Under the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for teachers in Kenya, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and teachers’ unions (KNUT, KUPPET, and KUSNET) agreed on revised promotion criteria that emphasize merit, performance, professional development, and equity. Below are the key promotion guidelines under the new CBA:
Promotion Criteria Under the 2025–2029 CBA
1. Performance-Based Promotions
Teachers must demonstrate consistent good performance in both teaching and co-curricular activities.
Appraisal reports (TPAD) will be a key tool in assessing readiness for promotion.
2. Minimum Time in Grade (Experience)
Teachers must serve for a specified period in their current job group before qualifying for promotion:
3 years for most cadres.
5 years for some senior administrative positions.
3. Academic & Professional Qualifications
Teachers must possess relevant academic qualifications:
Diploma for diploma-level positions.
Bachelor’s Degree for secondary school and senior positions.
Professional development (TPD) courses recognized by TSC will be considered an added advantage.
4. Availability of Vacancies
Promotions will be subject to existing vacancies within TSC structures and budgetary provisions.
For administrative roles (e.g. Headteachers, Principals), succession planning and leadership capacity will also matter.
5. Affirmative Action
Special consideration will be given to:
Teachers in hard-to-staff and ASAL (Arid and Semi-Arid Lands) areas.
Teachers with disabilities or from marginalized communities.
6. Promotion Paths & Job Groups
Primary School Teachers:
Entry at B5, can be promoted to C1 → C2 → C3 → C4 and upwards for administrators.
Secondary School Teachers:
Graduate teachers enter at C2, can progress to C3 → C4 → C5 → D1 → D2 → D3.
Heads & Principals:
Can rise through the D group grades based on school category (sub-county, county, extra-county, national).
7. Promotion Interviews
Promotions to higher grades will involve structured interviews, especially for grades C4 and above.
Consideration will include:
Performance
Professional conduct
Leadership ability
Knowledge of current curriculum trends (CBC, etc.)
8. Open Competitive Promotions
Some promotions (e.g., to senior administrative roles) will be competitively advertised, and all eligible teachers can apply.
9. Teacher Professional Development (TPD)
Ongoing TPD participation is now formally tied to promotion.
Points earned from TPD modules may enhance promotion prospects.