This archive report was first published on 29 June 2019.
On June 29, 2019, the National Assembly's Education Committee released a report recommending that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) allocate part of Sh20 billion to promote over 20,000 teachers. This move aims to address the stagnation of thousands of teachers due to frequent and unwarranted litigations by the TSC and teachers' unions.
Background ¶
The TSC has been allocated Sh251 billion in the next financial year, starting July 1, 2019, an increase from the 2018/2019 budget of Sh225 billion. Despite this, the committee observed that it was wrong to punish teachers who deserve promotions, as these promotions determine their retirement package.
The TSC's 2019-2023 strategic plan acknowledged that thousands of teachers had stagnated in their current positions for years due to lack of funds and limited opportunities for upward mobility. Teachers unions have been pushing for the promotion of teachers who have acquired higher academic qualifications since 2014.
Union Demands ¶
According to data from the TSC, 54,702 teachers have upgraded their education and acquired new academic papers, seeking promotions. Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) secretary Wilson Sossion insisted that all 54,000 teachers should be promoted, stating they have stagnated in their current positions for far too long.
The TSC, however, argued that promotion is guided by merit and ability, as reflected in the teachers' work, performance, and results, seniority, and experience, as set out in the scheme of service. The commission and Knut are already in court over the promotion of teachers, with the TSC citing that the demand by Knut for promotion based on attainment of higher qualification as the only criteria is contrary to the code of regulations for teachers.
Previous Promotions ¶
Between 2015 and 2018, 11,177 teachers were promoted competitively through advertised posts, in addition to 35,887 teachers upgraded through the common cadre provision. The TSC, in conjunction with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), conducted a job evaluation exercise for the teaching service, informing the implementation of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) with teachers' unions.
