The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has sounded a stern warning to thousands of teachers who continue to miss deadlines in completing their termly Teacher Performance Appraisal and Development (TPAD) reports, cautioning that repeated non-compliance will attract serious repercussions, including disqualification from promotions.
Recently, the Commission published the names of more than 34,000 teachers who failed to finalize their first-term TPAD submissions. The affected teachers were issued with “show cause” letters requiring them to explain why their appraisals were either incomplete, pending, or not acknowledged by supervisors.
In spreadsheets sent to TSC County and Sub-County Directors and subsequently shared with Heads of Institutions (HOIs), the Commission emphasized accountability at both teacher and supervisor levels.
Blacklisting from Promotions
TSC officials have now warned that teachers who are repeatedly flagged for incomplete TPADs risk being blacklisted from future promotions. Such teachers will not be allowed to apply when promotion vacancies are advertised, and they may also face disciplinary measures in line with the TSC Code of Regulations.
The Commission insists that teachers must also take responsibility for ensuring their supervisors acknowledge their appraisals on time. TPAD, TSC noted, is not only a monitoring tool but also a critical component in determining career progression.
Transition to TPAD 3
Meanwhile, TSC has finalized a review of its evaluation tools to align them with new education and technology demands. The upgraded appraisal system, TPAD 3, will replace TPAD 2 once activated later this year.
Under TPAD 3, the teaching standards have been streamlined from five to four:
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Effective curriculum delivery
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Comprehensive learner-centred environment
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Integration of technology in teaching and learning
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Teacher professional growth and development
The new portal link will change from tpad2.tsc.ke to portal.tsc.go.ke.
Among the notable additions is a requirement for teachers to maintain appropriate grooming in the learning environment, with a maximum score of four points under professional growth. Teachers will also be expected to actively facilitate games, sports, and creative arts as part of creating a comprehensive learning environment.
Mandatory TPD Modules
As part of professional growth, teachers will now be required to undertake two Teacher Professional Development (TPD) modules annually—one financed by TSC and the other self-sponsored. These modules will directly influence promotion prospects. TSC has announced plans to roll out the mandatory TPD training in December 2025.
Nationwide Piloting and Classroom Trials
The TPAD 3 framework has undergone extensive piloting in nine counties: Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nyeri, Meru, Baringo, Kajiado, Garissa, and Vihiga. A technical team from TSC headquarters collected feedback from teachers, deputies, and heads of institutions before conducting classroom trials in March 2025.
Audit Findings Raise Concerns
In a separate exercise, a TSC audit team recently uncovered inconsistencies in the Teacher Management Information System (TMIS), which have reportedly led to cases of overpayment in some schools. The team noted challenges in establishing the exact number of teachers in certain counties, a gap that the Commission aims to address alongside the TPAD reforms.
TPAD Calendar of Activities
To strengthen accountability, TSC has outlined a TPAD activity calendar to be observed at the institutional level. These include:
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Planning meetings before school reopening
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Submission of professional documents within the first week of the term
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Lesson observations between the 2nd and 10th week
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Continuous professional development sessions
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Internal monitoring by institutional administrators
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External monitoring by CSOs, Sub-County, and County Directors
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TPAD rating meetings by the close of the term
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Timely upload of TPAD data and evidence
A Tool for Accountability and Growth
TSC maintains that TPAD remains central in restoring the professional integrity of teachers and public confidence in the education system. Teachers seeking promotions must provide evidence of three years’ TPAD compliance during interviews.
With the rollout of TPAD 3 and enforcement of stricter compliance measures, the Commission is signaling a firm shift toward enhanced accountability, digital monitoring, and professional development in Kenya’s teaching profession.