The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) told the National Assembly that it requires Sh3 billion to promote over 178,000 primary and secondary school teachers who have stagnated in the same job groups for many years due to chronic underfunding.
Appearing before the Education Committee in Parliament, TSC CEO Dr Nancy Macharia pointed out that lack of finances has hindered the implementation of Career Progression Guidelines, leading to increased attrition, low morale, and mounting complaints from teachers’ unions.
“Lack of sufficient budgetary provision has significantly impeded the career growth of teachers. This stagnation has triggered complaints from unions, lowered morale and contributed to increased attrition within the profession,” Macharia said.
Macharia added that although some 151,611 teachers have been promoted over the past two years, many tutors remain stagnated because of budget constraints.
She added that any additional funding would go toward resolving the backlog and ensuring fair promotions.
Out of 151,611, some 75,090 were promoted through common cadre while 76,521 were promoted through competitive processes.
She further observed that only KSh2 billion, instead of the required KSh35 billion, was allocated for promotions in the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 financial years.
This year, 25,252 teachers were promoted, though 381 advertised positions remain unfulfilled.
Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) KESSHA has faulted the Commission’s quota-based promotion system, calling it discriminatory.
By Joseph Mambili
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