The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has finalised the comprehensive review of the 2018 Career Progression Guidelines (CPG), introducing a major structural shift that establishes two distinct career paths for educators.
Under the newly restructured framework, which follows public participation, tutors can now choose between a dedicated classroom teaching pathway and an administrative cadre, ensuring that educators can rise to the equivalent of chief principal without being forced into management positions.
Addressing delegates at the ongoing Kenya Comprehensive School Heads Association (KECSHA) conference in Mombasa on Monday, acting TSC CEO Evaleen Mitei revealed that the Commission had introduced the reforms to address historic career stagnation.
“The Career Progression Guidelines (2018) have been reviewed, and robust public participation has been undertaken. The reviewed CPG has provided for two distinct pathways for the teaching service: one for classroom teachers and one for school administrators. This means every teacher, whether in the classroom or in the administrative cadre, can rise to the top of the ladder based on the set criteria and requirements,” said Dr Mitei.
Teachers Service Commission Acting CEO Eveleen Mitei before the National Assembly Committee on Implementation at Bunge Tower Nairobi on July 29, 2025.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group
However, the additional responsibilities given to a teacher will only be weighted based on those responsibilities, and a differentiated allowance will be paid only for the additional responsibility.
“We are looking forward to the finalisation of the Job Evaluation assignment by the SRC to pave the way for the next steps in the implementation of the new CPG (2026),” said Dr Mitei.
The TSC confirmed it was awaiting the completion of an ongoing Job Evaluation (JE) assignment by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC). This evaluation is the critical final phase required to clear the path for the full rollout and implementation of the new CPG framework.
The CEO said the TSC has firmly entrenched performance management as a cornerstone of accountability, professionalism and excellence in service delivery.
Through Performance Contracting and TPAD, the Commission says it is cultivating a results-driven culture where performance is planned, measured and continuously improved.
“Our progress is evident in improved lesson preparation, curriculum delivery, learner assessment and professional growth. As Heads of Institutions, I urge you to strengthen supervision, promote accountability and ensure that every teacher delivers on their mandate. Let us make accountability our culture and excellence our standard to professionalise teaching and improve quality,” said Dr Mitei.
Education stakeholders, led by the Kenya National Union of Teachers and KECSHA, welcomed the move, saying it is a major boost for teachers who have stagnated in the same job groups for years.
Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) Secretary-General Collins Oyuu.
Photo credit: Lucy Wanjiru | Nation
Knut Secretary-General Collins Oyuu said it was “a big win for teachers who will have two pathways. We are extremely happy as a union”.
