Teaching isn’t just a job; it’s a calling to mold future generations. Teachers hold the unique responsibility of shaping the minds of future leaders, innovators, professionals, and creatives. Therefore, it’s necessary to ensure that the people entrusted with educating the young generation meet specific professional and ethical standards. These standards are established and enforced by a regulatory body. In Kenya, this mandate is carried out by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), which handles the recruitment, promotion, transfer and discipline of teachers across the country.
What is the Teachers Service Commission?
TSC is an independent government body that is responsible for recruiting, employing, promoting, transferring and disciplining teachers in the country. It was formed in 1967 but its history can be traced back to the ‘50s when teachers led by the former President Moi fought for the formation of a teacher body.
The body is recognized under Article 237 of the Constitution which stipulates the mandate and functions of the TSC as follows:
- register trained teachers
- recruit and employ registered teachers
- assign teachers employed by the Commission for service in any public school or institution
- promote and transfer teachers
- exercise disciplinary control over teachers
- terminate the employment of teachers
- review the standards of education and training of persons entering the teaching service
- review the demand for and the supply of teachers
- advise the national government on matters relating to the teaching profession
Additional mandate and functions are provided under Article 252 of the Constitution and Section 11 of the TSC Act which include:
- to conduct investigations on its own initiative or on a complaint made by a member of the public
- necessary for conciliation, mediation and negotiation
- formulate policies to achieve its mandate
- provide strategic direction, leadership and oversight to the secretariat (of the Commission under Section 18 of TSC Act)
- ensure that teachers comply with the teaching standards prescribed by the Commission under TSC Act
- manage the payroll of teachers in its employment
- facilitate career progression and professional development for teachers in the teaching service including the appointment of head teachers and principals
- monitor the conduct and performance of teachers in the teaching service
It is mandatory for every teacher in Kenya to register with TSC whether you’re in the public or private sector, a Kenyan or non-Kenyan. Failure to do so is an offense which attracts a fine of at least Ksh 100,000, imprisonment of up to 2 years or both. Additionally, institutions that employ unregistered teachers are equally guilty and liable to the same penalties.
Here’s a breakdown of what you need to do to register as a teacher with TSC.
Requirements for a TSC registration
The requirements vary depending on whether you’re a Kenyan citizen or not. They are as follows:
For citizens
- Academic and professional certificates from a recognized institution
- Copy of your ID or passport
- Recent passport photo
- Valid Certificate of Good Conduct
- Filled GP 69 Medical Form
- KRA PIN certificate
- Registration fee payment receipt
For non-citizens
- Academic and professional certificates from a recognized institution. Foreign institutions must be accredited and equated by the Kenyan authority
- Proof of teacher registration in your home country
- Valid entry/work permit from the Immigration Department
- Certificate of Good Conduct from your home country
- Certified letter from the Ministry of Education in Kenya
- Registration fee payment receipt
Note: Before scanning your documents, make sure that they are certified by a TSC Director or Sub-County Director.
Application process for TSC registration
- Visit the TSC online portal and select New Teacher Registration for Kenyan citizens or Teacher Registration – Non-Citizen for non-Kenyans
- Read through the instructions given then fill in the form with your details including ID number, surname, phone number, email address, KRA PIN and KCSE grade then click Next
- Fill in your permanent address and current address accurately then click Next
- Upload all the required documents. Make sure they are clear and in the correct format
- Pay the registration fee of Ksh 1050 using the provided payment method i.e. bank deposit – National Bank of Kenya, A/C No. 01001000905001, MPESA – PayBill 625625. If you pay via bank deposit, scan the bank slip and upload it as proof of payment
- Review your application then click Submit
- After submitting your application, TSC will review it. It usually takes 30 days to receive your certificate and TSC number
- You can check the portal under Registration Status for updates on your application
- Once approved, TSC will issue a digital registration certificate which will be sent to your email address. Download the certificate using the link and print a hard copy of needed
Note: TSC does not accept physical applications