CS Ogamba Counters KUPPET, KNUT Demand for Promotion of 100,000 Teachers

The debate on teacher promotions in Kenya has intensified after Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba responded to demands from the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) and the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT). Speaking at the 60th anniversary of Kereri High School in Kisii, CS Ogamba clarified that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) operates independently and is solely responsible for teacher promotions.

TSC’s Role in Teacher Promotions

CS Ogamba emphasized that promotions are based on available vacancies and individual performance, not political influence. He noted that TSC has already concluded interviews for promotions and is currently analyzing the results to determine the beneficiaries. His remarks come amid growing pressure from teacher unions pushing for the promotion of 100,000 teachers to address career stagnation.

Unions Decry Unfair Promotion Criteria

Both KUPPET and KNUT have criticized TSC’s promotion process, claiming it is discriminatory and lacks fairness. KUPPET Secretary General Moses Nthurima has called for a proportional allocation of promotion slots to ensure fairness, arguing that counties with a higher number of teachers should receive a corresponding share of promotions.

Meanwhile, KNUT’s First National Vice Chairperson, Malel Lang’at, expressed dissatisfaction with the recent promotion of 25,288 teachers, arguing that it is insufficient to resolve career stagnation issues. KNUT maintains that more teachers need to be promoted to enhance motivation and improve the education sector.

Suggested Promotion Pathways for Teachers

According to teacher unions and educators, the following job groups require urgent promotion to ensure fair career growth:

1. Primary School Teachers (Job Group C1 to C2 & C3)
   • Many primary school teachers in Job Group C1 (entry-level) have stagnated and should be promoted to Job Group C2 (Senior Teacher II).
   • Senior teachers in C2 should move to Job Group C3 (Senior Teacher I) to enable them to take up leadership roles.
2. Junior Secondary School (JSS) Teachers (Job Group C2 to C3 & C4)
   • JSS teachers, who were recently recruited, need a clear career progression plan from C2 to C3 and eventually to C4 (Master Teacher or Deputy Headteacher in JSS).
3. Secondary School Teachers (Job Group C3 to C4 & C5)
   • Secondary teachers in C3 should be promoted to C4 (Senior Teacher I or Senior Master) to improve retention and morale.
   • Senior teachers in C4 should move to C5, allowing them to become Deputy Principals or Senior Masters.
4. Headteachers and Principals (Job Group D1 to D2 & D3)
   • Many Deputy Principals in D1 are due for promotion to Principals in D2.
   • Principals in D2 should be considered for elevation to Senior Principals in D3.

CS Ogamba Calls for Patience

In response to these concerns, CS Ogamba has urged teachers and unions to be patient, assuring them that the TSC is committed to a transparent and fair promotion process. He emphasized that the ongoing analysis will ensure that the final list of promoted teachers is both just and merit-based.

What Next for Teachers?

With unions pushing for more promotions and the TSC defending its process, teachers across the country are keenly awaiting the final outcome. Whether additional promotions beyond the 25,288 already approved will be considered remains to be seen. Meanwhile, unions continue to advocate for changes to ensure fair career progression for all teachers.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.