The promotion plan for more than 21,000 teachers has turned ugly following a move by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to tie promotions to compulsory transfers.
What was meant to be a career breakthrough has now caused outrage, with teachers accusing TSC of sneaking back the controversial delocalisation policy that Parliament scrapped in 2022.
TSC said the promotions are meant to fill leadership gaps in schools and prepare for the rollout of the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) in senior school next year. But many teachers say the postings are unfair and disruptive, especially for those nearing retirement.
Mary, a deputy headteacher in Kiambu, was shocked to learn her promotion came with a transfer to Kitui. “I thought after 20 years of service I would finally get a promotion and stay close to my family. Instead, I must move miles away. Is this really a reward?” she asked.
In Voi, Jane Ngai, who has only two years to retirement, said her joy quickly turned to despair after being posted to Murang’a. Union leaders say her case is not unique, with over 150 teachers already transferred to Kitui alone.
Knut and Kuppet officials strongly oppose the move, calling it “punitive” and warning that forced transfers break families, lower morale, and affect students’ performance. MPs have also demanded that TSC stop displacing teachers, arguing that delocalisation was already rejected as harmful and unconstitutional.
Despite the backlash, TSC insists the postings are about equitable distribution and improving education outcomes. But for thousands of teachers, promotions now feel more like punishment than reward.