The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has announced major reforms that could transform the teaching profession in Kenya after securing KSh 8.4 billion to finance the second phase of the 2025-2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The development is expected to benefit thousands of teachers through improved salaries, faster promotions, and revised career progression guidelines.
Acting TSC Chief Executive Officer Evelyn Mitei revealed the updates while appearing before the Parliamentary Education Committee. She stated that the commission is also working closely with relevant government agencies to secure an additional KSh 8.4 billion to support the government’s proposal of implementing the teachers’ CBA within two years instead of the original four-year timeline.
The proposed adjustment would allow teachers to receive salary increments and benefits much sooner, offering relief to educators who have been demanding better pay amid the rising cost of living. Education stakeholders believe the move could significantly improve teacher welfare and boost morale across public schools.
TSC to Scrap Controversial Career Progression Guidelines
One of the biggest announcements from the commission is the planned replacement of the current Career Progression Guidelines (CPG), which many teachers have criticized for slowing promotions and causing stagnation in the same job groups for decades.
According to Evelyn Mitei, the new TSC career guidelines are almost complete and are expected to officially take effect from July 1. The revised system is designed to create a fair and efficient promotion structure for teachers across the country.
Sources within the education sector indicate that the commission has reorganized teachers into six career levels to simplify promotions and career advancement. Under the current system, some teachers take up to 36 years to reach the highest job group. However, the new structure is expected to reduce that period to approximately 18 years.
The reforms are likely to address long-standing frustrations among teachers who have repeatedly complained about delayed promotions despite gaining additional qualifications and years of teaching experience.
Over 30,000 Teachers Set for Promotion
The TSC has also announced plans to promote more than 30,000 teachers before the end of the year. The promotions are expected to target teachers who have remained in the same grades for extended periods despite meeting the requirements for advancement.
Teacher unions have consistently urged the commission to accelerate promotions, arguing that stagnation affects teacher motivation and productivity in schools. The latest move is therefore expected to restore confidence among educators and improve service delivery in the education sector.
Education analysts say the promotions could also help motivate younger teachers by providing a clear career progression pathway within the profession.
TSC to Recruit Up to 20,000 Teacher Interns
In a bid to address teacher shortages in public schools, the commission is planning to recruit between 16,000 and 20,000 additional teacher interns. The recruitment exercise aims to bridge staffing gaps affecting schools in different parts of the country.
Kenya has continued to face challenges related to inadequate teacher staffing, especially in remote and highly populated regions. The planned recruitment is expected to improve the teacher-to-student ratio and enhance the quality of learning in public institutions.
The internship opportunities are also expected to benefit thousands of unemployed trained teachers seeking entry into the profession.
TSC Confirms 20,000 Intern Teachers Before 2027
The commission further announced that all 20,000 current teacher interns will be confirmed into permanent and pensionable terms before January 2027. The confirmation is seen as a major breakthrough for intern teachers who have for years demanded permanent employment.
Many intern teachers have argued that they perform the same responsibilities as fully employed teachers while earning lower salaries and lacking long-term job security. The TSC’s latest commitment is therefore expected to provide stability and improve working conditions for young educators.
The confirmation process is also likely to reduce pressure from teacher unions that have repeatedly pushed the government to absorb interns on permanent terms.
Teachers Welcome TSC Reforms
The latest announcements have generated excitement among teachers and education stakeholders across the country. Many educators view the reforms as a positive step toward improving teacher welfare, enhancing career growth, and strengthening the education sector.
The review of the career progression guidelines, faster implementation of the CBA, mass promotions, and recruitment of interns are all expected to reshape the future of teaching in Kenya.
Parliamentary committees and the National Treasury are now expected to continue discussions on funding to ensure smooth implementation of the proposed reforms. If the additional KSh 8.4 billion is secured, teachers could begin benefiting from the improved salary structure and career reforms much earlier than expected.
As the July rollout date for the new guidelines approaches, thousands of teachers are now waiting to see how the reforms will be implemented and whether they will finally end years of stagnation, delayed promotions, and uncertainty within the profession.
