Kenya’s TSC has scrapped the long-criticised practice of transferring teachers upon promotion. Learn how the new stability-focused policy impacts teacher welfare, families, rural schools and future promotions.
In a major shift likely to redefine Kenya’s education landscape, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has announced that teachers promoted to new positions will no longer be automatically transferred to far-flung schools. The long-standing practice — which has disrupted families, stalled careers and discouraged many educators from accepting promotions — is officially coming to an end.
TSC Chair Dr. Jamleck Muturi described the new directive as a “teacher-first policy” driven by welfare, health and continuity in learning institutions. According to him, the Commission will now use a structured matrix to ensure that promotions do not uproot teachers from their established environments unless absolutely necessary.
For decades, the promotion-transfer model forced educators to move across counties, often leaving their families behind. The practice was especially tough for those in administrative roles who were almost guaranteed relocation. With the newly announced changes, teachers can now grow professionally without the fear of being scattered across the country.
Teacher Welfare Becomes a Central Consideration
During his address, Dr. Muturi emphasized that the Commission has listened to thousands of complaints from affected educators. The new approach seeks to respect teachers’ personal circumstances, including medical needs and family responsibilities.
He stated: “We will now consider welfare, health and teacher comfort. If we promote you, the first question is: Can you continue serving effectively in your current environment?”
The policy shift comes after extensive consultations involving commissioners and acting CEO Eveleen Mitei, whose leadership has been widely praised for injecting fresh energy into TSC’s human resource strategy.
Transfers Will Happen Only When Impossible to Avoid
While the Commission is scrapping unnecessary transfers, the TSC chair clarified that some movement will remain unavoidable. For instance, if a school already has a substantive head, a newly promoted head teacher cannot remain in the same institution. The vacancy must guide deployment.
However, he made it clear that the days of routine, disruptive transfers are over. Only genuine institutional needs will warrant movement.
Ruto Administration Praised for Supporting Career Progression
Dr. Muturi also credited the Kenya Kwanza government for investing heavily in teacher career growth. Since President Ruto took office in 2022, 151,000 teachers have already been promoted, with an additional 21,313 educators expected to be elevated by January.
If Parliament allocates the extra Sh1 billion requested by TSC, more promotions will be fast-tracked — especially for head teachers eyeing the D1 grade.
With the new policy in place, these promotions will no longer mean families must split up or teachers must abandon hospitals where they receive critical treatment.
Teachers Celebrate the End of Disruptive Transfers
Many educators have described the policy change as “long overdue.” Teachers from coastal, northern and western regions say they can now pursue career advancement without worrying about uprooting their children from school or leaving spouses behind.
A senior teacher from Mombasa, who once refused a deputy headship due to a forced relocation to Kwale, said the new policy is a “dream come true” for thousands who have suffered under delocalisation.
Parents are also hopeful that improved teacher stability will reduce classroom disruption and build stronger school communities.
TSC’s bold move marks one of the most transformative policy reforms in Kenya’s education system in recent years. By prioritizing teacher stability, welfare and continuity, the Commission aims to restore confidence in promotions, improve job satisfaction and enhance the quality of learning across the country.
