simply proceed [without involving the union], then release it and claim it is fair. How is it fair when we have teachers all over lamenting that they have been excluded for 10 years,” he remarked.
The Kuppet representative mentioned that the promotions were rooted in politics, with regions where the government believes they can gain more votes receiving a larger number of promotion opportunities.
“Politicians are currently exerting significant influence over the management of teachers. It is quite unfortunate for teachers currently, as we have witnessed the selling of employment letters in churches and markets,” he remarked.
However, Ms. Macharia denied allegations that politicians have interfered with the promotions. She indicated that she does not participate in political meetings.
“You know I learn about these matters through newspapers and social media. If you visit our website, you will see how teachers are recruited,” Ms. Macharia stated.
Ms. Macharia noted that once the Kenya Kwanza administration took office, the National Assembly approved that TSC recruits teachers from the county level to provide equal opportunity for everyone.
“When the KK government took power, it mandated that we recruit at the county level to ensure that everyone has a chance so that the counties can compete with one another and from ASAL areas which were struggling we can obtain role models from there and we can source locals,” he asserted.