The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has unveiled a massive promotion drive, announcing 21,313 vacancies for teachers and Curriculum Support Officers (CSOs) across various grades, institutions, and specializations for the 2025/2026 cycle.
The recruitment, captured in an official circular released by the Commission, is aimed at addressing career stagnation among teachers, strengthening school leadership, and ensuring equitable staffing in both regular and Special Needs Education (SNE) institutions as well as Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs).
Vacancies Across Different Grades
The advertisement outlines a wide spread of opportunities, from the senior-most positions of Chief Principal to the entry-level promotion grades of Senior Teacher II.
Notable allocations include:
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Chief Principals (Regular and TTC): 105 vacancies
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Senior Principals (Regular and TTC): 496 vacancies
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Principals (Regular and SNE): 676 vacancies
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Deputy Principals II (Regular, TTC, SNE): 990 vacancies
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Senior Lecturers (across TTCs): 189 vacancies
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Senior Masters (III & IV Regular/SNE): 1,590 vacancies
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Headteachers (Regular): 1,872 vacancies
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Deputy Headteachers II (Regular & SNE): 3,566 vacancies
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Senior Teachers I & II (Regular & SNE): over 8,000 combined vacancies
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Curriculum Support Officers I & II (Regular & SNE): 320 vacancies
The largest single category is Senior Teacher II – Regular, with 4,683 slots available, followed by Deputy Headteacher II – Regular, with 3,547 posts, and Senior Teacher I – Regular, offering 3,244 positions.
This broad allocation underscores TSC’s effort to streamline leadership in primary and secondary schools, while ensuring TTCs and SNE institutions are adequately staffed.
Application Guidelines
TSC has directed all eligible and interested teachers to apply exclusively through the Commission’s online portal (www.teachersonline.go.ke). The deadline for submission is Monday, August 25, 2025, at midnight.
The Commission clarified that:
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Manual applications will not be accepted.
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Canvassing or engaging in fraudulent practices will lead to automatic disqualification.
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Successful candidates will be posted only to institutions with available vacancies.
Applicants are also advised to carefully review the promotion circular and official scoresheet, available for download from the TSC website, to understand the evaluation criteria under the Career Progression Guidelines (CPG).
Promotion Criteria
Promotion will be based on a structured framework considering:
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Teaching experience in the current grade
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Performance appraisals under TPAD (Teacher Performance Appraisal and Development)
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Professional qualifications and additional certifications
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Leadership and responsibility roles previously undertaken
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Continuous professional development (CPD) records
This ensures that promotions are merit-based, transparent, and aligned to professional growth pathways.
Equity and Inclusivity
TSC emphasized its commitment to fairness in recruitment, noting that the process will uphold principles of equity, gender balance, and regional inclusivity.
Importantly, the Commission reaffirmed that teachers with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply, in line with the government’s policy of inclusive employment.
Why the Promotions Matter
This promotion drive is one of the largest in recent years and comes amid persistent calls from teachers’ unions for the Commission to address stagnation in grades and ensure fairness in career advancement.
Education stakeholders argue that promotions boost teacher motivation, enhance school leadership, and improve learning outcomes. With more teachers moving up the ladder, the education sector is expected to benefit from better management, mentorship, and curriculum delivery.
Official Statement
In a statement, the TSC Secretary and Chief Executive Officer said:
“The Commission remains committed to recognizing merit and rewarding teachers for their dedication and professionalism. These promotions are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen school leadership and improve education standards across the country.”
At a Glance – Key Facts
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Total posts advertised: 21,313
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Deadline for applications: August 25, 2025 (midnight)
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Mode of application: Online only via TSC portal
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Largest vacancy: Senior Teacher II (Regular) – 4,683 slots
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Equal opportunity employer: Persons with disabilities encouraged to apply
Teachers are encouraged to submit their applications early to avoid last-minute challenges with the portal. The full TSC circular and promotion scoresheet (2025–2026) can be accessed through the Commission’s official website.