The Principal Secretary for the State Department of Basic Education, Ambassador Prof. Julius Kibet Bitok, chaired a stakeholder meeting between the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the unions—Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers (KUSNET), Kenya Primary Schools Headteachers Association (KEPSHA), and Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA)—on the "Mwalimu na Rais" initiative on September 18, 2025.
The long-awaited recognition of P1 teachers who have advanced their studies and earned diplomas may soon become a reality, following a high-level meeting between the Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Prof. Julius Bitok, and representatives of teachers’ unions on September 18, 2025. This meeting came just days after the historic “Walimu na Rais” forum at State House, where teachers presented their grievances directly to President William Ruto. Among the issues discussed, the possible promotion of P1 diploma teachers stood out as a milestone reform, signaling that the government is serious about rewarding professional growth in the education sector.
For years, P1 teachers have demanded that their academic efforts be acknowledged. Many pursued further studies with the hope of improving their careers, but systemic barriers often left them stagnant in the same job groups. Now, with the Ministry of Education finally signaling action, hope is being rekindled across the profession.
The Journey of P1 Teachers: Forgotten Foot Soldiers of Education
P1 teachers are the backbone of Kenya’s education system, especially in primary schools where young learners are introduced to the foundations of literacy and numeracy. Despite this crucial role, these teachers have long struggled with low pay, limited promotion opportunities, and a lack of recognition for pursuing higher education.
Thousands of P1 teachers enrolled in diploma programs over the years, believing that their new qualifications would automatically translate into career advancement. Sadly, many remained stuck in Job Group C1, watching as colleagues in other categories advanced faster. This has been a source of demoralization, especially as new policies like the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) demanded more from teachers without necessarily improving their welfare.
The government’s renewed focus on upgrading P1 diploma teachers could therefore change the story for these educators who have sacrificed time, money, and energy to advance their academic qualifications.
The September 18 Meeting: A Turning Point
The September 18, 2025 consultative meeting in Nairobi marked a turning point for P1 teachers. Prof. Julius Bitok confirmed that the Ministry of Education is working on structured pathways to recognize diploma-holding P1 teachers and elevate them to higher job groups.
“Teachers who have invested in their professional development by pursuing diplomas must be recognized. Their contribution is critical to raising education standards, especially as we transition to comprehensive schools,” Prof. Bitok told the forum.
This statement was met with excitement and relief. For many P1 teachers, it was the first time in years that a senior government official had publicly committed to addressing their concerns.
What Promotion Could Mean for P1 Teachers
If implemented, this promotion plan could transform the teaching profession in several ways.
1. Upward Mobility in Job Groups
Currently, many P1 teachers remain in Job Group C1 despite holding higher qualifications. With the proposed reforms, they could move to higher grades such as C2 or C3, unlocking access to better pay, housing allowances, and benefits.
2. Recognition of Professional Growth
Teachers who sacrificed financially to pursue diplomas will finally see their efforts rewarded. This acknowledgment reinforces the value of continuous professional development.
3. Boost in Morale and Motivation
Promotions are not just about money. They uplift teachers’ spirits, restore dignity, and motivate others to seek further education. A motivated teacher translates to better outcomes for learners.
4. Stronger Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) Rollout
The CBC demands highly skilled teachers. Promoting diploma holders ensures schools have a strong workforce capable of handling the curriculum effectively.
Other Key Takeaways from the Meeting
While the issue of P1 promotions dominated headlines, several other urgent matters affecting teachers were discussed during the September 18 consultative meeting.
1. Implementing State House Proposals
The Ministry pledged to implement directives from the “Walimu na Rais” forum, held on September 13. Over 10,000 teachers had the rare opportunity to engage directly with President Ruto. Among the commitments was ensuring reforms reflect teachers’ voices.
2. Comprehensive Schools Policy
The meeting prioritized the fast-tracking of Sessional Paper No. 1, which sets the stage for comprehensive schools under the Elimu Thabiti education reform agenda. This policy will unify different levels of learning under one roof, reducing duplication and gaps in the current structure.
3. JSS Teacher Representation
Discussions also touched on union representation for Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers. These educators have faced unique challenges since deployment in 2023, and giving them a stronger voice in union matters was seen as crucial.
4. Medical Insurance Changes
Teachers will officially transition from AON Minet to the Social Health Authority (SHA) medical cover. Starting December 1, 2025, all teachers will be enrolled under the Public Service Medical Fund. While some welcome the change as a chance for improved services, others worry about disruption in health care access.
5. Teacher Promotions and Interviews
More than 21,000 promotion slots for teachers and Curriculum Support Officers (CSOs) were confirmed. Interview invitations were already sent out in September, and this complements the government’s specific promise for P1 diploma teachers. You can read the full list of promotions and interview dates here.
6. Capitation Delays
The PS acknowledged delays in the release of capitation funds to schools but assured that all funds would be disbursed by the end of September. This comes as relief to headteachers who had been forced to send learners home due to financial strain.
Why P1 Promotions Matter for the Teaching Profession
The recognition of diploma-holding P1 teachers is not just about money. It’s about fairness, dignity, and strengthening the education system. For too long, promotions were influenced by union lobbying, favoritism, or years of stagnation, leaving many deserving teachers sidelined.
By promoting P1 diploma teachers, the government sends a clear message: professional growth and academic sacrifice will be rewarded. This not only motivates current teachers but also inspires the next generation to view teaching as a respectable and rewarding career.
The reforms also align with broader education changes. For example, the government is already addressing employment concerns among unemployed P1 teachers. President Ruto recently confirmed new P1 teacher employment opportunities through TSC vacancies, giving hope to thousands waiting for absorption. Additionally, TSC has launched a major upgrade program for P1 teachers to enhance skills and ensure they meet modern classroom demands.
The Road Ahead
The announcements from Prof. Bitok are promising, but implementation remains the real test. Teachers have heard similar pledges in the past that were never fulfilled. For these reforms to succeed, several steps are essential:
- Clear guidelines from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) on how promotions will be executed.
- Adequate funding from the Treasury to support salary adjustments.
- Transparency and fairness to avoid favoritism.
- Continuous dialogue between unions, TSC, and the Ministry of Education.
If these conditions are met, the recognition of diploma-holding P1 teachers could become one of the most impactful reforms in Kenya’s education sector.
Final Word
The September 18, 2025 meeting has reignited hope among thousands of diploma-holding P1 teachers. Their sacrifices may finally be acknowledged in a reform that promises fairness, career growth, and motivation. If implemented, the promotion of P1 diploma teachers will restore faith in the system and strengthen the quality of education for millions of learners.
Kenya’s education sector is at a crossroads. By rewarding hard work and academic growth, the government can set a powerful precedent for future reforms, ensuring that teachers feel valued, motivated, and empowered. The journey ahead may be long, but for P1 teachers, the future looks brighter than it has in decades.
