The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has officially released the shortlist of candidates for its 2025/2026 promotional interviews, marking one of the largest teacher promotion exercises in recent years. According to TSC Circular No. 19/2025 dated September 11th, 2025, a total of 47,449 teachers and Curriculum Support Officers (CSOs) have been shortlisted following the advertisement of 21,313 promotional vacancies between August 12th and August 25th, 2025.
The promotional interviews will be conducted in two phases in October 2025 and are expected to significantly change the career paths of thousands of Kenyan teachers. This development comes at a time when teachers are already navigating several reforms in the education sector, such as the recent confirmation timelines for JSS interns and new promotion guidelines from C4 to C5 in 2025.
In this guide, we break down the interview dates, venues, shortlisting process, panel composition, scoring criteria, and preparation tips every shortlisted teacher needs to know.
Key Dates at a Glance: Two-Phase Interview Process
To handle the large number of candidates efficiently, TSC has split the interviews into two phases.
Phase 1: Primary School Teachers (C2 to D1 Grades)
- Interview Dates: October 6th – 10th, 2025 (5 days)
- Venue: Sub-County Level
- Candidates: 47,449 shortlisted primary teachers
Posts to be interviewed in Phase 1 include:
- Senior Headteacher (D1) – 6,267 candidates
- Headteacher (C5) – 5,483 candidates
- Deputy Headteacher II (C4) – 2,132 candidates
- Senior Teacher I (C3) – 8,850 candidates
- Senior Teacher II (C2) – 24,717 candidates
Phase 2: Post-Primary Teachers & CSOs
- Interview Dates: October 13th – 24th, 2025 (10 days)
- Venues: County and Regional Levels
- Candidates: 17,170 shortlisted
This phase is divided further:
a) County Level Interviews (C3 to D2 Grades) – 12,510 candidates
Posts include Deputy Principal II, Senior Lecturer I, Deputy Principal III, Senior Lecturer II, Senior Master III, Senior Lecturer III, Senior Master IV, Senior Lecturer IV, and Secondary Teacher I.
b) Regional Level Interviews (C5 to D5 Grades) – 4,660 candidates
Posts include Chief Principal, Senior Principal, Principal, Senior Curriculum Support Officer, Curriculum Support Officer I, and Curriculum Support Officer II.
Notification of Shortlisted Candidates
TSC has instructed that all shortlisted teachers receive their official invitation letters starting September 16th, 2025, at least seven days before their scheduled interview date.
The letters will be issued by Sub-County, County, and Regional Directors and will indicate:
- Exact interview date and time
- Specific venue details
- Documents required for the interview
TSC has also directed that venues must be accessible to candidates with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity in the exercise.
Interview Panel Composition and Roles
The interview process will be conducted according to TSC Circular No. 8/2025 (Promotional Guidelines for Teachers). Each panel will have three key members with specific roles:
- Chairperson
- Leads and assigns questioning areas
- Ensures fairness and professionalism
- Submits results securely to the Director of Staffing
- Commission Secretary Representative
- Acts as secretary to the panel
- Validates candidates’ documents
- Records scores and ensures accuracy
- Director’s Representative
- Supports the Chairperson and Secretary
- Asks questions and assists with scoring
This structured approach ensures transparency and uniformity in evaluating all candidates.
Scoring Criteria and Documentation
TSC has outlined strict scoring guidelines for each grade, emphasizing merit and fairness. Key highlights include:
- Grade-Specific Score Guides: Each job group has its own score sheet, as outlined in the official guidelines. For more details, see our breakdown of the TSC 2025 panel score sheet.
- Recognition of Past Service: Teachers previously deployed as administrators by Boards of Management (BOM) will have their experience recognized and scored, even if they are not currently serving in that role.
- Integrity and Confidentiality: All panel members are required to maintain professionalism and avoid bias.
Complete Roadmap for the Promotion Exercise
| Activity | Date/Duration | Responsible Officer |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Sensitization of TSC Officers | Sept 12, 2025 | Director – Staffing |
| Invitation of Shortlisted Candidates | Sept 16th – 23rd, 2025 | Sub-County, County, Regional Directors |
| Interviews for Primary Teachers | Oct 6th – 10th, 2025 | All Directors |
| Interviews for Post-Primary & CSOs | Oct 13th – 24th, 2025 | All Directors |
| Submission of Interview Results | Nov 3rd – 7th, 2025 | Regional & County Directors |
This roadmap provides clarity on how the entire process will unfold.
Action Steps for Shortlisted Candidates
For those shortlisted, preparation is key. Here are four important steps:
- Check Your Invitation Letter: Ensure you know your date, time, and venue.
- Prepare Your Documents: Bring your original academic and professional certificates, national ID, TSC registration certificate, and any past BOM appointment letters.
- Review TSC Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with Circular No. 8/2025 and current policies affecting promotions.
- Get Ready for the Interview: Expect questions on curriculum implementation, leadership experience, TSC policies, and your vision for school management.
Why This Promotion Exercise Matters
The 2025 TSC promotion drive is not just about filling vacancies—it is about shaping the future of education in Kenya. With thousands of schools implementing the CBC and JSS reforms, effective leadership is critical. Promoting deserving teachers ensures that schools are run by qualified leaders who understand both administrative and curriculum needs.
For primary teachers, moving into administrative grades such as Headteacher or Senior Teacher means greater responsibility but also recognition of years of service. For post-primary teachers, the stakes are even higher, as promotions open pathways to deputy principal and principal roles.
Curriculum Support Officers also play a central role in mentoring teachers and supporting curriculum delivery. Their promotions will enhance quality assurance across schools.
Challenges Ahead
While the process is designed to be transparent, some teachers remain skeptical, citing past concerns of favoritism. However, the digitization of recruitment and promotion processes, including online applications and panel score sheets, has helped increase transparency.
Another challenge is the large number of candidates versus available positions. With 47,449 shortlisted and only 21,313 vacancies, nearly half of those interviewed will miss out. Teachers are therefore urged to prepare thoroughly to maximize their chances.
Conclusion
The shortlisting of 47,449 teachers and CSOs for the 2025 TSC promotions represents a significant milestone in Kenya’s education sector. For many teachers, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to climb the career ladder.
With clear timelines, structured panels, and published guidelines, the process promises to be more transparent and efficient. Teachers are encouraged to prepare thoroughly, remain professional, and take advantage of the resources available to them.
This promotion cycle will not only change individual careers but also strengthen the leadership of Kenyan schools at a time when education reforms are reshaping the sector.
SOME SUB COUNTY DIRECTORS AND CSOs are very very corrupt, they need to be changed and let SCD AND CSOs from other sub counties to conduct the interviews