The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has taken the next step in the process of promoting Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers in all of Kenya.
This is a significant development not just for the professional development of teachers but also for addressing an important staffing situation in the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
TSC PROMOTION LETTERS
Promotion letters have started to be drawn for teachers who successfully attended interviews conducted in January 2025, as part of a structured programme from TSC to promote based on merit, incentivising teachers, and addressing gaps in the staffing structure of JSS.
Additionally, TSC has also been deploying competent P1 teachers who have upgraded to JSS, or qualified secondary school teachers, to fill continuing vacancies, which I think is also part of the TSC’s vision with the expanding rollout of the CBC for grades 7 to 9, as well as the underlying principle of being able to provision competent and well-trained teachers for learners regardless of their location.
However, despite the progress, there are still issues that hold back this process; in particular, the estimated 20,000 primary school headteachers who are entitled to be elevated into positions as JSS principals are still remaining in limbo, primarily due to a lack of new Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) for 2025–2029.
Recruitment Of New Intern Teachers
In order to alleviate these situations, TSC has liaised with the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET). From the talks, the plan to recruit 20,000 new JSS teachers and pave the way for 30,000 current personnel to be promoted was conceived.
However, TSC can only proceed with its plan if Parliament allocates sufficient budgetary provision.
As we near June 2025, many hope that funds will be made available and that the promotion exercises will take place.
Confirmation Of Intern Teachers To PnP Terms
In addition, as per the budgetary estimates read, funds for confirmation of intern teachers into permanent and pensionable terms were missing. This created major Uproar from teachers and unions. Information from reliable sources indicate the government is realigning it’s budget for the upcoming financial year to ensure funds for confirming Intern teachers are captured.
With TSC’s good faith to improve the profession, coupled with the support of stakeholders, may finally lead to lasting solutions to the staffing and promotion issue that has afflicted junior secondary.
This continuing promotion push, which is indicative of TSC’s commitment to educational reforms, is a step towards equity and motivation for our teachers, as ideally, teaching shouldn’t be about pennies; it is a profession.