Teachers will receive the revised Career Progression Guidelines (CPG) within two weeks, President William Ruto announced on World Teachers Day. The promised new CPG aims to shorten career paths, protect benefits during transition and make promotions more predictable for classroom teachers and curriculum support officers.
Key Takeaways
- New CPG release: SRC job evaluation is nearly complete; guidelines expected within two weeks.
- Promotions: TSC promoted 34,016 teachers this year and plans to promote up to 50,000 next financial year.
- TPD fee waiver: Government will fund Teacher Professional Development short courses (Ksh 6,000 each) with Ksh 900 million set aside.
- Recruitment and training: Over 100,000 teachers employed since 2022; another 20,000 to be recruited this year; more than 200,000 teachers trained for CBE.
What the government announced
At Kasarani, the President confirmed several measures affecting teachers’ careers and working conditions. He said the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has nearly completed a job evaluation and that the revised Career Progression Guidelines will be published in two weeks. The administration also highlighted a large recruitment drive and major promotion targets.
Key operational points announced:
- Confirmation that a new CPG will replace the 2018 framework and is expected within two weeks.
- TSC promoted 34,016 teachers in the past year and aims to promote 50,000 in the next financial year.
- The government will pay the Ksh 6,000 Teacher Professional Development (TPD) fee for teachers, funded by a Ksh 900 million allocation.
- More than 100,000 teachers have been employed since 2022, with an additional 20,000 due before the end of the year.
Main features proposed in the draft CPG
The June draft that informed public consultations showed the likely direction of reform. Although the final document may differ, the draft includes:
- Fewer career levels: Reduction from 56 to 43 levels to shorten progression paths and speed up promotions.
- Separated roles: Clear distinction between administrative and professional tracks so classroom teachers can progress professionally without becoming administrators.
- Defined entry points: Different starting points for P1 certificate holders, diploma teachers and degree teachers to create clearer pathways.
How this affects teachers and career progression
If implemented as drafted, the new CPG could reduce stagnation and make promotions more transparent. Teachers should, however, watch for specific guarantees in the final document:
- Clear service timelines for automatic progression within common cadres.
- Publication of salary scales and allowance changes tied to the job evaluation.
- Protection of existing salary, grade, pension rights and accrued benefits during transition.
- Recognition of further studies and fair treatment for primary and special needs teachers.
- Transparent, appealable appraisal systems and incentives for teachers in hardship areas.
TPD fee waiver and professional development
The government’s commitment to pay the Ksh 6,000 TPD course fee removes a recurring barrier for teachers seeking registration renewal and promotion. This should increase uptake of required short courses and support continuous professional development.
Teachers looking for curriculum resources or training materials can review updated curriculum designs and lesson plans to align with CBE expectations. For example, see the CBC curriculum designs and available CBC lesson plans for classroom support.
CBE stabilisation and infrastructure gains
The Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms has promoted several changes to stabilise Competency Based Education (CBE). Notable outcomes highlighted include the domiciling of Junior School within primary schools, construction of classrooms and laboratories, and large-scale teacher capacity building.
- Over 200,000 teachers trained in CBE pedagogy.
- About 23,000 new classrooms constructed and 1,000 junior school laboratories established.
Questions teachers are watching for in the final CPG
Teachers and unions will scrutinise the final document for answers on practical matters that affect careers and livelihoods. Important questions include:
- Will promotion timelines be clear and predictable?
- Will salary and allowance changes be published alongside the CPG?
- Will classroom-based teachers receive recognition and pay comparable to administrators?
- How will existing teachers be protected during the transition?
How to prepare and next steps
While waiting for the final CPG, teachers can prepare by updating professional records, completing required CPD courses where possible, and keeping documentation of service and qualifications. Those pursuing further qualifications can use study materials such as Diploma in Education past papers to support promotion prospects.
Bottom line: The two-week timeline signals imminent change. The final CPG and accompanying salary scales will determine whether the reforms end the stagnation many teachers experienced under the 2018 framework.
