TSC Update: Show-Cause Letters, TPAD 3 Upgrade & Performance Monitoring
Date: July 2025
Over 34,000 Teachers Issued with Show Cause Letters over TPAD Non-Compliance
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has raised concerns after over 34,000 teachers failed to complete or submit their Term 1 TPAD (Teacher Performance Appraisal and Development).
Key Issues Identified:
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Pending status: Appraisals initiated but not completed.
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Incomplete submissions: Missing lesson observations or appraisal by supervisors.
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Lack of follow-up: Teachers did not push appraisers to finalize the process, as required by TSC policy.
Action Required:
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Teachers must respond through their Heads of Institutions (HOIs) explaining reasons for non-compliance.
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Appraisal completion is mandatory for career progression and performance evaluation.
TPAD 3 Launch & Key Changes
TSC is finalizing the rollout of TPAD 3, the upgraded version of the current TPAD 2.
Key Features of TPAD 3:
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Portal Change: From
tpad2.tsc.go.ketoportal.tsc.go.ke -
Teaching Standards Reduced: From 5 to 4 standards
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Effective Curriculum Delivery
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Comprehensive Learner-Centred Environment
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Integration of Technology
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Teacher Professional Growth and Development
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New Additions:
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Teacher grooming now part of appraisal under professional growth.
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Mandatory facilitation of games, sports, and creative arts.
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Two mandatory Teacher Professional Development (TPD) modules per year:
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One sponsored by TSC
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One self-sponsored by the teacher
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Full TPD rollout expected in December 2025.
TPAD 3 Pilot and Audit Findings
Nine pilot counties: Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nyeri, Meru, Baringo, Kajiado, Garissa, Vihiga
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Pilot Period: Sept 2024 (data collection), Mar 2025 (field trials)
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TSC audit teams also flagged TMIS data inconsistencies and teacher overpayments due to poor updating and monitoring at institutional level.
TPAD Institutional Calendar (2025)
| Activity | Action By | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Planning meetings | HOIs, SMT, Teachers | Last week of holiday |
| 2. Submission of professional docs | HOIs & Teachers | End of Week 1 |
| 3. Lesson observations | Appraisers & Appraisees | Week 2 to Week 10 |
| 4. Professional development | Teachers & Admin | Continuous, Week 1–End |
| 5. Internal TPAD Monitoring | HOI, Deputy, HODs | Throughout the term |
| 6. External TPAD Monitoring | CSOs, SCDs, CDs | Throughout the term |
| 7. TPAD Rating Meetings | Teachers & Appraisers | By term closing date |
| 8. Uploading data & evidence | Teachers & Appraisers | Throughout the term |
TPAD & Promotions
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TPAD compliance is a must for interviews and promotions.
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Teachers must download evidence of 3 years’ compliance when attending promotion interviews.
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Lesson observations and professional development records are part of the evaluation criteria.
Call to Action for Teachers:
Ensure complete TPAD documentation for every term.
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Work closely with appraisers and follow up on their part.
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Respond promptly to any show-cause letters issued.
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Attend TPD modules and retain proof for future evaluations.