CSOs across Kenya are feeling hopeful again after TSC acting CEO Evleen Mitei’s remarks before the Parliamentary Education Committee on June 19, 2025. Mitei acknowledged the key role of CSOs in the Commission’s field operations and said promotion plans for qualified officers are underway.
This comes after years of CSOs feeling left out in the Commission’s career progression and human resource development policies.
TSC to Promote Deserving CSOs
Before the National Assembly Education Committee chaired by Hon. Julius Melly, Mitei said the Commission is working on transparent and fair promotion frameworks for all staff including CSOs.
“We are working on modalities to promote deserving Curriculum Support Officers in line with their qualifications and service,” she said.
This sparked joy among CSOs with officers from various counties thanking the CEO and the Committee for listening to their long standing concerns.
One officer from Murang’a County said:
“We are happy Hon. Melly and the Committee are pushing for fairness in TSC promotions. As CSOs we have felt neglected despite being at the frontline of teacher supervision and curriculum implementation.”
Seek Clarity and Fairness
But the phrase deserving officers left some CSOs wondering. Several asked if this meant some of them were deemed unworthy despite meeting the minimum service period and performance expectations.
Others called for promotion of all CSOs citing stagnation across the cadre. Fatuma a CSO from the Coast region said:
“There should be blanket promotions. Most of us have served under difficult conditions for years without meaningful progression.”
CSOs-SNE Raise Additional Concerns
Curriculum Support Officers for Special Needs Education (CSOs-SNE) highlighted the following challenges that hinder their ability to deliver:
- No facilitation for movement across vast educational zones
- No airtime and communication support
- No ICT tools for data management
- No performance contract modules
- Inaccurate job coding and designations
- No online system for accessing TSC servicesThese have hindered CSOs from visiting schools, supporting teachers and collecting crucial data for policy and planning.
Audit Brings Hope
The issues were exposed during a recent TSC headquarters audit in selected counties. The audit revealed operational and administrative gaps in CSOs, prompting internal discussions on reform and reorganization of their support structures.
With the new financial year starting in July, many CSOs are hoping the Commission’s new recognition of their role will translate into both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation including:
- Long overdue promotions
- Improved logistical and digital support
- Fair treatment across all cadres
