Circular No. 13/2026: Everything Teachers Need to Know About the New Promotion Guidelines
Based on Circular No. 13/2026, issued by the Teachers Service Commission on 24th July 2026
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has released its official Guidelines on Promotion of Teachers for the 2026/2027 Financial Year, setting out a standardized, transparent framework that will govern how teachers move up the career ladder — from classroom teacher to Chief Principal — over the next twelve months.
The guidelines, contained in Circular No. 13/2026 and addressed to Regional, County, and Sub-County Directors, will remain in force until Wednesday, 30th June 2027.
This article breaks down everything teachers, school administrators, and human resource officers need to understand about the new promotion cycle — from eligibility and application procedures to how interview panels will score candidates at every grade.
Why the Guidelines Matter
The TSC derives its mandate to manage teachers — including their recruitment, promotion, transfer, and deployment — from Article 237(1) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. In exercising this mandate, the Commission is required to uphold Articles 10 and 232 of the Constitution, which enshrine the national values of governance and public service, including transparency, accountability, and non-discrimination.
To operationalize these constitutional principles, the 2026/2027 guidelines have been deliberately aligned with several existing policy instruments:
- The Career Progression Guidelines for Teachers (2018)
- The Career Progression Guidelines for Curriculum Support Officers (2019)
- The Code of Regulations for Teachers (2015)
- The Policy on Appointment and Deployment of Institutional Administrators (2017)
This alignment ensures that the promotion process does not operate in isolation but fits coherently within the broader legal and regulatory architecture governing the teaching profession.
Objectives and Guiding Principles
The Commission has outlined four core objectives for the promotion exercise:
- Uphold equity, fairness, transparency, and non-discrimination throughout the process.
- Recognize and reward merit, performance, and experience.
- Build in affirmative action for persons with disabilities and other marginalized groups.
- Ensure a consistent, structured approach to promotion decisions across all levels of the service.
These objectives are anchored on five guiding principles: equity and non-discrimination, meritocracy and performance, integrity and accountability, affirmative action, and professionalism.
Who Can Apply: Eligibility Criteria
Not every teacher can walk into this promotion cycle. To qualify, a teacher must:
- Have served at least three (3) years in their current grade.
- Have a clean recent disciplinary record. Under Regulation 77 of the Code of Regulations for Teachers (2015), the Commission may lock out a teacher from consideration if they have not completed two years since being found guilty in a disciplinary process, or one year since receiving an administrative warning.
- Meet re-employment service thresholds. A teacher who was re-employed by the Commission must have completed at least three years of continuous service before becoming eligible, per Regulation 78 of the same Code.
How the Process Works, Step by Step
1. Identifying Vacancies
The Commission first determines available promotion slots based on budgetary allocation, staff attrition, and existing vacancies within the approved establishment. In other words, promotions are not guaranteed annually — they depend on the number of positions the Commission can actually fund and fill.
2. Advertising the Positions
All promotion vacancies will be advertised through the TSC website, mainstream print media, and any other platform the Commission deems appropriate. Every advertisement must clearly state the grade, number of vacancies, required qualifications, duties and responsibilities, application procedure, and timelines.
Crucially, applications will only be accepted through the prescribed online platform — the Teachers Online Services (TOS) portal. Manual or paper-based submissions will not be entertained. The application window stays open for fourteen (14) days from the date of advertisement, and teachers are urged to fill in all portal fields accurately and to confirm successful submission before the window closes.
3. Submitting False Information
The Commission has been explicit: submitting false information during the application process will lead to automatic disqualification and could trigger disciplinary action against the applicant.
4. Shortlisting
Once applications close, candidates will be shortlisted at a ratio of 1:3 per advertised vacancy — meaning three candidates will be shortlisted for every single position available. Shortlisting will be based on eligibility and merit, applied consistently and fairly across all counties to ensure no region or candidate is disadvantaged.
5. Interviews
This is where the process becomes tiered, depending on the seniority of the position:
- Sub-County Selection Panels handle interviews for primary school teachers, including Head Teachers and Deputy Head Teachers.
- County Selection Panels handle interviews for post-primary school teachers, including Deputy Principals.
- Regional Selection Panels handle interviews for Principals of secondary schools, Teachers Training Colleges (TTCs), and Curriculum Support Officers (both Regular and Special Needs Education).
Shortlisted candidates are guaranteed at least seven (7) days’ notice before their interview date. The invitation letter must specify the date, time, and venue, as well as a checklist of documents the candidate must bring along.
Who Sits on the Interview Panels?
The composition of interview panels varies by level:
| Panel Level | Chairperson | CS Representative | Director’s Representative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regional (Grades D3–D5 & CSOs) | Director (HQ), Senior Deputy Director, Regional Director, Deputy Director, or Assistant Director | Deputy Director or Assistant Director | Deputy Director or Assistant Director |
| County (Grades C2–D2) | County Director or Sub-County Director | Sub-County Director or County HR Officer | County Human Resource Office (CHRO) |
| Sub-County (Grades C2–D1) | Sub-County Director or Sub-County HR Officer | Curriculum Support Officer or Sub-County HR Officer | Curriculum Support Officer |
If a designated panel member is unavailable, the Commission may appoint another officer of appropriate rank as a substitute. A separate officer is also assigned purely to manage documentation and candidate logistics during the exercise. All panelists must declare any actual, potential, or perceived conflict of interest before interviews begin.
The Scoring Criteria: How Marks Are Awarded
Perhaps the most significant feature of this year’s guidelines is the introduction of grade-specific, standardized scoring guides, annexed to the circular, covering every position from Curriculum Support Officer II all the way up to Chief Principal. While the exact weighting differs by grade, six broad parameters recur throughout:
1. Academic and Professional Qualifications — higher qualifications (Master’s, PhD) earn more points than a Bachelor’s degree.
2. Acting Capacity — teachers currently performing duties in an acting or higher capacity (e.g., acting Head Teacher, Deputy Head, Senior Master) earn additional marks.
3. Length of Stay in Current Grade — the longer a teacher has served in their present grade, the higher they score on this dimension. For senior grades like Chief Principal and Senior Principal, this single factor can carry up to 45 out of 100 marks.
4. Teacher Performance Appraisal and Development (TPAD) — the teacher’s average TPAD rating over the last three years is scored on a sliding scale, rewarding consistently high performers (this criterion does not apply to Curriculum Support Officer grades).
5. Seniority and Age — age brackets are scored incrementally, with older, more experienced teachers earning more points — a notably heavy-weighted factor across nearly every grade, often worth 25 to 45 marks out of 100.
6. Other Professional Contributions — involvement in bodies such as KNEC (as examiners or item developers), KICD (as panelists or book evaluators), MOE, KISE, KEMI, TSC’s TIMEC program, CBC training, authorship, or recognized “champion” status earns extra recognition. Co-curricular activity participation (at International, National, Regional, County, or Sub-County level) also contributes marks in most grades.
For administrative grades such as Deputy Principal, Deputy Headteacher, and Senior Teacher, an additional “Administrative Responsibility” component is scored — rewarding candidates who have previously acted in a higher administrative role, such as Principal or Head Teacher, through formal deployment by the Commission or the Board of Management (BOM).
Each panel member scores the candidate independently across all sections during the interview. The average of all panel members’ scores for each section becomes the “actual score,” and the sum of all actual scores determines the candidate’s final mark out of 100.
Notably, scoring emphasis shifts depending on seniority: for classroom-facing teaching grades (like Curriculum Support Officer I and II), qualifications, length of stay, and age dominate, with no TPAD or administrative component. For middle and senior administrative grades, the balance shifts toward administrative responsibility and length of stay in grade, which together can account for over half the total score.
Full Grade-by-Grade Scoring Breakdown
Below is the complete scoring rubric for every advertised grade under this promotion cycle, exactly as annexed to the circular. Each guide totals 100 marks, with the final score being the sum of the average marks awarded by all panel members per section.
Advert 78/2026 — Chief Principal (Regular), Grade D5/T-Scale 15
| Area of Interview | Marks |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications — PhD: 5, Masters: 4, Bachelor’s: 3* | 5 |
| TSC (TIMEC/CBC/CEMASTEA)/KNEC/KICD trainers, examiners, authors, champions | 5 |
| Length of stay in current grade — 8yrs+: 45, 7yrs: 40, 6yrs: 35, 5yrs: 30, 4yrs: 25, 3yrs: 20 | 45 |
| Performance Management (TPAD avg, last 3 yrs) — 81%+: 10, 61–80%: 8, 41–60%: 6, 21–40%: 4, 1–20%: 2 | 10 |
| Age — 57+: 30, 52–56: 25, 47–51: 20, 42–46: 15, ≤41: 10 | 30 |
| Co-curricular activities — International: 5, National: 4, Regional: 3, County: 2, Sub-County: 1 | 5 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
| *Diploma holders who attained a Bachelor’s after employment score 3 marks. |
Advert 79/2026 — Chief Principal TTC, Grade D5/TSC Scale 15
| Area of Interview | Marks |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications — PhD: 5, Masters: 4, Bachelor’s: 3* | 5 |
| TSC/KNEC/KICD trainers, examiners, authors, champions | 5 |
| Length of stay in current grade — 8yrs+: 45, 7yrs: 40, 6yrs: 35, 5yrs: 30, 4yrs: 25, 3yrs: 20 | 45 |
| Performance Management (TPAD) — 81%+: 10, 61–80%: 8, 41–60%: 6, 21–40%: 4, 1–20%: 2 | 10 |
| Age — 57+: 30, 52–56: 25, 47–51: 20, 42–46: 15, ≤41: 10 | 30 |
| Co-curricular activities — National: 5, Regional: 4, County: 3 | 5 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
Advert 80/2026 — Senior Principal (Regular), Grade D4/T-Scale 14
| Area of Interview | Marks |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications — PhD: 5, Masters: 4, Bachelor’s: 3* | 5 |
| TSC/KNEC/KICD trainers, examiners, authors, champions | 5 |
| Length of stay in current grade — 8yrs+: 45, 7yrs: 40, 6yrs: 35, 5yrs: 30, 4yrs: 25, 3yrs: 20 | 45 |
| Performance Management (TPAD) — 81%+: 10, 61–80%: 8, 41–60%: 6, 21–40%: 4, 1–20%: 2 | 10 |
| Age — 57+: 30, 52–56: 25, 47–51: 20, 42–46: 15, ≤41: 10 | 30 |
| Co-curricular activities — International: 5, National: 4, Regional: 3, County: 2, Sub-County: 1 | 5 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
Advert 81/2026 — Senior Principal TTC, Grade D4/TSC Scale 14
| Area of Interview | Marks |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications — PhD: 5, Masters: 4, Bachelor’s: 3* | 5 |
| TSC/KNEC/KICD trainers, examiners, authors, champions | 5 |
| Length of stay in current grade — 8yrs+: 45, 7yrs: 40, 6yrs: 35, 5yrs: 30, 4yrs: 25, 3yrs: 20 | 45 |
| Performance Management (TPAD) — 81%+: 10, 61–80%: 8, 41–60%: 6, 21–40%: 4, 1–20%: 2 | 10 |
| Age — 57+: 30, 52–56: 25, 47–51: 20, 42–46: 15, ≤41: 10 | 30 |
| Co-curricular activities — National: 5, Regional: 4, County: 3 | 5 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
Advert 82/2026 — Deputy Principal I Regular, Grade D3/T-Scale 13
| Area of Interview | Marks |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications — PhD: 3, Masters: 2, Bachelor’s: 1* | 3 |
| TSC/KNEC/KICD trainers, examiners, authors, champions | 2 |
| Administrative Responsibility & Length of Stay in Current Grade | 50 |
| — i) Responsibility (yrs as administrator/acting Principal): 8yrs+: 25, 7yrs: 22, 6yrs: 19, 5yrs: 16, 4yrs: 13, 3yrs: 10, 2yrs: 7, 6mo–1yr: 4 | (25) |
| — ii) Length of stay in current grade: 8yrs+: 25, 7yrs: 22, 6yrs: 19, 5yrs: 16, 4yrs: 13, 3yrs: 10, 2yrs: 7, 6mo–1yr: 4 | (25) |
| Performance Management (TPAD) — 81%+: 10, 61–80%: 8, 41–60%: 6, 21–40%: 4, 1–20%: 2 | 10 |
| Age — 57+: 30, 52–56: 25, 47–51: 20, 42–46: 15, ≤41: 10 | 30 |
| Co-curricular activities — International: 5, National: 4, Regional: 3, County: 2, Sub-County: 1 | 5 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
Advert 83/2026 — Deputy Principal I TTC, Grade D3/T-Scale 13
| Area of Interview | Marks |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications — PhD: 3, Masters: 2, Bachelor’s: 1* | 3 |
| TSC/KNEC/KICD trainers, examiners, authors, champions | 2 |
| Administrative Responsibility & Length of Stay in Current Grade | 50 |
| — i) Responsibility: 8yrs+: 25, 7yrs: 22, 6yrs: 19, 5yrs: 16, 4yrs: 13, 3yrs: 10, 2yrs: 7, 6mo–1yr: 4 | (25) |
| — ii) Length of stay in grade: 8yrs+: 25, 7yrs: 22, 6yrs: 19, 5yrs: 16, 4yrs: 13, 3yrs: 10, 2yrs: 7, 6mo–1yr: 4 | (25) |
| Performance Management (TPAD) — 81%+: 10, 61–80%: 8, 41–60%: 6, 21–40%: 4, 1–20%: 2 | 10 |
| Age — 57+: 30, 52–56: 25, 47–51: 20, 42–46: 15, ≤41: 10 | 30 |
| Co-curricular activities — International: 5, National: 4, Regional: 3, County: 2, Sub-County: 1 | 5 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
Advert 84/2026 — Deputy Principal I (SNE), Grade D3/TSC Scale 13
| Area of Interview | Marks |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications — PhD: 3, Masters: 2, Bachelor’s: 1* | 3 |
| TSC/KNEC/KICD trainers, examiners, authors, champions | 2 |
| Administrative Responsibility & Length of Stay in Current Grade | 50 |
| — i) Responsibility: 8yrs+: 25, 7yrs: 22, 6yrs: 19, 5yrs: 16, 4yrs: 13, 3yrs: 10, 2yrs: 7, 6mo–1yr: 4 | (25) |
| — ii) Length of stay in grade: 8yrs+: 25, 7yrs: 22, 6yrs: 19, 5yrs: 16, 4yrs: 13, 3yrs: 10, 2yrs: 7, 6mo–1yr: 4 | (25) |
| Performance Management (TPAD) — 81%+: 10, 61–80%: 8, 41–60%: 6, 21–40%: 4, 1–20%: 2 | 10 |
| Age — 57+: 30, 52–56: 25, 47–51: 20, 42–46: 15, ≤41: 10 | 30 |
| Co-curricular activities — International: 5, National: 4, Regional: 3, County: 2, Sub-County: 1 | 5 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
Advert 85/2026 — Deputy Principal II Regular, Grade D2/T-Scale 12
| Area of Interview | Marks |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications — PhD: 3, Masters: 2, Bachelor’s: 1* | 3 |
| TSC/KNEC/KICD trainers, examiners, authors, champions | 2 |
| Administrative Responsibility & Length of Stay in Current Grade | 50 |
| — i) Responsibility: 8yrs+: 25, 7yrs: 22, 6yrs: 19, 5yrs: 16, 4yrs: 13, 3yrs: 10, 6mo–1yr: 4 | (25) |
| — ii) Length of stay in grade: 8yrs+: 25, 7yrs: 21, 6yrs: 17, 5yrs: 13, 4yrs: 9, 3yrs: 5 | (25) |
| Performance Management (TPAD) — 81%+: 10, 61–80%: 8, 41–60%: 6, 21–40%: 4, 1–20%: 2 | 10 |
| Age — 57+: 30, 52–56: 25, 47–51: 20, 42–46: 15, ≤41: 10 | 30 |
| Co-curricular activities — International: 5, National: 4, Regional: 3, County: 2, Sub-County: 1 | 5 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
Advert 86/2026 — Senior Lecturer 1 (TTC), Grade D2/TSC Scale 12
| Area of Interview | Marks |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications (highest qualification attained after employment) — PhD: 3, Masters: 2, Bachelor’s: 1 (for diploma holders) | 3 |
| TSC/KNEC/KICD trainers, examiners, authors | 2 |
| Administrative Responsibility & Length of Stay in Current Grade | 50 |
| — i) Responsibility: 8yrs+: 25, 7yrs: 22, 6yrs: 19, 5yrs: 16, 4yrs: 13, 3yrs: 10, 2yrs: 7, 6mo–1yr: 4 | (25) |
| — ii) Length of stay in grade: 8yrs+: 25, 7yrs: 21, 6yrs: 17, 5yrs: 13, 4yrs: 9, 3yrs: 5 | (25) |
| Performance Management (TPAD) — 81%+: 10, 61–80%: 8, 41–60%: 6, 21–40%: 4, 1–20%: 2 | 10 |
| Age — 57+: 30, 52–56: 25, 47–51: 20, 42–46: 15, ≤41: 10 | 30 |
| Co-curricular activities — National: 4, Regional: 3 | 5 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
Advert 87/2026 — Senior Master 1, Grade D2/TSC Scale 12
| Area of Interview | Marks |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications — PhD: 3, Masters: 2, Bachelor’s: 1* | 3 |
| TSC/KNEC/KICD trainers, examiners, authors, champions | 2 |
| Administrative Responsibility & Length of Stay in Current Grade | 50 |
| — i) Responsibility: 8yrs+: 25, 7yrs: 22, 6yrs: 19, 5yrs: 16, 4yrs: 13, 3yrs: 10, 2yrs: 7, 6mo–1yr: 4 | (25) |
| — ii) Length of stay in grade: 8yrs+: 25, 7yrs: 21, 6yrs: 17, 5yrs: 13, 4yrs: 9, 3yrs: 5 | (25) |
| Performance Management (TPAD) — 81%+: 10, 61–80%: 8, 41–60%: 6, 21–40%: 4, 1–20%: 2 | 10 |
| Age — 57+: 30, 52–56: 25, 47–51: 20, 42–46: 15, ≤41: 10 | 30 |
| Co-curricular activities — International: 5, National: 4, Regional: 3, County: 2, Sub-County: 1 | 5 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
Advert 88/2026 — Curriculum Support Officer 1 (Regular), Grade D2/TSC Scale 12
| Area of Interview | Marks |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications — PhD: 5, Masters: 4, Bachelor’s: 3 | 5 |
| Length of stay in current grade — 7yrs+: 40, 6yrs: 35, 5yrs: 30, 4yrs: 25, 3yrs: 20 | 40 |
| Age — 57+: 45, 52–56: 40, 47–51: 35, 42–46: 30, ≤41: 25 | 45 |
| Management/Leadership Courses — 5+ weeks: 5, 3–4 weeks: 3, 2 weeks: 2 | 5 |
| Certificate in Computer Application | 5 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
| No responsibility, TPAD, or co-curricular sections for this grade. |
Advert 89/2026 — Curriculum Support Officer I (SNE), Grade D1/TSC Scale 11
| Area of Interview | Marks |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications — PhD: 5, Masters: 4, Bachelor’s: 3 | 5 |
| Length of stay in current grade — 7yrs+: 40, 6yrs: 35, 5yrs: 30, 4yrs: 25, 3yrs: 20 | 40 |
| Age — 57+: 45, 52–56: 40, 47–51: 35, 42–46: 30, ≤41: 25 | 45 |
| Management Course lasting at least two weeks — 5+ weeks: 5, 3–4 weeks: 3, 2 weeks: 2 | 5 |
| Certificate in Computer Application | 5 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
Advert 90/2026 — Deputy Principal III (Regular), Grade D1/TSC Scale 11
| Area of Interview | Marks |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications — PhD: 3, Masters: 2, Bachelor’s: 1* | 3 |
| TSC/KNEC/KICD trainers, examiners, authors, champions | 2 |
| Administrative Responsibility & Length of Stay in Current Grade (Principal or Deputy Principal duties) | 50 |
| — i) Responsibility: 8yrs+: 25, 7yrs: 22, 6yrs: 19, 5yrs: 16, 4yrs: 13, 3yrs: 10, 2yrs: 7, 6mo–1yr: 4 | (25) |
| — ii) Length of stay in grade: 8yrs+: 25, 7yrs: 21, 6yrs: 17, 5yrs: 13, 4yrs: 9, 3yrs: 5 | (25) |
| Performance Management (TPAD) — 81%+: 10, 61–80%: 8, 41–60%: 6, 21–40%: 4, 1–20%: 2 | 10 |
| Age — 57+: 30, 52–56: 25, 47–51: 20, 42–46: 15, ≤41: 10 | 30 |
| Co-curricular activities — International: 5, National: 4, Regional: 3, County: 2, Sub-County: 1 | 5 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
Advert 91/2026 — Deputy Principal III (SNE), Grade D1/TSC Scale 11
| Area of Interview | Marks |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications — PhD: 3, Masters: 2, Bachelor’s: 1* | 3 |
| TSC/KNEC/KICD trainers, examiners, authors, champions | 2 |
| Administrative Responsibility & Length of Stay in Current Grade (Principal or Deputy Principal duties) | 50 |
| — i) Responsibility: 8yrs+: 25, 7yrs: 22, 6yrs: 19, 5yrs: 16, 4yrs: 13, 3yrs: 10, 2yrs: 7, 6mo–1yr: 4 | (25) |
| — ii) Length of stay in grade: 8yrs+: 25, 7yrs: 21, 6yrs: 17, 5yrs: 13, 4yrs: 9, 3yrs: 5 | (25) |
| Performance Management (TPAD) — 81%+: 10, 61–80%: 8, 41–60%: 6, 21–40%: 4, 1–20%: 2 | 10 |
| Age — 57+: 30, 52–56: 25, 47–51: 20, 42–46: 15, ≤41: 10 | 30 |
| Co-curricular activities — International: 5, National: 4, Regional: 3, County: 2, Sub-County: 1 | 5 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
Advert 92/2026 — Senior Head Teacher (Regular), Grade D1/TSC Scale 11
| Area of Interview | Marks |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications — PhD: 5, Masters: 4, Bachelor’s: 3 | 5 |
| TSC/KNEC/KICD trainers, examiners, authors, champions | 5 |
| Length of stay in current grade — 7yrs+: 45, 6yrs: 40, 5yrs: 35, 4yrs: 30, 3yrs: 25 | 45 |
| Performance Management (TPAD) — 81%+: 10, 61–80%: 8, 41–60%: 6, 21–40%: 4, 1–20%: 2 | 10 |
| Age — 57+: 30, 52–56: 25, 47–51: 20, 42–46: 15, ≤41: 10 | 30 |
| Co-curricular activities — International: 5, National: 4, Regional: 3, County: 2, Sub-County: 1 | 5 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
Advert 93/2026 — Senior Head Teacher (SNE), Grade D1/TSC Scale 11
| Area of Interview | Marks |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications — PhD: 5, Masters: 4, Bachelor’s: 3 | 5 |
| TSC/KNEC/KICD trainers, examiners, authors, champions | 5 |
| Length of stay in current grade — 7yrs+: 45, 6yrs: 40, 5yrs: 35, 4yrs: 30, 3yrs: 25 | 45 |
| Performance Management (TPAD) — 81%+: 10, 61–80%: 8, 41–60%: 6, 21–40%: 4, 1–20%: 2 | 10 |
| Age — 57+: 30, 52–56: 25, 47–51: 20, 42–46: 15, ≤41: 10 | 30 |
| Co-curricular activities — International: 5, National: 4, Regional: 3, County: 2, Sub-County: 1 | 5 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
Advert 94/2026 — Senior Lecturer II (TTC), Grade D1/TSC Scale 11
| Area of Interview | Marks |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications — PhD: 3, Masters: 2, Bachelor’s: 1* | 3 |
| TSC/KNEC/KICD trainers, examiners, authors, champions | 2 |
| Administrative Responsibility & Length of Stay in Current Grade (Principal/Deputy Principal duties) | 50 |
| — i) Responsibility: 8yrs+: 25, 7yrs: 22, 6yrs: 19, 5yrs: 16, 4yrs: 13, 3yrs: 10, 2yrs: 7, 6mo–1yr: 4 | (25) |
| — ii) Length of stay in grade: 8yrs+: 25, 7yrs: 21, 6yrs: 17, 5yrs: 13, 4yrs: 9, 3yrs: 5 | (25) |
| Performance Management (TPAD) — 81%+: 10, 61–80%: 8, 41–60%: 6, 21–40%: 4, 1–20%: 2 | 10 |
| Age — 57+: 30, 52–56: 25, 47–51: 20, 42–46: 15, ≤41: 10 | 30 |
| Co-curricular activities — International: 5, National: 4, Regional: 3, County: 2, Sub-County: 1 | 5 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
Advert 95/2026 — Senior Master II (Regular), Grade D1/TSC Scale 11
| Area of Interview | Marks |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications — PhD: 3, Masters: 2, Bachelor’s: 1* | 3 |
| TSC/KNEC/KICD trainers, examiners, authors, champions | 2 |
| Administrative Responsibility & Length of Stay in Current Grade (Principal/Deputy Principal duties) | 50 |
| — i) Responsibility: 8yrs+: 25, 7yrs: 22, 6yrs: 19, 5yrs: 16, 4yrs: 13, 3yrs: 10, 2yrs: 7, 6mo–1yr: 4 | (25) |
| — ii) Length of stay in grade: 8yrs+: 25, 7yrs: 21, 6yrs: 17, 5yrs: 13, 4yrs: 9, 3yrs: 5 | (25) |
| Performance Management (TPAD) — 81%+: 10, 61–80%: 8, 41–60%: 6, 21–40%: 4, 1–20%: 2 | 10 |
| Age — 57+: 30, 52–56: 25, 47–51: 20, 42–46: 15, ≤41: 10 | 30 |
| Co-curricular activities — International: 5, National: 4, Regional: 3, County: 2, Sub-County: 1 | 5 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
Advert 96/2026 — Curriculum Support Officer II (Regular), Grade C5/TSC Scale 10
| Area of Interview | Marks |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications — PhD: 5, Masters: 4, Degree: 3 | 5 |
| Length of stay in current grade — 7yrs+: 35, 6yrs: 30, 5yrs: 25, 4yrs: 20, 3yrs: 15 | 35 |
| Performance Management (TPAD) — 81%+: 20, 61–80%: 16, 41–60%: 12, 21–40%: 8, 1–20%: 4 | 20 |
| Age — 57+: 35, 52–56: 30, 47–51: 25, 42–46: 20, ≤41: 15 | 35 |
| Certificate in Computer Applications | 5 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
Advert 97/2026 — Deputy Headteacher I (Regular), Grade C5/TSC Scale 10
| Area of Interview | Marks |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications — PhD: 3, Masters: 2, Bachelor’s: 1 | 3 |
| TSC/KNEC/KICD trainers, examiners, authors, champions | 2 |
| Administrative Responsibility & Length of Stay in Current Grade (Head Teacher duties) | 55 |
| — i) Responsibility: 8yrs+: 25, 7yrs: 22, 6yrs: 19, 5yrs: 16, 4yrs: 13, 3yrs: 10, 2yrs: 7, 6mo–1yr: 4 | (25) |
| — ii) Length of stay in grade: 8yrs+: 25, 7yrs: 21, 6yrs: 17, 5yrs: 13, 4yrs: 9, 3yrs: 5 | (30) |
| Performance Management (TPAD) — 81%+: 10, 61–80%: 8, 41–60%: 6, 21–40%: 4, 1–20%: 2 | 10 |
| Age — 57+: 25, 52–56: 20, 47–51: 15, 42–46: 10, ≤41: 5 | 25 |
| Co-curricular activities — International: 5, National: 4, Regional: 3, County: 2, Sub-County: 1 | 5 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
Advert 98/2026 — Deputy Headteacher I (SNE), Grade C5/TSC Scale 10
| Area of Interview | Marks |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications — PhD: 3, Masters: 2, Bachelor’s: 1 | 3 |
| TSC/KNEC/KICD trainers, examiners, authors, champions | 2 |
| Administrative Responsibility & Length of Stay in Current Grade (Head Teacher duties) | 55 |
| — i) Responsibility: 8yrs+: 25, 7yrs: 22, 6yrs: 19, 5yrs: 16, 4yrs: 13, 3yrs: 10, 2yrs: 7, 6mo–1yr: 4 | (25) |
| — ii) Length of stay in grade: 8yrs+: 25, 7yrs: 21, 6yrs: 17, 5yrs: 13, 4yrs: 9, 3yrs: 5 | (30) |
| Performance Management (TPAD) — 81%+: 10, 61–80%: 8, 41–60%: 6, 21–40%: 4, 1–20%: 2 | 10 |
| Age — 57+: 25, 52–56: 20, 47–51: 15, 42–46: 10, ≤41: 5 | 25 |
| Co-curricular activities — International: 5, National: 4, Regional: 3, County: 2, Sub-County: 1 | 5 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
Advert 99/2026 — Senior Lecturer III (TTC), Grade C5/TSC Scale 10
| Area of Interview | Marks |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications — PhD: 3, Masters: 2, Bachelor’s: 1* | 3 |
| TSC/KNEC/KICD trainers, examiners, authors, champions | 2 |
| Administrative Responsibility & Length of Stay in Current Grade (Principal/Deputy Principal duties) | 55 |
| — i) Responsibility: 8yrs+: 25, 7yrs: 22, 6yrs: 19, 5yrs: 16, 4yrs: 13, 3yrs: 10, 2yrs: 7, 6mo–1yr: 4 | (25) |
| — ii) Length of stay in grade: 8yrs+: 25, 7yrs: 21, 6yrs: 17, 5yrs: 13, 4yrs: 9, 3yrs: 5 | (30) |
| Performance Management (TPAD) — 81%+: 10, 61–80%: 8, 41–60%: 6, 21–40%: 4, 1–20%: 2 | 10 |
| Age — 57+: 30, 52–56: 25, 47–51: 20, 42–46: 15, ≤41: 10 | 25 |
| Co-curricular activities — International: 5, National: 4, Regional: 3, County: 2, Sub-County: 1 | 5 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
Advert 100/2026 — Senior Master III (Regular), Grade C5/TSC Scale 10
| Area of Interview | Marks |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications — PhD: 3, Masters: 2, Bachelor’s: 1* | 3 |
| TSC/KNEC/KICD trainers, examiners, authors, champions | 2 |
| Administrative Responsibility & Length of Stay in Current Grade (Principal/Deputy Principal duties) | 55 |
| — i) Responsibility: 8yrs+: 25, 7yrs: 22, 6yrs: 19, 5yrs: 16, 4yrs: 13, 3yrs: 10, 2yrs: 7, 6mo–1yr: 4 | (25) |
| — ii) Length of stay in grade: 8yrs+: 25, 7yrs: 21, 6yrs: 17, 5yrs: 13, 4yrs: 9, 3yrs: 5 | (30) |
| Performance Management (TPAD) — 81%+: 10, 61–80%: 8, 41–60%: 6, 21–40%: 4, 1–20%: 2 | 10 |
| Age — 57+: 30, 52–56: 25, 47–51: 20, 42–46: 15, ≤41: 10 | 25 |
| Co-curricular activities — International: 5, National: 4, Regional: 3, County: 2, Sub-County: 1 | 5 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
Advert 101/2026 — Deputy Headteacher II (Regular), Grade C4/TSC Scale 9
| Area of Interview | Marks |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications — PhD: 3, Masters: 2, Bachelor’s: 1 | 3 |
| TSC/KNEC/KICD trainers, examiners, authors, champions | 2 |
| Administrative Responsibility & Length of Stay in Current Grade (Head Teacher duties) | 55 |
| — i) Responsibility: 8yrs+: 25, 7yrs: 22, 6yrs: 19, 5yrs: 16, 4yrs: 13, 3yrs: 10, 2yrs: 7, 6mo–1yr: 4 | (25) |
| — ii) Length of stay in grade: 8yrs+: 25, 7yrs: 21, 6yrs: 17, 5yrs: 13, 4yrs: 9, 3yrs: 5 | (30) |
| Performance Management (TPAD) — 81%+: 10, 61–80%: 8, 41–60%: 6, 21–40%: 4, 1–20%: 2 | 10 |
| Age — 57+: 25, 52–56: 20, 47–51: 15, 42–46: 10, ≤41: 5 | 25 |
| Co-curricular activities — International: 5, National: 4, Regional: 3, County: 2, Sub-County: 1 | 5 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
Advert 102/2026 — Deputy Headteacher II (SNE), Grade C4/TSC Scale 9
| Area of Interview | Marks |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications — PhD: 3, Masters: 2, Bachelor’s: 1 | 3 |
| TSC/KNEC/KICD trainers, examiners, authors, champions | 2 |
| Administrative Responsibility & Length of Stay in Current Grade (Head Teacher duties) | 55 |
| — i) Responsibility: 8yrs+: 25, 7yrs: 22, 6yrs: 19, 5yrs: 16, 4yrs: 13, 3yrs: 10, 2yrs: 7, 6mo–1yr: 4 | (25) |
| — ii) Length of stay in grade: 8yrs+: 25, 7yrs: 21, 6yrs: 17, 5yrs: 13, 4yrs: 9, 3yrs: 5 | (30) |
| Performance Management (TPAD) — 81%+: 10, 61–80%: 8, 41–60%: 6, 21–40%: 4, 1–20%: 2 | 10 |
| Age — 57+: 30, 52–56: 25, 47–51: 20, 42–46: 15, ≤41: 10 | 25 |
| Co-curricular activities — International: 5, National: 4, Regional: 3, County: 2, Sub-County: 1 | 5 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
Advert 103/2026 — Senior Lecturer IV (TTC), Grade C4/TSC Scale 9
| Area of Interview | Marks |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications — PhD: 3, Masters: 2, Bachelor’s: 1* | 3 |
| TSC/KNEC/KICD trainers, examiners, authors, champions | 2 |
| Administrative Responsibility & Length of Stay in Current Grade (Principal/Deputy Principal duties) | 55 |
| — i) Responsibility: 8yrs+: 25, 7yrs: 22, 6yrs: 19, 5yrs: 16, 4yrs: 13, 3yrs: 10, 2yrs: 7, 6mo–1yr: 4 | (25) |
| — ii) Length of stay in grade: 8yrs+: 25, 7yrs: 21, 6yrs: 17, 5yrs: 13, 4yrs: 9, 3yrs: 5 | (30) |
| Performance Management (TPAD) — 81%+: 10, 61–80%: 8, 41–60%: 6, 21–40%: 4, 1–20%: 2 | 10 |
| Age — 57+: 30, 52–56: 25, 47–51: 20, 42–46: 15, ≤41: 10 | 25 |
| Co-curricular activities — National: 4, Regional: 3 | 5 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
Advert 104/2026 — Senior Master IV (Regular), Grade C4/T-Scale 9
| Area of Interview | Marks |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications — PhD: 3, Masters: 2, Bachelor’s: 1* | 3 |
| TSC/KNEC/KICD trainers, examiners, authors, champions | 2 |
| Administrative Responsibility & Length of Stay in Current Grade | 55 |
| — i) Responsibility: 8yrs+: 25, 7yrs: 22, 6yrs: 19, 5yrs: 16, 4yrs: 13, 3yrs: 10, 2yrs: 7, 6mo–1yr: 4 | (25) |
| — ii) Length of stay in grade: 8yrs+: 25, 7yrs: 21, 6yrs: 17, 5yrs: 13, 4yrs: 9, 3yrs: 5 | (30) |
| Performance Management (TPAD) — 81%+: 10, 61–80%: 8, 41–60%: 6, 21–40%: 4, 1–20%: 2 | 10 |
| Age — 57+: 30, 52–56: 25, 47–51: 20, 42–46: 15, ≤41: 10 | 25 |
| Co-curricular activities — International: 5, National: 4, Regional: 3, County: 2, Sub-County: 1 | 5 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
Advert 105/2026 — Secondary Teacher I (Diploma) Regular, Grade C3/TSC Scale 8
| Area of Interview | Marks |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications — PhD: 3, Masters: 2, Bachelor’s: 1* | 3 |
| TSC/KNEC/KICD trainers, examiners, authors, champions | 2 |
| Administrative Responsibility & Length of Stay in Current Grade (Principal/Deputy Principal duties) | 55 |
| — i) Responsibility: 8yrs+: 25, 7yrs: 22, 6yrs: 19, 5yrs: 16, 4yrs: 13, 3yrs: 10, 2yrs: 7, 6mo–1yr: 4 | (25) |
| — ii) Length of stay in grade: 8yrs+: 25, 7yrs: 21, 6yrs: 17, 5yrs: 13, 4yrs: 9, 3yrs: 5 | (30) |
| Performance Management (TPAD) — 81%+: 10, 61–80%: 8, 41–60%: 6, 21–40%: 4, 1–20%: 2 | 10 |
| Age — 57+: 25, 52–56: 20, 47–51: 15, 42–46: 10, ≤41: 5 | 25 |
| Co-curricular activities — International: 5, National: 4, Regional: 3, County: 2, Sub-County: 1 | 5 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
Advert 106/2026 — Senior Teacher I (Regular), Grade C3/T-Scale 8
| Area of Interview | Marks |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications — PhD: 3, Masters: 2, Bachelor’s: 1 | 3 |
| TSC/KNEC/KICD trainers, examiners, authors, champions | 2 |
| Administrative Responsibility & Length of Stay in Current Grade (Head/Deputy Head Teacher duties) | 55 |
| — i) Responsibility: 8yrs+: 25, 7yrs: 22, 6yrs: 19, 5yrs: 16, 4yrs: 13, 3yrs: 10, 2yrs: 7, 6mo–1yr: 4 | (25) |
| — ii) Length of stay in grade: 8yrs+: 30, 7yrs: 25, 6yrs: 20, 5yrs: 15, 4yrs: 10, 3yrs: 5 | (30) |
| Performance Management (TPAD) — 81%+: 10, 61–80%: 8, 41–60%: 6, 21–40%: 4, 1–20%: 2 | 10 |
| Age — 57+: 25, 52–56: 20, 47–51: 15, 42–46: 10, ≤41: 5 | 25 |
| Co-curricular activities — International: 5, National: 4, Regional: 3, County: 2, Sub-County: 1 | 5 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
Advert 107/2026 — Senior Teacher II Regular, Grade C2/T-Scale 7
| Area of Interview | Marks |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications — PhD: 3, Masters: 2, Bachelor’s: 1 | 3 |
| TSC/KNEC/KICD trainers, examiners, authors, champions | 2 |
| Administrative Responsibility & Length of Stay in Current Grade (Head/Deputy Head Teacher duties) | 55 |
| — i) Responsibility: 8yrs+: 25, 7yrs: 22, 6yrs: 19, 5yrs: 16, 4yrs: 13, 3yrs: 10, 2yrs: 7, 6mo–1yr: 4 | (25) |
| — ii) Length of stay in grade: 8yrs+: 30, 7yrs: 25, 6yrs: 20, 5yrs: 15, 4yrs: 10, 3yrs: 5 | (30) |
| Performance Management (TPAD) — 81%+: 10, 61–80%: 8, 41–60%: 6, 21–40%: 4, 1–20%: 2 | 10 |
| Age — 57+: 25, 52–56: 20, 47–51: 15, 42–46: 10, ≤41: 5 | 25 |
| Co-curricular activities — International: 5, National: 4, Regional: 3, County: 2, Sub-County: 1 | 5 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
Note: Across all grade-specific rubrics, “Actual score” for each section is the average of marks awarded by all panel members present, and the candidate’s final score is the sum of the actual scores across all sections.
Selection and Posting
Once interviews conclude, the TSC Board provides oversight over the entire process and gives final approval to the list of successful candidates. Selection must be based strictly on merit as reflected in interview scores — but it must also comply with constitutional requirements around:
- Gender representation
- Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)
- Regional diversity
Once approved, the list of successful candidates is published on the TSC website. Heads and Deputy Heads of Institution will then be posted to schools with available vacancies, and all promoted teachers must report to their new duty station within the period stated in their promotion letter.
Importantly, an offer of promotion lapses if not accepted within thirty (30) days, in line with Regulation 81 of the Code of Regulations for Teachers (2015). Teachers who receive a promotion letter should therefore act promptly.
Affirmative Action and Accessibility
The guidelines place explicit emphasis on inclusion:
- The Commission will strive to ensure that at least 5% of all promoted candidates are teachers registered as persons with disabilities under the Persons with Disabilities Act.
- In line with Article 27(8) of the Constitution, no more than two-thirds of promoted teachers may be of the same gender, safeguarding gender equity in career progression.
- Interview venues must be made accessible to teachers with disabilities.
- Applicants with hearing and/or speech disabilities are entitled to be accompanied by a sign language interpreter during their interview.
Room for Review and Correction
The Commission has retained the authority to review, correct, or even revoke a promotion decision under specific circumstances, including:
- Where material errors are identified in the process;
- Where fraudulent information was provided by a candidate;
- Where the process was conducted contrary to approved procedures;
- Where administrative anomalies are uncovered; or
- Where new information emerges that materially affects the original decision.
Where necessary, the Commission may also re-route, re-post, or reassign a teacher who has already been promoted.
A Push Toward Automation
The TSC has signaled its intention to fully digitize and automate the promotion process by integrating several of its systems, including:
- Teachers Online Services (TOS)
- Teacher Promotion Module
- Teacher Management Information System (TMIS)
- Human Resource Management Information System (HRMIS)
- Posting/Entry/Exit Module
- Electronic Document Management System (EDMS)
- TPAD system
- Leave Management Module
- Discipline Management Module
This integration is intended to reduce manual bottlenecks, improve data accuracy, and support the “no manual submissions” policy already in force for applications.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Accountability
To keep the exercise on track, the TSC Board will provide overall oversight, while Management is tasked with:
- Inducting interview panel members on the approved standardized tools and guidelines;
- Tracking compliance with timelines, eligibility rules, and procedural requirements; and
- Submitting an exit report on the entire promotion exercise to the Board by Wednesday, 27th January 2027, to guide future operational and policy refinements.
Zero Tolerance for Fraud
The Commission has gone out of its way to warn applicants that the entire promotion exercise is free of charge. Teachers are cautioned against fraudsters who may claim they can influence or expedite promotions in exchange for money. Any form of canvassing will result in automatic disqualification from the process.
Suspected fraud can be reported through:
- Director, Staffing: 0202892193
- Deputy Director, Staffing: 0202892136
- Email: dirstaffing@tsc.go.ke
- The nearest TSC office, TSC headquarters, or police station
The Bottom Line
Circular No. 13/2026 represents the TSC’s attempt to bring greater predictability, fairness, and digital efficiency to a promotion process that directly affects the career trajectories of hundreds of thousands of teachers across Kenya.
By tying scoring criteria to objective, grade-specific rubrics — covering qualifications, tenure, performance, age, administrative experience, and professional contribution — the Commission aims to reduce subjectivity and the potential for favoritism or corruption, while still honoring constitutional commitments to gender balance, disability inclusion, and regional equity.
For teachers eyeing a promotion between now and June 2027, the message is clear: monitor the TSC website and Teachers Online Services portal closely, ensure your TPAD records and service history are in order, gather documentation of any additional professional contributions (KNEC, KICD, TIMEC, CBC training, authorship, etc.), and be ready to apply the moment a relevant vacancy is advertised — because the fourteen-day window will not wait.
Full details on available vacancies and qualifications can be found on the TSC website: www.tsc.go.ke
This article is a summary and analysis of Circular No. 13/2026, “Guidelines on Promotion of Teachers – 2026/2027 F/Y,” issued by the Teachers Service Commission on 24th July 2026, signed by Ms. E. J. Mitei, MBS, Ag. Commission Secretary/CEO.
