Kakamega, Bungoma top in new 24,000 TSC promotions

Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has announced the distribution of 24,000 promotional slots, with Kakamega, Bungoma, Homa Bay and Kitui counties emerging as the biggest beneficiaries.

The move is expected to bring relief to thousands of teachers who have stagnated in the same job group for years.

The teachers will replace those exiting service while a relief to teachers who have holding in acting capacity in the newly established Sub County schools.

The distribution mirrors disparities in teacher population across counties and sub-counties, with heavily populated counties in Western, Nyanza and Eastern regions receiving higher allocations.

Sparsely populated northern and arid regions secured fewer slots.

According to data released by the commission, Kakamega County tops the list with 1,187 promotion slots, followed closely by Bungoma at 1,182, Homa Bay with 1,058 and Kitui at 925.

Other high-ranking counties include Machakos (807), Makueni (799), Kilifi (797), Meru (784), Nakuru (782), and Siaya (741).

“This is a significant step towards rewarding teachers who have demonstrated commitment and resilience in their profession,” reads TSC statement.

The commission emphasized that promotions will be based on merit, performance and adherence to professional standards.

Counties from the former Nyanza, Eastern and Western regions recorded the largest allocations, reflecting long-standing concerns of stagnation in these areas.

For example, Migori (698), Narok (691), Nairobi (685), Kisii (682), and Kisumu (681) also feature prominently among the beneficiaries.

Teachers in populous counties such as Kiambu (664), Busia (652), Nandi (603), and Trans Nzoia (539) will also benefit significantly.

Meanwhile, counties like Kajiado (531), Murang’a (527), Uasin Gishu (504), Baringo (499), Tharaka Nithi (495), Kwale (492), and West Pokot (491) each received nearly 500 promotion slots.

Smaller allocations were recorded in Nyamira (429), Kericho (424), Bomet (422), Elgeyo Marakwet (411), Vihiga (380), Embu (352), Nyandarua (345), and Nyeri (332).

However, arid and semi-arid regions registered the lowest numbers. Isiolo received only 87 slots, Lamu 95, Samburu 124, Garissa 139, Taita Taveta 156, Marsabit 166, Tana River 169, and Mombasa 192.

Wajir (239), Mandera (240), and Kirinyaga (242) also fell at the bottom of the distribution table.

Education analysts say the distribution mirrors disparities in teacher population across counties. Heavily populated counties, particularly in Western and Nyanza, naturally attracted higher allocations, while sparsely populated northern counties secured fewer slots.

Nonetheless, unions have welcomed the move, saying it will motivate teachers and improve service delivery in schools.

“Many teachers have been demoralized after being stuck in the same job group for years despite their qualifications and experience. These promotions are timely,” said a KNUT official.

TSC has urged eligible teachers to submit applications promptly, warning that the exercise will be competitive.

The commission also reaffirmed its commitment to fairness and transparency in the promotion process.

As schools prepare to reopen for the third term, the announcement has been received as a boost for the education sector, with hopes that promotions will improve teacher morale and positively impact learners’ performance.

At the sub-county level, some regions will see particularly large numbers of teachers promoted. In Ndhiwa, Homa Bay, 218 teachers are set for promotion, while Soy in Uasin Gishu follows closely with 216 slots.

Kakamega North has been allocated 210, the same number as Chiakariga in Tharaka Nithi.

In Bungoma’s Kimaeti, 186 teachers will be promoted, while Trans Nzoia East has 159 slots. Rachuonyo in Homa Bay will see 156 promotions, Malindi in Kilifi 158, and Siaya Sub-County 154.

Other notable allocations include West Pokot (147), Mwala (136) and Yatta (137) in Machakos, and Teso North in Busia (136). In Nyanza, Nyakach in Kisumu has 131 slots, while Nyamira North in Nyamira has 128.

In Nandi, Chesumei and Nandi North received 129 and 128 respectively.

In the Coast, Samburu in Kwale has 126, while Rift Valley’s Kiminini in Trans Nzoia has 125 and Loitokitok in Kajiado 124.

In stark contrast, marginalized sub-counties recorded some of the lowest allocations. In Wajir, Eldas received just two slots and Korondille five. In Turkana, Lokiriama and Suguta got four each, while Kibish secured five.

In Marsabit, Marsabit North received six, North Horr nine, and Dukana seven. In Mandera, Dandu had eight slots. Isiolo allocations included Sericho (7), Merti (9), and Cherab (6).

Garissa also posted minimal allocations, with Hulugho (3), Bura East (3), Bothai (2), and Benane (5) among the lowest in the country. Shantaabaq received four, Liboi eight, and Lagdera eight.

The move comes as schools reopen for the third term, the announcement has been received as a boost for the education sector, with hopes that promotions will improve teacher morale and positively impact learners’ performance.

Kenya Union of Post Primary Teachers Secretary General Akelo Misori has welcomed the move, saying it will motivate teachers and improve service delivery in schools.

“Many teachers have been demoralized after being stuck in the same job group for years despite their qualifications and experience. These promotions are timely,” Misori said.

The TSC has urged eligible teachers to submit applications promptly, warning that the exercise will be competitive.

The commission also reaffirmed its commitment to fairness and transparency in the process.