The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has unveiled a new policy aimed at professionalising school administration through stricter qualifications and rotational transfers. Under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) framework, principals of secondary schools must now hold a master’s degree, while head teachers of primary schools are required to have a bachelor’s degree in education.
The commission said the guidelines will ensure that administrators possess not only academic credentials but also demonstrated leadership and integrity. Candidates must complete Teacher Professional Development (TPD) modules and meet Chapter Six requirements.
Additionally, TSC has capped the length of service in one institution, restricting principals and head teachers to a maximum of nine years in one station. For deans and registrars of tertiary institutions, the limit is six years. No administrator will serve in their home county.
The policy also formalises progression for deputy heads, senior masters, and senior teachers, ensuring that promotion is tied to demonstrated competence, years of service, and successful completion of professional training.
While TSC argues the changes will improve school leadership and align with CBC demands, critics warn that the requirements may disadvantage long-serving teachers and disrupt families through transfers. Teacher unions have called for more consultations, financial support for further studies, and an end to what they call “punitive promotions.”
The move highlights TSC’s balancing act: raising standards for school leadership while addressing concerns of fairness and teacher morale.
