The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has published 3,460 promotion letters for teachers promoted in January. Many promoted teachers and recently recruited interns and replacements, however, remain unpaid after reporting to their new stations. This article explains the status of the letters, why some teachers are missing from the April payroll, the budget outlook for payments and promotions, and what affected teachers should do next.
Key Takeaways
- 3,460 promotion letters have been released for January promotions and will be printed and issued via TSC County Directors.
- Over 21,000 teachers were promoted in January, but many have not received their salary adjustments or payments for work done since January.
- TSC received a supplementary allocation (Sh 24.2 billion) but many promoted, intern and replacement teachers were not captured in the April payroll.
- The 2025–2026 promotion scoresheet sets the criteria used for awarding promotion marks.
TSC promoted teachers: current status and payroll issues
The TSC published 3,460 promotion letters that will be sent to county offices for printing and distribution. The letters follow promotion exercises held in October 2025 and posting of promoted teachers in January.
Despite the letters, a significant number of teachers have not seen their pay reflect the promotion or recent appointments. TSC payroll closed on 16 April, and the Commission had not captured many promoted and newly recruited teachers for salary payment in that cycle. The delay affects promoted teachers, junior school interns, and replacement hires.
Who is affected?
Three main groups remain affected by non-payment:
- Promoted teachers who have received posting letters but have not yet been paid at their new grade.
- Junior school intern teachers — 24,000 interns were deployed on one-year contracts running from 1 January to 31 December 2026 and are still awaiting salaries and arrears.
- Replacement teachers — about 9,159 teachers recruited to replace staff who left service have also not been paid; these include 7,065 primary, 12 junior school and 2,082 secondary posts.
Budget outlook and likely timing for payments
TSC received a supplementary allocation of Sh 24.2 billion intended to cover salary shortfalls and SHA contributions. In addition, TSC presented its budget estimates for the year which include specific allocations: Sh 2 billion for teacher promotions, Sh 7.2 billion for conversion of 20,000 junior school interns to permanent terms, and Sh 16.5 billion for SHA medical cover. These allocations suggest promoted teachers may see pay adjustments after the July budget implementation.
President William Ruto has pledged to increase annual teacher promotions from 25,000 to 50,000 and to double the promotions allocation from Sh 1 billion to Sh 2 billion. If approved and implemented, this could increase promotion slots and speed up payments in future cycles.
TSC promotion scoresheet 2025–2026
The promotion scoresheet sets how candidates are scored for promotions. Key components include:
- Academic & professional qualifications — PhD (3 marks), Masters (2 marks), Degree (1 mark). Only the highest qualification is counted. (Maximum 3 marks)
- Service in national training and assessment roles — TSC county trainers, KNEC examiners or KICD evaluators can earn up to 2 marks.
- Administrative responsibility — Marks awarded for time served in administrative roles (head or deputy head duties); maximum 25 marks.
- Length of stay in current grade — Longer service in current grade gains more marks; maximum 30 marks.
- Performance management (TPAD) — Average TPAD scores for the last three years contribute up to 10 marks.
- Age — Age bands are used to allocate up to 30 marks.
Together these components total 100 marks. Teachers should check their scores and supporting documentation where possible before verification.
What teachers should do now
- Keep and track your promotion letter once issued by your county office and confirm your new posting in writing.
- Ensure your personal records and payroll details with TSC are up to date (bank details, NRC, appointment letters).
- If you are an intern or replacement teacher, keep copies of your contract and deployment letters and follow up with your county TSC office on payroll capture.
- For guidance on professional development and qualifications that strengthen promotion prospects, review Diploma and degree revision materials such as Diploma in Education past papers and Bachelor of Education (Arts) past papers.
- Teachers working with the CBC may find curriculum support documents useful; see the CBC curriculum designs for planning and lesson alignment.
Final notes
Delays in payroll capture can be caused by administrative processing, system updates or incomplete records. The release of 3,460 promotion letters is a positive step, but payment timing depends on final payroll capture and budget approvals. Promoted, intern and replacement teachers should follow up with county TSC offices and keep clear documentation to speed verification and payment when funds are released.
