MPs highlighted cases where teachers who originally earned a C plain in their Form Four exams have since advanced their qualifications but remain on P1 teachers’ salaries—despite also lecturing at universities. They accused the TSC of fast-tracking promotions for recently hired teachers, often at the expense of veterans who had taught them
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is facing fierce criticism from MPs amid allegations that some teachers have been stuck in the same role for over a decade, despite furthering their education.
Members of the Education Committee have demanded that the TSC present a policy document outlining its promotion process, to assess whether it’s been carried out fairly. During a meeting with the TSC’s acting Chief Executive Officer, Ibrahim Mumin, and senior staff, lawmakers expressed dismay that many teachers have never been promoted and are still earning entry-level wages.
The MPs highlighted cases where teachers, who originally earned a C plain in their Form Four exams, have since advanced their qualifications but remain on P1 teacher salaries—despite also lecturing at universities. They accused the TSC of fast-tracking promotions for recently hired teachers, often at the expense of veterans who taught them.
Committee member Melly didn’t mince words: “What’s your explanation for these promotions? We’ve got staff stuck in the same job for 10 or 20 years, while a young chap, freshly employed, climbs the ladder. It looks like your house is in complete disarray. How can a student who was taught by these C-plain teachers now outrank them?” He pressed further: “We insist you provide a policy statement on how teacher promotions are handled. Teachers are suffering, and we’re in the dark about what’s happening.”
Melly also questioned the logic of a P1 teacher with a PhD still earning the same pay despite their advanced qualifications. “Tell us how people are progressing, including the salaries they’re getting,” he said. “These teachers went back to school, so why is a PhD holder still on a P1 wage?”
Mumin, alongside the TSC’s Director of Staffing, Antonina Lentoijoni, pledged to deliver the policy paper within two months. They explained that promotions only began two years ago when the TSC received roughly Ksh 1 billion for the purpose, which is why many teachers had previously been left languishing in the same roles.
In 2023, the National Treasury allocated Ksh 2 billion to promote 13,713 staff, including principals, deputy principals, senior masters, secondary teachers, head teachers, and deputy head teachers in both secondary and primary schools.
Mumin assured the committee: “We’ll put together a policy paper on teacher progression and present it to you.” Lentoijoni added that promotions take into account not just age but also years of stagnation, classroom performance, and contributions to extracurricular activities. “For ages, we were scrambling for promotion funds,” she said. “It’s only in the last two years, with Ksh 1 billion, that we’ve been able to move forward. Before that, promotions just weren’t happening.”
She elaborated: “When we do this, our criteria cover several factors. An older teacher has an edge over a newcomer, for instance. We also look at how long someone’s been stuck in a grade, among other things.”
