The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has rolled out a fresh set of comprehensive guidelines that will govern the promotion of teachers across all cadres in Kenya’s public schools for the 2025/2026 financial year.

In a circular dated August 11, 2025, addressed to TSC county, regional, and sub-county directors, the Commission said the new measures are designed to standardize promotion procedures, ensure uniformity in selection criteria, and entrench fairness in career advancement for teachers.

According to TSC, the guidelines offer “a structured, transparent, and equitable framework for teacher promotions,” adding that they are anchored on legal standards, public service values, and organizational priorities.

“By aligning with established regulations, the guidelines will enable the Commission to implement the promotion process effectively, efficiently, and credibly,” the circular reads in part.

The TSC stated that promotional opportunities will only be created when there is a budgetary allocation, staff attrition, or confirmed vacancies within the approved staffing establishment.

All vacancies will be publicly advertised through the TSC website, mainstream print media, and any other platforms the Commission deems appropriate to reach potential applicants.

The application window will remain open for 14 days from the date of advertisement, with applications strictly submitted through the designated online TSC portal. Manual or physical applications will not be accepted.

The Commission also cautioned applicants to ensure all fields in the online application form are correctly and fully completed, and to verify successful submission before the deadline.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for promotion consideration, teachers must meet the following conditions:

Shortlisting and Interviews

Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria will be shortlisted at a ratio of 1:3 per advertised vacancy, based on merit and the promotion guidelines.

The TSC stressed that interviews will uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and objectivity.

Scoring Criteria

To maintain consistency and fairness, the Commission will use a standardised scoring guide during interviews. Marks will be awarded based on:

Selection, Posting, and Acceptance

The final list of successful candidates will be approved by the TSC Board. Selection will be merit-based, strictly guided by interview scores, while also adhering to constitutional principles on:

After approval, the list of successful candidates will be published on the TSC website. Heads and Deputy Heads will be posted to institutions with existing vacancies.

As per Regulation 81 of the Code of Regulations for Teachers (2015), an offer of promotion will lapse if not accepted within 30 days.

The release of these guidelines comes at a time when teacher promotions remain a sensitive topic in the education sector, with various unions and stakeholders calling for a more transparent, merit-driven process that rewards both performance and experience.

By standardising the process nationwide, the TSC says it aims to strengthen professional growth, improve motivation, and ensure that leadership positions in schools and colleges are filled by the most qualified and deserving candidates.