In the revised teacher promotion exercise, Grade C4 (Deputy Headteachers III) received the highest number of applicants, marking it as the most sought-after grade for promotion under the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
According to a status report presented to the Departmental Committee on Education, a total of 4,521 teachers applied for promotion to Grade C4—surpassing the 3,686 available vacancies for Deputy Headteacher positions. In comparison, Grade D3 (Principals) attracted 1,694 applicants for 1,410 available positions.
The Commission had initially faced a shortfall in eligible candidates due to the policy requiring a minimum of three years of service in a given grade before promotion.
However, to address widespread staffing gaps and a significant number of teachers serving in acting roles—especially in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) and hard-to-staff areas—the TSC temporarily waived the requirement, allowing applicants with at least six months of service in the feeder grade to be considered for appointment.
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Despite the Commission having received over 10,000 potential applicants for Grade C4 based on service time, less than half submitted applications.
The waiver, however, helped boost numbers, ensuring a competitive selection process for these critical administrative roles.
Ultimately, 3,686 teachers were promoted to Grade C4 and 1,410 to Grade D3. The Commission emphasised the need to retain the 3,427 teachers promoted under the waiver policy in these two grades due to the national shortage of qualified candidates.
The TSC has also committed to publishing standardised Promotion Guidelines in the future, ensuring a transparent and equitable process that aligns with constitutional values.
By Joseph Mambili
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