Teachers who were recently promoted by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) have been told to expect delays before their new salaries reflect their promotions. Many of the 21,383 teachers promoted after October 2025 interviews reported to new stations in January but have not yet received payment for their upgraded grades. This article explains the likely reasons for the delay, the expected timing for payments, and the official promotion scoring system for 2025–2026.
Key Takeaways
- Payment delay: Promoted teachers reported in January but most have not yet received new salary adjustments.
- Budget gaps: TSC faces pending bills and unpaid intern and replacement teachers, prompting a government supplementary budget.
- Expected timeline: Payments for promoted teachers are likely after the July budget cycle if allocations are approved.
- Promotion framework: The TSC promotion scoresheet (2025–2026) awards marks for qualifications, service, administration, TPAD, and age.
What TSC promoted teachers need to know
TSC promoted teachers should prepare for a wait before salary changes take effect. The Commission promoted 21,383 teachers following the October 2025 interviews and began posting them in January. Despite reporting to their new roles, the majority have not yet received the salary adjustments that accompany promotion.
Why payments are delayed
The main causes cited for the delay are pending bills and cash-flow pressures within the Commission. TSC still owes payments to many intern teachers posted in January and to most teachers recruited on replacement terms. To address shortfalls, the national government has proposed a supplementary budget to cover gaps across key ministries, including TSC.
Budget actions and likely timing
- The government is preparing a supplementary budget. If approved, promoted teachers may receive back-payments or new-grade pay after the July budget cycle.
- President William Ruto pledged to increase annual promotion slots from 25,000 to 50,000 and to double the promotion allocation from Sh1 billion to Sh2 billion.
- TSC acting CEO presented a Sh422 billion estimate to Parliament. Within that estimate, the Commission requested Sh2 billion for promotions, Sh7.2 billion to convert 20,000 junior school intern teachers to permanent and pensionable terms, and Sh16.5 billion for SHA medical cover.
Promotion numbers since 2022
TSC has steadily increased promotions under the current administration. Declared promotion counts include:
- December 2022: 14,034 promotions
- September 2023: 36,275 promotions
- 2024: 25,633 promotions
- August 2025: 21,313 promotions
These rounds bring the total to 97,255 promotions since the current administration began its program to expand teacher promotions.
TSC promotion scoresheet 2025 – 2026
The promotion process uses a 100-point scoresheet. Candidates are awarded marks in these main areas:
1) Academic and professional qualifications
- PhD – 3 marks
- Masters – 2 marks
- Degree – 1 mark
- Note: Only the highest qualification is awarded.
2) TSC/KNEC/KICD professional roles
Marks for service as county trainers, examiners, item developers, panelists or evaluators.
- Maximum: 2 marks
3) Administrative responsibility and length of stay in current grade
This section has two parts:
- Administrative responsibility – up to 25 marks for those who are or have acted as Head or Deputy Head or performed equivalent duties. Marks increase with years of service as administrator (e.g., 7 years and above score highest).
- Length of stay in current grade – up to 30 marks awarded based on years served in the current grade (e.g., 7 years and above score highest).
4) Performance management (TPAD)
TPAD average over the last three years is considered. Maximum: 10 marks.
- 81% and above – 10 marks
- 61%–80% – 8 marks
- 41%–60% – 6 marks
- 21%–40% – 4 marks
- 11%–20% – 2 marks
5) Age
Age carries up to 30 marks, with higher marks for older age brackets (e.g., 57 and above score the maximum).
Total scores and selection
Candidates are ranked by total marks out of 100, combining the five areas above. Final promotion lists depend on available slots and approved budget allocations.
What teachers can do now
- Keep documents ready: maintain certified copies of qualifications, TPAD records, and service letters to speed any salary adjustments.
- Confirm postings and payroll status with your school payroll and TSC county office.
- Monitor budget developments and official TSC announcements for payment timelines.
- Access teaching resources and exam preparation materials while awaiting administrative updates, such as CBC exams resources, KCSE revision exams, and CBC lesson plans.
Summary: Delays in adjusting pay for TSC promoted teachers stem from pending bills and funding gaps at the Commission. A government supplementary budget and the July budget cycle are the most likely paths to resolve payments. Understanding the promotion scoresheet helps teachers confirm their eligibility and prepare documentation for timely processing when funds are released.
