The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) held a prayer day at its Upper Hill headquarters on 13 January 2026 under the theme “Pressing on to a higher mark.” During the event, acting CEO Eveleen Mitei issued a clear message: TSC warns rogue officers who prioritise disciplining teachers over improving learner outcomes. The Commission emphasised that its work must centre on learners and on ensuring teachers deliver quality learning in classrooms.
Key Takeaways
- The event emphasised a learner-centred approach to TSC work and policy.
- Acting CEO Eveleen Mitei criticised officers who focus only on discipline instead of learning outcomes.
- TSC secretariat staff pressed for Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) improvements and welfare support.
- TSC intends to prioritise staff welfare and job evaluation in 2026, following CPG 2023 adoption.
TSC warns rogue officers: context of the prayer day
The prayer day ran from 8:00am to 11:00am and was attended by the TSC Chairperson, commissioners and senior staff. Regional directors and county secretariat teams joined online. The event acknowledged staff efforts during 2025 and was funded by the Mwalimu Welfare Association. Beyond spiritual focus, the gathering was used to restate operational priorities for the Commission.
Mitei’s message to officers
Acting CEO Eveleen Mitei stressed that leadership must be guided by values and purpose. She warned against a narrow view of the Commission’s role that reduces work to administrative tasks like audits, payroll or teacher discipline. Instead she argued that the Commission exists primarily to serve learners by providing and supporting teachers who can improve learning outcomes.
Key lines from her address included: “Leadership without prayer becomes pride. Work without faith becomes mechanical.” She reminded officers that every learner across the country — from Mandera to Nairobi and Turkana — matters equally.
Learner-centred focus and practical implications
Shifting to a learner-centred approach means TSC staff and managers must link their daily activities to measurable improvements in classroom learning. Practical implications include:
- Prioritising teacher deployment where learning needs are greatest.
- Supporting teacher professional development aimed at improving instruction.
- Using learning outcomes as a key metric when evaluating performance.
- Ensuring county secretariats collaborate with schools to monitor progress.
For teachers and school leaders seeking resources aligned to classroom improvement, consult the CBC curriculum designs and the Grade 6 schemes of work to plan lessons that target stronger learning outcomes.
TSC welfare, CPG 2023 and 2026 priorities
TSC secretariat staff used the occasion to press for a better Collective Bargaining Agreement and improved welfare. Mitei acknowledged these concerns and noted that the Career Progression Guidelines (CPG) 2023 had been adopted after a job analysis. She assured staff that welfare and job evaluation will be primary Commission priorities in 2026.
Greater attention to staff welfare and clear job grading can improve morale. Higher morale in turn supports sustained teacher support and improved learning outcomes, creating a positive feedback loop between staff wellbeing and learner achievement.
What teachers and parents should know
Teachers should note that TSC’s renewed focus on learners could affect performance reviews and deployment practices. Parents and school leaders can expect more emphasis on teaching quality and learning evidence when interacting with TSC offices.
To prepare students for assessments and to support classroom learning, teachers and parents can use past papers and revision materials such as the repository for primary exams and KCPE practice tests. Find KCPE resources at KCPE past papers and practice exams.
Next steps and practical advice
- School managers: align teacher development plans with curriculum designs and schemes of work.
- Teachers: document classroom interventions and student progress to show impact on learning outcomes.
- TSC staff: use job evaluation results to inform fair progression and welfare measures.
- Parents: engage with schools on how teacher support and deployment address learning gaps.
By shifting focus from administrative tasks alone to measurable learning gains, the Commission aims to ensure that the quality of education improves for every child across Kenya. The message is clear: supporting teachers and valuing learners are central to TSC’s mission in 2026.
