Good News For Teachers As KUPPET Launches Bold Campaign To Secure Permanent Promotions For Acting Teachers Across Kenya

admin | June 5, 2025 | TSC NEWS | No Comments

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Teachers In Acting Roles Finally Have A Voice: KUPPET Starts Countrywide Data Drive For Confirmations .

In a move aimed at addressing longstanding staffing and promotion issues within the education sector, the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has officially commenced a national data collection exercise targeting all teachers currently serving in acting administrative positions. The union, through a formal circular dated May 30, 2025, is calling on its branch leaders to mobilize members to participate in the exercise by submitting accurate information via a designated online form.

This strategic initiative is part of KUPPET’s broader agenda to ensure career progression for thousands of teachers who have been holding acting titles without formal appointments by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). The union believes that having accurate data on these educators will strengthen its advocacy for permanent appointments and improved funding to support teacher promotions.

Why This Data Collection Drive Matters

For years, numerous teachers across Kenya have been holding administrative roles such as Deputy Principal, Senior Master, Head of Department, and Principal in an acting capacity. Despite taking on significant responsibilities, many have yet to receive formal confirmation or corresponding remuneration. KUPPET’s latest move seeks to document these cases comprehensively and use the data to lobby the TSC and the government for permanent deployment and additional budgetary support.

By encouraging teachers to fill in the online form, KUPPET aims to build a concrete case showing how widespread the problem is. This evidence-based approach will be crucial in negotiating policy change and ensuring deserving educators are not left in career limbo indefinitely.

The Scope of the Exercise

KUPPET’s directive is addressed to all branch executive secretaries, instructing them to disseminate the survey link among members. Teachers in acting roles are expected to input their details, including the position they currently occupy, the date they assumed acting duties, and the name of the school or institution where they serve.

The union guarantees that all information gathered will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and will be used solely for advocacy purposes. The link to the form, managed by the Secretary General’s office, is accessible here: [Click to fill the KUPPET Acting Positions Form](https://forms.gle/pUzjPxZBV4pmwMwF6).

TSC’s Role in Permanent Appointments

The Teachers Service Commission, which is constitutionally mandated to manage human resources within the teaching profession, has faced criticism in recent years over delays in confirming teachers in acting roles. Some educators have served for over five years without being formally appointed or receiving the full benefits associated with their responsibilities.

One of the major barriers cited has been budgetary constraints, with TSC often reporting limited funds to facilitate mass promotions. However, stakeholders argue that long-term acting appointments undermine morale, reduce performance, and may be interpreted as a form of exploitation.

KUPPET’s campaign seeks to challenge this status quo by pushing for structured and timely appointments through solid data that highlights the scale of the problem.

The Bigger Picture: Fairness, Motivation, and Career Growth

The plight of teachers in acting capacities has broader implications for the education sector. When hardworking educators remain in temporary roles for extended periods without confirmation, it not only stifles their career growth but also creates disillusionment within the teaching workforce.

Acting teachers are often tasked with decision-making, supervision, performance appraisals, and overall management of school operations—functions that should be reserved for those officially appointed. By not recognizing them formally, the system indirectly sends a message that commitment and competence are not necessarily rewarded, potentially deterring other teachers from stepping up when needed.

KUPPET’s data collection and advocacy thus serve a dual purpose: to restore fairness and promote a culture of recognition within the education sector.

A Call to Action for Teachers

All educators serving in acting roles are urged to respond promptly to this data collection request. Failure to participate may mean missing out on future opportunities for regularization and promotion. KUPPET has emphasized the urgency of the exercise, noting that time-sensitive policy discussions are ongoing with the Ministry of Education and the TSC.

Teachers are advised to ensure their information is accurate and complete when filling out the form. The survey will close within a short window to allow timely processing and submission of a formal petition to relevant authorities.

Union’s Continued Commitment to Teachers’ Welfare

According to KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori, this exercise is a continuation of the union’s longstanding commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of its members. “We are determined to ensure that no teacher is forgotten or taken for granted,” said Misori. “With your input, we can drive change and ensure that every educator serving in an acting capacity is duly recognized and rewarded.”

The union has also hinted at plans to use the collected data in upcoming parliamentary lobbying efforts. With the 2025/2026 national budget being finalized soon, KUPPET believes this is the right time to push for increased allocations to facilitate mass teacher promotions and appointments.

The Broader Advocacy Framework

This initiative is not an isolated effort. KUPPET has been actively engaged in various advocacy campaigns targeting teacher deployment, equitable promotion, and fair remuneration. The union has also been vocal on matters relating to:

Delays in implementation of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs)

Promotion discrimination against junior and female teachers

Unequal distribution of administrative roles across counties

Budgetary limitations affecting recruitment and deployment

The union’s efforts have previously led to positive changes, including enhanced allowances for some administrative positions and revised promotion criteria. This current campaign on acting positions fits into that broader mission to professionalize the teaching service and protect members’ dignity.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Acting Teachers in Kenya

The ongoing data collection by KUPPET represents a pivotal moment for teachers in acting positions across Kenya. It’s a chance to bring visibility to an issue that has long lingered in silence. Teachers are not just filling gaps; they are leading institutions and shaping futures. It’s only fair that their service is recognized, formalized, and compensated appropriately.

With the support of all teachers, especially those directly affected, this initiative has the potential to transform promotion policies and ensure that no deserving educator is left behind.