TSC Promotions For 6-Month Acting Teachers Spark Concerns Among Teachers .
TSC Promotions For 6-Month Acting Teachers Spark Concerns Among Teachers . Tension Grows as TSC Lowers Acting Period Requirement for Promotions .
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has sparked controversy after reducing the minimum acting period required for promotion to six months. This change has left many educators worried about fairness, as some fear it may pave the way for corruption and favoritism during the promotion process.
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Previously, teachers needed at least eight years of acting experience to qualify for promotion. This was later reduced to three years, and now six months under the latest promotion guidelines. Critics argue this decision disadvantages long-serving teachers who have dedicated years in acting capacities but remain unrecognized.
TSC defends the move, citing compliance with a legal mandate that requires individuals in acting positions to either be confirmed or compensated within six months. However, Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary-General Collins Oyuu insists that teachers who have acted for years must be prioritized. “We have school heads and deputies who have been in acting roles for over three years. These individuals deserve first consideration,” he said.
TSC Chief Executive Dr. Nancy Macharia acknowledged the ongoing reliance on acting administrators, attributing it to a shortage of qualified candidates for leadership roles. She also highlighted the lack of budgetary provisions for appointing heads in newly established schools as a key challenge.
To address the leadership gaps, TSC announced 19,943 promotion slots, inviting teachers to apply by December 30, 2024. The Commission aims to confirm over 3,300 acting school heads and deputies starting January 2025, backed by a Sh1 billion budget for promotions.
With over 3,359 public schools currently lacking heads of institutions, this move aims to address leadership deficits, but questions about fairness and transparency remain. Teachers hope the promotions will bring long-awaited recognition for their service.
