Teachers Service Commission Secures Sh8.4 Billion for Teachers’ July CBA as New Promotion Structure Emerges
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has secured Sh8.4 billion to implement the second phase of the teachers’ Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) set to take effect on July 1, 2026.
The development emerged during consultative meetings between TSC and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET).
Speaking on behalf of TSC Acting CEO Eveleen Mitei, the Commission’s Director of Legal Services, Calvin Anyuor, said discussions with the National Treasury are ongoing to secure the remaining funds needed for full implementation of the 2025–2029 CBA.
According to TSC, the total cost of implementing the agreement stands at Sh16.8 billion following a presidential directive that the deal be implemented in two phases.
New Promotion Structure to Replace CPG
The Commission also confirmed that the current Career Progression Guidelines (CPG) will officially lapse in June 2026.
A new promotion framework developed by a technical committee and approved by the TSC Board is expected to replace the existing structure that teachers have long criticized for slowing career growth.
Under the current system, teachers can take up to 36 years to rise to the highest levels in Job Group D5.
The proposed structure will abolish the current job groups and introduce a simplified Levels 1 to 6 system aimed at accelerating career progression.
TSC says the new framework could reduce the time needed for a teacher to reach senior ranks to between 15 and 18 years.
The Commission is expected to release the proposals for public participation and stakeholder input in the coming weeks.
Sh2 Billion Set Aside for Promotions
TSC further announced that it has allocated Sh2 billion for the promotion of 30,000 teachers in August 2026.
The Commission said it is also reviewing affirmative action measures to assist teachers who have stagnated in hardship and marginalized areas for many years.
At the same time, TSC urged unions to support affirmative action initiatives and avoid opposing localized promotion considerations intended to benefit disadvantaged teachers.
Roadmap for 44,000 Intern Teachers
On the issue of intern teachers, the Commission outlined a two-phase plan to transition 44,000 teachers currently serving under internship terms into permanent and pensionable employment.
Under the plan:
- 20,000 intern teachers will be confirmed first.
- The remaining 24,000 interns will be absorbed before the end of December 2026.
Currently, TSC has thousands of Junior Secondary School (JSS) intern teachers serving in schools across the country.
Debate Over JSS Autonomy
TSC also addressed the ongoing debate surrounding the management of Junior Secondary Schools (JSS).
The Commission advised unions to prepare and submit a detailed proposal to Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba outlining the financial implications of establishing a fully autonomous JSS system.
The discussions come amid concerns over proposals by the Ministry of Education to merge primary and JSS capitation accounts under one Board of Management.
KUPPET Demands Full Implementation
Despite welcoming the funding update, KUPPET leaders insisted that the government must fully implement the CBA without reducing the agreed benefits.
The union also demanded:
- Immediate promotion of over 135,000 teachers who have stagnated in the same job groups for years.
- Release of the new promotion guidelines for public scrutiny.
- Simultaneous confirmation of all 44,000 intern teachers into permanent terms.
- Full autonomy for Junior Secondary Schools.
With negotiations ongoing and major reforms expected in the teaching sector, the coming months are likely to shape the future of teacher management, promotions, and employment in Kenya.
