- Only 34 Curriculum Support Officer promotion vacancies have been advertised out of more than 34,000 TSC promotional positions.
- The officers say years of stalled career progression, poor facilitation and inadequate operational support have left the cadre frustrated.
- They have now given the Teachers Service Commission seven days to provide a clear roadmap on promotions and improved working conditions, warning of further action if their concerns are ignored.
Curriculum Support Officers (CSOs) have expressed disappointment over the Teachers Service Commission’s (TSC) latest promotion advertisement, saying the allocation of only 34 promotion vacancies to their cadre is unfair despite their critical role in Kenya’s education system.
In a press statement, the officers noted that although the Commission advertised more than 34,000 promotion vacancies across various teaching and administrative cadres, only 34 positions were reserved for Curriculum Support Officers. They said the allocation represents about 2.4 per cent of the estimated 1,400 CSOs serving across the country.
The officers argued that the decision reflects years of neglect despite their central role in coordinating curriculum implementation, supervising schools, mentoring teachers and supporting national education reforms.
“For decades, CSOs have faithfully coordinated curriculum implementation, supervised schools, mentored teachers, conducted promotion interviews that have seen thousands of teachers rise through the ranks, and ensured the successful implementation of education reforms,” the statement reads.
The officers added that many of them have remained in the same job group for between 10 and 20 years while teachers and administrators they have supported continue to advance professionally.
“Ironically, many of us have remained in the same job group for 10–20 years, watching others progress while our own careers remain frozen,” they said.
Besides limited promotion opportunities, the officers also raised concerns over what they described as deteriorating working conditions.
According to the statement, many Curriculum Support Officers operate without offices, official transport, mobility support, data facilitation or adequate operational resources despite being expected to implement national education programmes efficiently at the grassroots.
“Many CSOs operate without offices, official transport, mobility support, data facilitation, or adequate operational resources, yet we are expected to deliver national education programmes efficiently,” the officers said.
They questioned why their cadre has remained overlooked despite continued promotions and improved remuneration for other categories within the Commission.
“We ask the Teachers Service Commission: What wrong have Curriculum Support Officers committed to deserve such prolonged neglect? Why has our cadre been forgotten despite the availability of resources for promotions in other categories?” the statement posed.
The officers maintained that career progression is a constitutional right and urged the Commission to address what they termed long-standing inequalities affecting the cadre.
They have now given TSC seven days to engage representatives of Curriculum Support Officers and provide a clear roadmap for career progression, improved facilitation and recognition of their work.
“We therefore call upon the Teachers Service Commission to urgently engage representatives of Curriculum Support Officers and, within seven (7) days, provide a clear roadmap for career progression, improved facilitation, and recognition of the indispensable role played by CSOs,” the statement says.
The officers also appealed to colleagues across the country to remain united and refrain from applying for the 34 advertised promotion positions, arguing that collective action would strengthen their demand for equitable treatment.
“We urge every CSO to carefully reflect and none should apply for the 34 advertised positions, as our collective strength lies in our unity and common purpose,” they said.
They warned that if the Commission fails to respond within the stipulated period, CSO leaders from different regions will convene in Nairobi to determine the next lawful course of action, including presenting their grievances before the Teachers Service Commission, Parliament and other constitutional institutions.
The statement concluded with a renewed appeal for justice, saying the officers are not seeking special treatment but fair career progression, better facilitation and recognition of the work they perform in supporting quality education across the country.
Background
The statement comes days after the TSC advertised more than 34,000 promotion vacancies for teachers and education administrators across various job groups.
The recruitment exercise attracted significant attention from teachers across the country, with thousands expected to compete for the available positions. However, the promotion notice has also sparked criticism from some cadres that believe they were inadequately considered.
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CSOs are responsible for coordinating curriculum implementation, monitoring teaching and learning, mentoring teachers, conducting school supervision, supporting quality assurance and providing technical guidance on education policies at the county and sub-county levels.
By Joseph Mambili
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