The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has outlined strict eligibility requirements for teachers seeking promotions in the 2025/2026 financial year. These guidelines are aimed at ensuring that only qualified, disciplined, and committed teachers rise through the ranks in Kenya’s education system.
To qualify for promotion, a teacher must have served a minimum of three years in their current grade. This ensures that every teacher has gained sufficient experience before moving up. Teachers who were previously re-employed by the commission must also complete three years of continuous service before being considered.
However, discipline remains a key factor. Teachers found guilty of professional misconduct are subjected to a cooling-off period before they can be promoted. Those issued with an administrative warning must wait at least one year, while teachers penalized after disciplinary proceedings must serve an additional two years before reapplying. This provision seeks to uphold integrity and professionalism in the teaching service.
Another important element is performance. Teachers are required to maintain consistent records of good performance under the Teacher Performance Appraisal and Development (TPAD) tool. Continuous professional development, seniority, and involvement in national educational activities—such as curriculum training, examination marking, or curriculum review—also boost a teacher’s promotion prospects.
TSC has emphasized that promotions will no longer be treated as routine but as recognition of merit, discipline, and service. By enforcing these eligibility rules, the commission hopes to foster a culture of accountability while motivating teachers to remain committed to professional growth.
Ultimately, the eligibility criteria underline the commission’s determination to reward hard work and discipline while discouraging misconduct. Teachers who meet these standards will not only advance in their careers but also contribute significantly to improving the quality of education across the country.
