The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has strongly criticised the National Assembly for rejecting a crucial proposal to promote over 25,000 teachers, accusing Members of Parliament of undermining the welfare and motivation of educators nationwide.
The rejected proposal, which had been tabled as part of the Teachers Service Commission’s (TSC) 2024/2025 Financial Year budget estimates, sought to allocate funds to facilitate the long-overdue promotion of thousands of teachers serving in lower job groups despite possessing the qualifications and experience needed for higher grades.
At a press conference held at KUPPET headquarters in Nairobi, the union’s Secretary General, Akello Misori, expressed deep disappointment with Parliament’s decision, terming it a betrayal of the teaching profession. He noted that the failure to promote teachers was demoralising and violated labour rights enshrined in the Constitution and relevant statutes governing public service.
“For over five years, thousands of teachers have stagnated in the same job groups. The TSC had finally included this in its budget, but Parliament, for reasons best known to them, chose to reject it. This is an insult to the dignity of the Kenyan teacher,” said Misori.
The promotion stalemate
The standoff revolves around the Sh2.2 billion budget that the Teachers Service Commission requested to promote teachers who had completed additional training, gained relevant experience, and were due to be elevated to higher grades per the career progression guidelines.
According to KUPPET, most affected teachers have served in the same grades for over seven to ten years without meaningful career advancement. Many senior graduate teachers and diploma holders have met all the requirements but have not been promoted due to funding constraints and bureaucratic hurdles.
KUPPET conducted a national survey that revealed that over 60 per cent of secondary school teachers are stuck in job groups C1 and C2. In contrast, others have stagnated in acting positions for years without confirmation. The union fears this trend could worsen if Parliament does not reconsider its stance.
TSC under pressure
Meanwhile, the Teachers Service Commission, which employs over 350,000 teachers across Kenya, is now the centre of public criticism and mounting pressure. While the TSC had included the promotions in its plans, its top leadership has been scrutinised for allegedly failing to lobby Parliament effectively and not taking a firmer stand to defend teachers’ rights.
There are also emerging reports of threats and pressure from some political quarters, with allegations that certain politicians are pushing TSC to drop the plan entirely or redirect funds to other politically convenient programmes. This has raised concerns about political interference in education policy and the autonomy of constitutional commissions.
Speaking anonymously, a senior official at TSC disclosed that the Commission is now torn between resubmitting the budget request and implementing austerity measures that could delay promotions indefinitely.
“We are caught in a tough situation. The Commission is facing both internal budget cuts and external political pressure. Unless there is political goodwill, the affected teachers may have to wait even longer,” the source said.
The legal and moral implications
Labour experts and education policy analysts warn that teachers’ continued stagnation could trigger legal suits and industrial unrest. Article 41 of the Constitution guarantees fair labour practices, including the right to career progression, fair remuneration, and protection from discrimination.
Under the Employment Act and the TSC Code of Regulations, promotion is not a privilege but a right based on merit and performance. Education stakeholders now argue that denying these promotions without justification violates domestic and international labour standards.
KUPPET and other unions, including KNUT, have hinted at exploring legal options if the matter is unresolved through dialogue.
“We will not rule out going to court to defend the rights of our members. Teachers deserve better. They are not second-class civil servants,” said KUPPET National Chairperson Omboko Milemba, the Emuhaya MP.
Impact on education and learning outcomes
Analysts are warning that low morale among teachers could have a direct adverse effect on education standards. When teachers feel undervalued and overlooked, it affects their motivation, productivity, and commitment to duty.
Schools in marginalised areas are expected to be hardest hit, especially where staff shortages and high workloads are already a problem. Promoting existing teachers was expected to ease administrative gaps in many secondary schools, where heads of departments and senior teachers serve without pay or clear mandates.
The Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) and various parent associations have supported the teachers, calling for Parliament to prioritise education.
“The government must understand that when teachers suffer, learners suffer. Promotions are part of professional recognition. We urge MPs to reconsider this decision,” said KESSHA Chairman Indimuli Kahi.
A Call for dialogue and reconsideration
As the budget approval process continues, KUPPET urges the Parliamentary Committee on Education and the Budget and Appropriations Committee to hold consultative talks with the TSC, teacher unions, and the Treasury to revisit the promotion plan.
The union insists that any move to block career advancement demoralises the teaching workforce and risks disrupting Kenya’s education gains under Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) reforms.
“We are not asking for favours. We are asking for fairness. Parliament must stop politicising education and prioritise the welfare of those who shape the nation’s future,” said Misori.
KUPPET has also announced plans to mobilise teachers nationwide for peaceful protests if the issue is not resolved within the next two weeks.
The rejection of the promotion budget has opened a new chapter in the long-standing struggle between teachers, their employers, and political leadership. As TSC faces threats, teachers face stagnation, and the education system risks further strain, stakeholders call for urgent action. The ball is now in Parliament’s court — and the question remains: Will MPs rise to the occasion or continue to sideline those entrusted with nurturing the nation’s children?
By Omwansa Alex Kemosi
