More than 178,871 teachers have remained stuck in the same job groups for years due to a massive Sh35 billion budget shortfall at the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), the National Assembly Education Committee heard on Tuesday.
Appearing before the committee, TSC Chief Executive Officer Nancy Macharia said the chronic underfunding had hampered the implementation of the commission’s career progression guidelines, leading to widespread stagnation and low morale among teachers.
“Lack of sufficient budgetary provision has significantly impeded the career growth of teachers. This stagnation has triggered complaints from unions, lowered morale, and contributed to increased attrition within the profession,” Macharia told the committee, chaired by Vice Chair Eve Obara (MP, Kasipul).
Macharia defended the commission against accusations of favoritism and skewed promotions, stating that in the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 financial years, only Sh2 billion was allocated for promotions — a fraction of the Sh35 billion required to address the backlog.
During this period, 151,611 teachers were promoted, including 75,090 through common cadre promotions and 76,521 through competitive processes. In the current financial year alone, 25,252 teachers were elevated to new grades following interviews.
However, hundreds of vacancies remain unfilled. According to records, 381 positions advertised in November and December 2024 are still vacant due to financial and logistical constraints. The commission received 5,690 applications in November and 19,943 in December.
Macharia disclosed that while TSC had requested Sh2 billion from the National Treasury for the current year’s promotions, only Sh1 billion was granted — once again falling short of the needs.
Her remarks come as the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) continues to express dissatisfaction with the commission’s promotion criteria, accusing TSC of using a quota-based system that is discriminatory and demotivating to teachers.
