- More than 40,000 C1 teachers are reportedly competing for just 13,490 Senior Teacher II positions.
- The figures underline intense competition as TSC promotion interviews continue across the country.
- Successful candidates will move to Grade C2, while thousands of eligible teachers are expected to miss out.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) promotion interviews have entered their second week, with thousands of teachers competing for a limited number of available positions.
More than 40,000 teachers currently serving in Grade C1 have reportedly been shortlisted for interviews for 13,490 Senior Teacher II positions in Grade C2.
The 13,490 vacancies are officially confirmed under TSC Advert No. 107/2026 for Senior Teacher II (Regular and SNE), targeting teachers moving from C1 to C2. Applicants are required to have served as Primary Teacher I in Grade C1 for at least three years, among other requirements.
The figures highlight the stiff competition facing teachers seeking career progression under the 2026 promotion exercise, with the number of shortlisted candidates significantly exceeding the available positions.
The competition means that a large number of teachers who meet the requirements for promotion will not secure the coveted positions.
Stiff competition for C2 positions
The shortlisted teachers include educators with varying years of experience and performance records, but the limited number of vacancies has made the selection process highly competitive.
The promotion interviews are part of the Commission’s wider efforts to advance teachers through its career progression structure and fill available vacancies in different grades.
TSC advertised a total of 34,016 promotion vacancies across about 30 cadres for the 2026/2027 financial year, with the 13,490 Senior Teacher II positions forming the largest single allocation.
The exercise has attracted significant attention among teachers, particularly those who have served for years in their current grades and are seeking opportunities for professional growth and improved remuneration.
Those who secure the Senior Teacher II positions will move from Grade C1 to C2, marking a significant step in their career progression.
However, thousands of candidates are expected to miss out despite having met the eligibility requirements for consideration.
Primary-school promotion interviews are scheduled from September 8 to 15, while interviews for post-primary teachers and Curriculum Support Officers are expected to run from September 17 to 25.
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The ongoing interviews are expected to determine which candidates will be appointed to the available positions once the selection process is completed.
By Kithinji Njeru
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