Explore the Teachers Service Commission’s decision to deny teacher unions’ demands for the publication of promoted teachers’ names. Learn about the ongoing controversy and the implications for educators.
In the midst of mounting pressure from teacher unions, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has rebuffed demands to disclose the names of promoted teachers, citing privacy concerns and adherence to internal procedures. Both the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) have called for transparency, urging TSC to release the full list of promoted teachers.
Knut’s formal request to publicize interview guidelines administered in December 2023 and January 2024 underscores concerns regarding transparency and accountability in the promotion process. The union contends that the absence of real names alongside TSC numbers on the published list raises doubts about the authenticity of promotions, suggesting potential loopholes for manipulation.
The controversy intensifies as discrepancies emerge between the ages of TSC numbers listed, prompting suspicions of irregularities in the selection process. Despite evidence highlighting discrepancies and allegations of favoritism, TSC remains steadfast in its decision to issue promotion letters exclusively to those listed.
The published list, spanning 724 pages, comprises TSC numbers of 36,505 successfully promoted teachers following interviews conducted in December and January. Each promoted teacher is required to furnish five Chapter six documents, including a Certificate of Good Conduct, clearance from various authorities, and a Credit Reference Bureau clearance.
TSC’s indication of posting promoted deputy and headteachers outside their current sub-counties underscores the potential for geographical redistribution within the education sector. Conversely, senior teachers are expected to fill vacancies within their current sub-counties, ensuring local staffing needs are met.
For unsuccessful candidates, regret letters will serve as documentation of interview participation, marking the end of their promotion aspirations. TSC’s promotion interviews, conducted after advertising vacancies in September the previous year, involved a substantial pool of shortlisted candidates, totaling approximately 150,000 educators.
The primary school teacher interviews occurred from December 4th to 15th, 2023, while secondary school teachers and Teacher Training College (TTC) tutors underwent interviews from January 3rd to 16th, 2024. Despite persistent calls for transparency, TSC remains resolute in its stance, signaling ongoing tensions between education stakeholders.
